What does Bukayo Saka’s celebration mean?

FANS are eagerly anticipating the return of thrilling football moments, including Bukayo Saka’s distinctive goal celebrations.

With the Premier League back in action, the question arises: what inspired this memorable celebration?

Why does Bukayo Saka hold the corner flag during his celebration?

Bukayo Saka's celebration of holding the corner flag is a tribute to Thierry Henry.

After scoring against Aston Villa in 2023, Saka jogged to the corner flag and casually held it.

The move mirrors a similar celebration Thierry Henry performed during his playing days for France.

He confirmed the gesture was an homage to Henry by posting a picture of his celebration alongside a photo of Henry doing the same, captioned with "Honouring the King" and a crown emoji.

Holding the corner flag isn't his only method of celebration; he also sometimes puts his hands to his ears and sticks out his tongue, or slides on his knees across the grass.

Saka is not the only player to have held the corner flag as part of a celebration, other players have used it as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been known to interact with the corner flag during celebrations, but usually more through positioning rather than holding it.

Robbie Keane frequently used the corner flag in his celebrations by jumping on it and waving it.

Did Bukayo Saka copy Marcus Rashford's celebration?

Marcus Rashford is in a rich vein of goalscoring form, with 7 Premier League goals last season.

After scoring, the Mancunian celebrates goals by pointing to his temple.

This is to indicate that the forward is in a better head space under Eric Ten Hag after struggles with form under previous managers.

Saka adopted the same celebration when the electric winger scored in Arsenal's 3-2 win over the Red Devils in January 2023.

However, the celebration seemed to be a mark of respect to his Manchester United counterpart.

What is Bukayo Saka's goal record?

As of August 2024, Bukayo Saka has made 170 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal, scoring 47 goals.

This is an average of 0.28 goals per match.

In addition to his club achievements, he has represented the England national team in 40 matches, scoring 12 goals.

At the 2024 Euros Saka talked about overcoming his past struggles at the 2020 Euro final, he said: “It’s something I embrace.

"It was special, very special, how we fought back.

"The last time we went to penalties we all know what happened.

“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not.

"I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position.

"I believed in myself.

“To come back from something like that was really difficult but I used it to make me stronger."