Arsenal and England winger has revealed that Brazilian superstar was the footballer he idolised most during his formative years, describing the former Barcelona forward as a constant source of inspiration while growing up.
Speaking in an interview with , Saka was asked to name the player who influenced him the most as a young footballer. Without hesitation, the 24-year-old pointed to Neymar, particularly during the Brazilian’s peak years at .
“I have to pick Neymar,” Saka said. “Growing up, Neymar was the player I idolised the most. Out of all of them, there’s not a clip of him on YouTube that I’ve not watched.”
Saka went on to explain how watching Neymar became a regular activity during his early development years, especially while he was progressing through academy football. According to the Arsenal winger, Neymar’s flair, creativity, and enjoyment of the game left a lasting impression on him and his peers.
“Me and my friends, when we used to do education in the academy, we used to get YouTube up and watch Neymar’s clips,” Saka added. “The fun and joy Neymar brought to the game—I will go with him.”
Neymar’s time at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017 is widely regarded as one of the most exciting periods of his career. Forming a lethal attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, the Brazilian dazzled fans with his skill, dribbling, flair, and decisive contributions in big matches. That era produced iconic moments, including Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2015, with Neymar playing a pivotal role.
For many young players around the world, Neymar represented a style of football rooted in freedom, creativity, and expression—qualities that resonated strongly with aspiring talents. Saka’s comments underline how influential that version of Neymar was, not just to fans, but to a generation of footballers now competing at the highest level.
Saka himself has developed into one of Europe’s most consistent and exciting wide players. Since breaking into ’s first team as a teenager, he has become a key figure for both club and country, known for his pace, technical ability, work rate, and composure in crucial moments. While his playing style differs from Neymar’s flamboyance, elements of creativity and fearlessness are evident in Saka’s approach to the game.
The England international has often spoken about the importance of enjoying football, a value that aligns closely with what he admired in Neymar. Rather than focusing solely on results, Saka has consistently emphasised the need to play with confidence, freedom, and personality—traits that defined Neymar during his prime years in Spain.
Saka’s rise has also been marked by maturity and resilience. From academy football to becoming a regular starter in high-pressure Premier League and international matches, his journey has been shaped by discipline and steady development. Yet, as he has now revealed, much of his early inspiration came from simply watching and learning from players he admired, with Neymar at the top of that list.
Neymar’s influence on global football extends beyond trophies and statistics. His style helped redefine the role of the modern winger, blending entertainment with effectiveness. For young players like Saka, watching Neymar was not just about copying skills, but about understanding confidence, creativity, and the joy of self-expression on the pitch.
Saka’s admission has been warmly received by fans, many of whom grew up watching Neymar’s highlights during the same period. It also offers a glimpse into the human side of elite footballers—reminding supporters that today’s stars were once young fans, inspired by the players they watched on screens and dreamed of emulating.
As Saka continues to evolve as a player and leader at Arsenal and with England, his reflections highlight the importance of role models in football development. From watching YouTube clips in the academy classroom to shining on some of the world’s biggest stages, his journey reflects how inspiration can translate into excellence through hard work and dedication.
For Neymar, still one of the most recognisable figures in world football, Saka’s words serve as further proof of the lasting impact he has had on the game. Even as football evolves, the influence of players who brought joy and creativity to the pitch continues to shape the next generation.
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