Bukayo Saka becomes Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for England. Bukayo Saka is now a name in history as he becomes Arsenal top goalscorer for the England men’s national team. The winger who is just 24 years old scored a gorgeous goal during the friendly game against Wales. Thus became the record breaker of 86 years.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Bukayo Saka at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2025, got the recognition of both Arsenal and England through history. He netted the third goal of the encounter which marked the friendly victory over Wales with a typical bending shot to the upper corner. This was his 13th goal for the national team. Thus breaking the previous record of 12 goals held by the Arsenal legend, Cliff Bastin. The latter’s last goal for England was back in 1938.
This is proof of Saka’s unchanging and gradually more powerful performance among the big international players. The record-setting strike was his third in three consecutive matches for club and country. This means he had indeed returned to his former self after the injury at the beginning of the season which he had characterized as “killing me a bit”. Looking back over the record, Saka called it “fantastic moment”. Particularly, after he had been unable to join the previous England camp due to injury.
Surpassing a Giant: The Historical Context
Cliff Bastin was a star player of the team. He was one of the most dominant Arsenal players of the 1930s when the club virtually dominated the English football. His 12 goals in Arsenal was the mark that remained unsurpassable for more than 80 years. There were other mythical Gunners such as Tony Woodcock, Ian Wright who scored nine goals with the Three Lions. However, none of them could have claimed as their own the total of goals that Bastin had.
Saka has walked the path to this record very quickly indeed. He got his first goal for England in June 2021 against Austria. Thus he has taken just over four years to reach this milestone. He has been a part of England’s squad and coming his famous goal include scorers at the 2022 World Cup against Iran. Also, a vital goal in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland at UEFA Euro 2024.
A Steady Ascent Amidst High Demands
Thomas Tuchel, the English manager, displayed his characteristic high standards, however, he publically celebrated Saka’s accomplishment. Tuchel’s post-match comments included the phrase “Saka’s 13 goals has to be more,” and he noted that “he is never, never satisfied,” which pointed out that the player has to keep struggling for his position in the team. This reaction shows the fierce competition that exists in the international arena, which is even more so in Saka’s case.
Saka has reflected on the same point of view of always striving for better, though. He said after scoring against Wales, “The way I perform for Arsenal, I want to take it into England and perform better in games and be more effective.” This mentality has been a major factor that has turned a versatile young lad at Arsenal’s Hale End academy into one of the most productive wing players in the world.
A Landmark Achievement with More to Come
Bukayo Saka is a phenomenon and his legacy is guaranteed by becoming the youngest and the highest goal-scorer of England playing in Arsenal. Not only does he become the sole member of the Arsenal men squad to receive the honors of the England Player of the Year, but he has been receiving the title in two consecutive years. Not only has Saka made history by his very performance since the year 1938, he has also set a pathway to be taken by those who will come after him.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
