Ealing-born football star Bukayo Saka has become only the fourth England player to score a hat-trick at a men’s World Cup after helping the Three Lions beat France 6-4 to finish third at the 2026 tournament.
The 24-year-old Arsenal forward grew up and went to school in Greenford, first as a pupil at Edward Betham Primary School and then a student at Greenford High School.
Saka scored in the 37th minute and three minutes into first-half stoppage time before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute of Saturday’s (18 July 2026) third-place play-off in Miami. For his outstanding efforts on the pitch, he was named FIFA Player of the Match.
Saka has also been honoured in Ealing. In 2022, he was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ealing Council, while in 2017 he won the sports category at the Dr John Roberts QC Achievement Awards, run by Acton-based youth organisation Descendants.
Saka began his football journey with local side Greenford Celtic before joining Arsenal’s academy at the age of seven. In October 2025, he returned to Edward Betham as part of a community football initiative backed by online bank Chase.
During the visit, Saka said: “I was lucky to have teachers and coaches who believed in me, not just in football but in life. Feeling supported to explore your interests and having good people to help you can make all the difference.”
Headteacher Caroline Chamberlain described Saka as “always hardworking, kind and determined”, adding: “It’s wonderful for pupils to see how those qualities can carry you far.”
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