In a move that has stunned fans, analysts, and business moguls alike, Arsenal and England superstar Bukayo Saka has made headlines far beyond football after agreeing to a $45 million advertising deal with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg — only to announce he’s donating the entire sum to help underprivileged communities across the UK.
Speaking at a press conference in London on July 28, 2025, the 23-year-old winger showed not just sporting maturity but deep social awareness. “Thank you for believing in me,” he said, “but I’m going to take that money and use it to do something really useful for people, because there are more people who need it than me, and I want the UK to grow stronger.”
The deal, originally tied to Meta’s cutting-edge AI advertising platform, would have seen Saka take center stage in a global campaign, amplifying his influence far beyond sport. But instead of boosting personal wealth or visibility, Saka has chosen to invest in the people, reinforcing his identity as a grounded and socially-driven athlete.
According to reports, Saka intends to channel the $45 million through his family-owned company BS7 Rights Limited, which recently posted earnings of £4.64 million in 2024. He plans to establish community hubs across London, Manchester, and Birmingham, offering mentorship, digital training, startup funding, and safe creative spaces for disadvantaged youth.
This isn’t Saka’s first foray into social causes. He’s worked on projects like Fiverr’s Ideatorr incubator and the Youth Beyond Borders initiative. His advocacy against online hate, his collaboration with Persil’s “Dirt is Good” campaign, and his promotion of youth empowerment have already earned him admiration across the UK.
On the pitch, Saka is currently enjoying one of his best seasons. Having scored 19 goals and helped push Arsenal into the Champions League semi-finals, he’s easily one of the top performers in Europe. Yet, this off-field gesture could elevate his legacy in ways football alone never could.
The UK media, however, has offered mixed responses. While many hail his generosity, others wonder if this puts unnecessary pressure on other athletes to follow his lead. “Will footballers now be judged by their charity as much as their talent?” one headline questioned.
Still, fans have largely celebrated the move. Social media is flooded with comments applauding Saka’s humility and foresight. One post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “He’s the future of England, on and off the pitch.” Another said, “Saka didn’t just take the money — he turned it into hope.”
His family and close circle reportedly support the decision. His father, a long-time influence on his moral compass, believes this moment reflects the values they’ve raised him with. “It’s not about what you have, but what you do with it,” a source close to the family said.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, many are now watching to see how Saka balances his growing legacy as both an elite footballer and a national role model. What’s certain is that he has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete — not just playing for glory, but giving back to build a stronger society.
This decision is more than a donation — it’s a statement. In an era where influence often equals income, Bukayo Saka has chosen impact over indulgence, and in doing so, he may have just inspired a generation.
