Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has expressed that his former teammate at Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, could have been a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or had it not been for recent injuries. During a discussion on Inside Scoop, Iwobi lauded Saka for his impressive contributions to Arsenal, emphasizing the humility and eagerness to learn that have supported Saka’s growth as a player.
Iwobi, who transferred from Arsenal to Everton in 2019, acknowledged Saka’s rise since being promoted to the Gunners’ senior team in 2018. He believes that both Saka’s character and his on-field skills position him for tremendous success, noting, “If he didn’t get injured, he’d potentially be a Ballon d’Or nominee. I think the sky is the limit, man. He’s too cold.”
Saka has garnered significant recognition throughout his career, including winning an FA Cup and two FA Community Shields with Arsenal. His consistent performances earned him the title of Arsenal’s Player of the Season following the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. This season, although hampered by injury concerns, Saka has emerged as one of the most influential players for the Gunners. With Arsenal competing for top honors like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, Saka’s chances at future accolades, including the Ballon d’Or, could greatly improve if the team achieves success.
The discussion around Saka’s potential reflects a positive outlook for the young talent, as fans and analysts alike recognize his capabilities and what he could achieve in his career moving forward.