Bukayo Saka Opens Up on Depression During Injury Struggles

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has opened up in emotional detail about the mental health challenges he faced while recovering from injury, revealing how moments of self-doubt and depression crept in during one of the most difficult periods of his career.

The 23-year-old winger, a fan favourite and key figure at Arsenal, has revealed that he had to battle with negative thoughts and low moods during his time sidelined, especially after the way last season ended. Saka, who has often been known for his bright smile and infectious positivity, shared that even he is not immune to the darker sides of football — particularly the emotional toll of injuries and the fear of not returning to his best.

“It’s about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future,” said Saka in a recent interview with The Standard. “Just being in the moment and always asking yourself — what’s necessary right now?”

For many players, injuries are physical challenges. But for Saka, the greater battle was mental. He confessed to struggling with thoughts like: “Am I going to come back in the best shape?” and “What could I have done to prevent the injury?” — questions that slowly fed into a cycle of self-blame and anxiety.

“Sometimes I can think: ‘Oh, am I going to come back in the best shape?’ Or, in the past: ‘What could I have done to prevent injury?’” he admitted.

However, Saka shared that he found strength and peace through mindfulness and reading — particularly from one book that taught him a powerful mantra: focus on the present. The key, he said, is not to dwell on what can’t be changed or worry excessively about what hasn’t happened yet.

“All that is not necessary. It’s only going to bring bad energy, negativity to your body,” he said. “One of the best things I took from the book is always ask yourself: ‘What’s necessary in this moment right now?’ And try to live that way.”

That mindset helped him to navigate through the emotional ups and downs of injury rehab. But despite the mental tools he developed, Saka was candid about how last season left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I was not happy with last season, how it went, how it ended,” he admitted. “But the only thing I can do now is look forward and try and be the best version of myself and help my team-mates be the same.”

Saka’s words are a powerful reminder that behind every elite athlete is a human being dealing with internal battles — often invisible to the public eye. His willingness to speak out about mental health, especially in a high-pressure environment like Premier League football, is another example of his leadership and maturity far beyond his years.

As the new season approaches, Arsenal fans will be hoping their star winger not only returns fully fit, but also stronger mentally — ready to inspire again on and off the pitch.