Comparing Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal record after 200 matches with Messi & Ronaldo

Ben Stewart • 06 Dec 2023

Bukayo Saka has now made 200 appearances in an Arsenal shirt and we thought it would be a timely point to compare his record to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same stage.

Of course, Messi and Ronaldo exist in their own realm after dominating the sport for around two decades. While Saka isn’t quite at their standard, his record for Arsenal after 200 matches is hugely impressive.

Unai Emery handed Arsenal’s Starboy his debut in 2018 and he’s gone from strength to strength since that point. The England international played plenty of his early matches as a left-back, before he eventually nailed down a starting spot on the right-wing under Mikel Arteta.

The 22-year-old played a key role in Arsenal’s title challenge last season and he has been just as important for the Gunners this time around.

“At the moment, he hasn’t got any limits and he wants more and the people around him want more,” Arteta told reporters when asked about Saka and what he can achieve.

“His team-mates are having a better understanding of what he needs as well. He has coaches, staff and a club that wants to push him to become better. I think it’s a good context for him to keep growing.”

Saka’s 200th appearance for Arsenal came in midweek against Luton Town and the dynamic winger once again made an impact. In his last eight appearances for the Gunners, Saka has produced nine goal contributions which highlights his consistency of late.

When asked about the landmark appearance for Arsenal, Arteta told reporters: “It is not bad at his age! It shows the consistency he has, and we’ve seen his ability over the last few years and his impact on the team has been really positive.

“He has got older and matured but still has the same humbleness and willingness to get better and better. All the academy coaches who worked with him have to take a huge compliment. He is a special player.”

We’ve taken a closer look at Saka’s record for Arsenal after 200 matches and have compared it with Messi and Ronaldo’s record after the same number of games.

Note: only club games have been taken into consideration.

Bukayo Saka

Games: 200
Won: 115
Drawn: 35
Lost: 50

Goals: 46
Assists: 52

Penalty goals: 6
Free-kick goals: 0

Minutes per goal: 330.5
Minutes per goal or assist: 155.13

"There's no better way to play your 200th appearance for Arsenal"

Bukayo Saka was over the moon with the Gunners' victory against Luton on his milestone match 🌟#PLonPrime pic.twitter.com/znK4CBujU7

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 6, 2023