“You can fail once…,” Bukayo Saka gives important life lessons about bouncing back from failure after match-winning performance against Switzerland

Bukayo Saka's goal helped England propel to the semi-finals of the 2024 Euros, where they will face off against Netherlands.

“You can fail once…,” Bukayo Saka gives important life lessons about bouncing back from failure after match-winning performance against Switzerland

Bukayo Saka won the Man of the Match award against Switzerland. (via IMAGO)

English star Bukayo Saka shared life lessons on redemption after his 2020 Euro failure, which drew fan criticism. The Arsenal forward was praised for his mentality, reflecting on his man-of-the-match performance against Switzerland.

Bukayo Saka excelled for England during the quarter-finals, scoring a solo goal to equalize five minutes after Breel Embolo‘s opener. He then calmly converted the third penalty in the shootout, helping the Three Lions win 5-3 and advance to the semi-final against the Netherlands. This was in stark contrast to his 2020 Euro final performance. Saka was only a teenager when he missed the penalty that handed Italy victory in the Euros final, three years ago.

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Saka, who was 19 at that time, was subjected to vile racist abuse by online trolls and fans. However, he redeemed himself this year, performing brilliantly to lead England closer to the title. Speaking to reporters after the match, the English forward addressed the pressure, stating he embraces challenges and won’t shy away. Offering life lessons, he emphasized his self-belief and the joy of scoring the winning penalty, also mentioning his faith in overcoming past struggles.

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I think for me, it's something I embrace. You can fail once, but you have a choice whether you will put yourself in that position or not again. I am a guy who is going to put myself in that position and I believed in myself.
Bukayo Saka on bouncing back after 2020 Euros debacle (via The Sun)

Additionally, the 22-year-old emphasized the team’s fighting spirit and their chances. He expressed confidence in their dominance and his own successful goal, hoping for a win in regular time next match but vowing to fight regardless.

Prince William hugs England star Bukayo Saka after quarter-final win against Switzerland

Prince William hugged an overjoyed Bukayo Saka, who scored a crucial goal to help England make it through to the semi-finals, while congratulating the Three Lions on their recent Euros win. 

Bukayo Saka and Prince William
British Prince William embraces Bukayo Saka after quarter-final win. (via IMAGO)

The president of the English FA, Prince William, is a passionate England supporter. He cheered and celebrated the Arsenal star’s equalizer in the tense match against Switzerland. Later on, he congratulated the player by embracing him in the tunnel. He is often spotted at the Three Lions’ matches, sitting in the stands.

Additionally, the British royal heir watched the quarter-final match from the stands alongside UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti, and former Portugal star Luis Figo.

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