Arsenal star Bukayo Saka documentary set for Disney+ release next month

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Bukayo Saka will be the subject of a new documentary titled ‘Bukayo Saka: The Time is Now’, set to be released on Disney+ next month.

According to The Standard, WhatsApp confirmed on their social media accounts that the film will focus on the England winger’s journey to performing at the highest level of elite sport. The documentary will be available from Friday, June 5.

The production comes at a significant time for Saka, who recently lifted his first Premier League trophy with Arsenal and played in his first Champions League final. Despite the Gunners falling to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest, the documentary’s release will proceed as planned.

Behind the scenes focus

The film, directed by Emmy winner Robert Alexander, will delve beyond the public persona to explore what happens away from the cameras. Saka explained that the documentary has “given me the chance to tell my story in a way I never have before.”

“People see the goals and the matches, but they don’t see what it takes behind the scenes, and part of that is my support system, the WhatsApp messages from the people who were there long before any of this who have believed in me every step of the way,” the Arsenal forward said.

The documentary will explore Saka’s upbringing in Ealing before examining his private life off the pitch. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has also joined the production, adding another layer of insight to the film.

Euro 2020 aftermath addressed

One particularly poignant aspect of the documentary will focus on the reception Saka received after missing the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy at Wembley Stadium.

The Arsenal winger, who was just 19 at the time, faced severe racist abuse alongside Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who also missed their penalties that evening. The film will examine how he dealt with that difficult period and the support system that helped him through it.

The production has been led by WhatsApp and Modern Arts, representing a unique collaboration between technology and entertainment companies to tell the story of one of English football’s brightest talents.

The documentary arrives as Saka continues to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players, having played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title triumph and their run to the Champions League final.