Roman, who goes by the Instagram username @livingwithro_, is a die-hard Arsenal fan with 45.7k followers. He is known amongst the Arsenal fanbase for sharing matchday reactions, celebratory reels and snippets of everyday fan life.
He has built a strong online presence rooted purely in love for the club.
However, he wasn’t knowing what surprise was waiting for him in store.
Roman happened to meet Bukayo Saka when Saka was at the New Balance Store in Oxford Street in Central London for the promotion of his limited-edition Furon v8 boots called the “7egacy”, which Saka is also a co-designer of.
The meeting was not accidental. It was meticulously and purposely organised by Roman’s mother, who also runs the Instagram account and wanted to surprise her son with something special.
Rather than being part of a ticketed fan event or official club meet-and-greet, this was a deeply personal gesture, his mother quietly ensuring her son met the player who symbolised everything he loved about Arsenal.
Prior to the event, Saka himself had posted an Instagram story telling that he was in Oxford Street and if time permits, fans come to meet him. This is what the Arsenal winger wrote:
I want to show some love quick… Come meet me at New Balance Oxford Street. I’m here!!
His Instagram story then, further, was sent to Roman, following which Roman’s mother decided to surprise him.
Saka then went on to give the boots with his autograph to Roman to make his day even more special.
Meeting Saka was more than simply a check on a bucket list for Roman, it was a moment that symbolised how powerfully football resonates with fans all over the world.
It demonstrated how family support, social media communities, and player interaction can all contribute to very unforgettable experiences.
The launch also consisted of a community-focused initiative known as “Through Their Eyes,” which showcased young footballers from London’s grassroots scene.
Eight teenage athletes were given disposable cameras to record their football experiences, and their work was included at events and workshops focused on personal expression via sport. This approach illustrates Saka’s strong commitment not only to top football, but also to the grassroots passions that form future generations.
Here is the full reel:
Fans were also quick enough to acknowledge this kind and sweet gesture from Saka, with various reactions pouring in:
@philippamonique: Naa I’m crying 🥹🥹🥹 this so sweet bless him!
@theondenton: When he said “Saka” you just know it meant everything to him ❤️❤️
@seanwillmadeit: The way he said Saka….😢…..this meant a lot to him for sure
@the_9jaenglishman: You see why I love this kid. HES A PROPER GOONER. He is literally me as a kid (bit more charisma 😂). I remember when my pops took me to see Ian Wright at HMV when I was like 8. I lost my ish. Exactly like this. This young Gooner is going to do big things. His personality and passion at such a young age 👏👏. Great parenting. We must protect him at all costs. Always. COYG
@nategram: Forget what everyone says, meet your heroes!!!!
@jamjam84: Mummy you’re doing an amazing job🥹🫶🏾 he will forget all these beautiful memories you’ve created ❤️🏆
@sarahbyhisgrace_1: Ahhhhhhh this was the purest interaction Saka met his biggest fan @livingwithro_ 🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@lv_grn: Watched this so many times already, so happy for you Ro🥹♥️
@beautifulsoulsinnyc: Love everything about this video 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 @bukayosaka87 thank you for making this happen
@shaughnaphillips: Who’s cutting onions 😭😭😭😭😭
@paulmaria.cummins: Oh he’s adorable. Best day of his little life to date! Of course he must cry 😍
@dablacknubia: set out for something he really doesn’t like,only to meet his fav🥹❤️
@g_gby: Awww this is just 🥹🥹🥹. If star struck was a person boy🤣❤️ bless him
@angielemar: I love this, bless them all!! 🥰
@_the_foreign_one: Likkle mans got a better chance at going to his wedding than I do 😂🥹😭
@cookieteegh: Cutest video all year. Love this for both if them actually 😍😍
@kingofqueenz25: This is beautiful. What an amazing moment
@beverlyogbewe: OMG I can sit still; this is deep, I am just wondering how Roman is feeling. ❤️💕❤️❤️
@tilliemarie13: Who’s santa when there’s Uncle Saka ❤️
@footydooly: I’m moving to uk rn 😭 I can’t meet saka on a random Thursday in America 😭
@violetezedimora: Man like SAKA! So sweet ❤️
