Beats by Dre is unveiling a new campaign, ‘Defy the Noise’
(Picture: Beats by Dre)England and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka has spoken about how he blocks out online hate ahead of the World Cup.
The 21-year-old forward was among players subjected to a barrage of abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy. Four men were convicted over abuse online.
Ealing-born Saka is expected to be named on Thursday in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar 2022.
He said of dealing with social media pressure: “I don’t read too much into it. I also have good people around me who are so supportive but I also trust them to tell me when I need to do better and I think that’s why they are so valuable to me.”
Saka adds he’s “moved every day” by the love received from true supporters.
He says: “It gives me incredible motivation to give 110 per cent on the pitch to repay them and show how grateful I am to have them supporting me.”
Saka appears in Beats by Dre’s new campaign, “Defy the Noise”, shedding light on the overwhelming pressure, expectation and criticism some stars face off the pitch.
A short film accompanying it holds up a mirror to society, exposing just how harsh and polarising social media can be for footballers preparing for the biggest tournament in their careers.
