Jesus: Saka at Vini Jr, Rodrygo Table – Arsenal 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus compared teammate Bukayo Saka to Brazilian stars Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha, stating they all “sit at the same table”.
• The comments came in an interview with former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” YouTube channel.
• Jesus said: “At the same table. They are all the same. Obviously, we are talking about momentum and different styles, but they all have their qualities and have had an impact in one big moment. So Bukayo is there as well. Obviously, you still need to win trophies, but this he will get”.
• Bukayo Saka has scored nine goals across all competitions this season, with six in the Premier League including one penalty.
• Jesus praised Saka’s personality: “I’m a big fan of Bukayo’s personality because this guy is so humble. And he’s strong, but so humble. Today in football it’s not something that is easy, to see someone that comes from academy and then being so big in the club or in the team or in football, and then he has stayed the same”.
• Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, nine points clear of Manchester City who have a game in hand.
• Jesus expressed optimism about ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a league title: “I’m very confident. Very confident, because we are in a good place and we have amazing squad. I believe 100% that this season we are doing something”.
• Coverage echoed in Goal.com, where Jesus is quoted similarly: “He belongs at the same table. They all share similar qualities”.

(North London News) April 3, 2026 – Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has placed teammate Bukayo Saka on the same elite level as Brazilian wingers Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha, declaring they all “sit at the same table” in an interview with Rio Ferdinand. Jesus, speaking on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” YouTube channel, emphasised Saka’s qualities amid Arsenal’s dominant Premier League campaign. The 28-year-old also voiced strong confidence in Arsenal’s title prospects as they lead the table by nine points.

Who Did Gabriel Jesus Compare Bukayo Saka To?

As reported by ESPN staff in their April 2 article, Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus was directly asked by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand where Saka ranks among the world’s best wingers.

“At the same table,” Jesus responded on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. He elaborated:

“They are all the same. Obviously, we are talking about momentum and different styles, but they all have their qualities and have had an impact in one big moment. So Bukayo is there as well”.

Goal.com coverage by their editorial team reinforced this, noting Jesus likened Saka to his Brazilian national team colleagues Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha, with whom he has shared experiences over four years. “They’re all on the same level,” Jesus remarked, as per Goal.com.

“He belongs at the same table. They are all comparable… Naturally, each has their distinct style and rhythm, but they all possess unique strengths and have influenced significant moments in matches. Bukayo is certainly in that group”.

Jesus added the caveat on trophies:

“Obviously, you still need to win trophies, but this he will get,”

according to the ESPN report. This comparison places Saka, the 24-year-old academy product, alongside Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, and Barcelona’s Raphinha, all key figures in European football.

What Has Bukayo Saka Achieved This Season?

ESPN detailed Saka’s form: he has netted nine goals across all competitions, six in the Premier League including one from the penalty spot. FootyStats confirms Saka’s six Premier League goals place him third in Arsenal’s top scorers list after 27 matches. StatMuse reports add three assists in those 27 Premier League appearances.

The New York Times’ The Athletic, in a December 2025 piece by their soccer team, highlighted Saka’s broader impact, noting over 280 club matches he has 76 goals and 73 assists, reaching 100 goal involvements in his 200th Premier League game. Despite a dip in assists this term, his creativity remains vital as Arsenal top the table five points clear after 13 games earlier in the season.

Why Does Gabriel Jesus Admire Saka’s Personality?

“I’m a big fan of Bukayo’s personality because this guy is so humble. And he’s strong, but so humble,”

Jesus stated in the ESPN-covered interview. He continued:

“Today in football it’s not something that is easy, to see someone that comes from academy and then being so big in the club or in the team or in football, and then he has stayed the same”.

Goal.com echoed this admiration:

“I greatly admire Bukayo’s character because he is incredibly humble. He possesses strength yet remains modest,”

Jesus shared.

“In today’s football landscape, it is rare to find someone who rises from the academy to become a significant figure in their club, yet still maintains their humility”.

This praise underscores Saka’s rise from Hale End academy to Arsenal mainstay without losing his grounded nature.

How Is Arsenal Performing in the Premier League?

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal lead the Premier League, nine points ahead of Manchester City with a game in hand, as per ESPN on April 2. USA Today noted Arsenal at 67 points after 30 games in March, ahead of City on 60. Reuters reported in February a four-point lead after 26 matches, with Arteta calling it a “hard-earned privilege”.

Jesus tied this to title hopes:

“I’m very confident. Very confident, because we are in a good place and we have amazing squad,”

the 28-year-old said.

“I believe 100% that this season we are doing something,”

he added, eyeing the end of a 22-year title drought since 2004. Arsenal compete across fronts, including Champions League knockouts and cups.

What Context Surrounds This Interview?

The interview occurred on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” with a TikTok clip amplifying: “Saka is at the top table of wingers, Gabriel Jesus compares his Arsenal teammate to Vini Jr, Rodrygo & Raphinha”. Ferdinand, ex-England captain, posed the winger ranking question.

Broader Arsenal news from ESPN links included transfer rumours on a young Leverkusen striker eyed by Arsenal and Madrid; every Arsenal player withdrawing from international duty, affecting Saka; and young Max Dowman’s solo goal wonder. These highlight squad depth amid injuries.

Does Jesus Believe Arsenal Will Win Trophies?

Yes, explicitly. Beyond Saka’s predicted silverware, Jesus’ optimism centres on the squad: “We are in a good place and we have amazing squad. I believe 100% that this season we are doing something”. Bola.net in Indonesian coverage affirmed: Jesus believes Arsenal can become champions, placing Saka equal to Vinícius Júnior.

Arteta echoed confidence in Reuters: “The confidence I have comes from our achievements so far… We are exactly where we aim to be”. With multi-trophy contention, Jesus’ words fuel title talk in North London.

What Do Other Sources Say About the Comparison?

Goal.com’s listicle detailed Jesus’ praise for “humble” Saka alongside the Brazilians. TBR Football had older praise from Jesus calling Saka and Martinelli “machines,” showing consistent admiration. Rio Ferdinand’s Facebook post shared the clip, boosting reach.