How Tolami Benson ripped up the WAG rulebook - and then re-wrote it! Saka's girlfriend, 23, has made her own career king, won't mention the England star on Instagram, and has aced Euros style with a string of cool ensembles
- Tolami Benson has been the stand-out WAG at the Euros - with her approach to being a player's girlfriend a far cry from the era of Posh, Cheryl and Coleen
- READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Bukayo Saka's girlfriend
Tolami Benson was a young schoolgirl when the phenomena of WAGS first came to the fore in 2006, with Victoria Beckham, Coleen Rooney and Cheryl attracting almost as much attention as the England World Cup squad.
And maybe that's why 23-year-old Benson, who's been quietly dating England star Bukayo Saka for almost four years, is getting it so right in Germany.
Benson and the superstar England winger, 22, have become one of the most talked about couples at the Euros 2024 - and yet their relationship is so off radar, they don't even follow each other on Instagram.
The 23-year-old PR exec has been forced to face the public eye during the Euros, taking her place in the stands with the other England WAGs - but she's emerged new Queen of the WAGs in the weeks since the first ball was kicked, thanks to low key appearances and a string of creative bespoke outfits.
She's also shared snaps of her laptop, showing she's still working despite decamping to Germany for the tournament, which has helped win more fans - her Instagram followers are now at a dizzying 157,000.
The 23-year-old started a new job in May as a Senior Planning Executive for Zenith and is clearly committed to the role despite being in a different country.
![Tolami Benson, the long-term love of England star Bukayo Saka, has aced the Euros with her creative interpretations of the England kit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87163987-13612687-image-m-7_1720624583537.jpg)
Tolami Benson, the long-term love of England star Bukayo Saka, has aced the Euros with her creative interpretations of the England kit
![The 23-year-old PR exec has been a down-to-earth presence at England's games, seen here with a tray of chips during the match against Slovakia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87163989-13612687-image-a-8_1720624594083.jpg)
The 23-year-old PR exec has been a down-to-earth presence at England's games, seen here with a tray of chips during the match against Slovakia
![Benson now has more than 187,000 followers on Instagram...but her beau is nowhere to be seen, as the couple keep their relationship off radar](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87163981-13612687-image-a-9_1720624600297.jpg)
Benson now has more than 187,000 followers on Instagram...but her beau is nowhere to be seen, as the couple keep their relationship off radar
![Rare PDA: The couple share a public smooch after the England vs Slovenia game on June 25th](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87084111-13612687-Rare_PDA_The_couple_share_a_public_smooch_after_the_England_vs_S-m-33_1720626378795.jpg)
![The superstar England winger, 22, and his main squeeze, 23, from Hertfordshire, have become one of the most talked about couples at the Euros 2024](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87083731-13612687-The_superstar_England_winger_22_and_his_main_squeeze_23_from_Her-m-35_1720626395792.jpg)
Rare PDA: The couple share a public smooch after the England vs Slovenia game on June 25th
![Juggling: Benson has remained committed to her own PR job despite decamping to Germany for the Euros](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87163991-13612687-image-m-37_1720626513569.jpg)
Juggling: Benson has remained committed to her own PR job despite decamping to Germany for the Euros
And while their relationship is still very much on the down-low, there have been rare moments of PDAs in Germany, with Saka planting a kiss on his girlfriend in the stands after the Slovenia game..
Now fans can't get enough of the glamorous WAG, with many taking to X to laud Tolami for her style, beauty and composure amidst the football madness.
For many, Benson is a breath of fresh air who has brought a renewed 'energy' and 'excitement' to the tournament.
Meanwhile Vogue recently credited the stunner for single-handedly 'reviving WAG fever' while fans have crowned her 'WAG of the season'.
Here, Femail looks at the couple's under wraps romance, and how Benson has won new admirers since the Euros began...
WHERE IT BEGAN: THE MASKED FOOTBALLER
![The once notoriously private couple are thought to have started dating in late 2020 and have kept their romance hush hush until recently (pictured: A cropped Bukayo Saka appears on Tolami Benson's Instagram page in 2021)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/09/87084089-13612687-The_once_notoriously_private_couple_are_thought_to_have_started_-a-1_1720601158576.jpg)
The once notoriously private couple are thought to have started dating in late 2020 and have kept their romance hush hush until recently (pictured: A cropped Bukayo Saka appears on Tolami Benson's Instagram page in 2021)
![One of Saka's only appearances on his girlfriend's Insta? Benson posted this shot of a masked companion...and Saka's fans put two and two together](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/64790617-13612687-Saka_s_only_appearance_on_his_girlfriend_s_Insta_Benson_posted_t-a-10_1720624682854.jpg)
One of Saka's only appearances on his girlfriend's Insta? Benson posted this shot of a masked companion...and Saka's fans put two and two together
Though the PR executive and Bukayo have been dating for four years, a large part of their love affair has been shrouded in secrecy and kept away from prying eyes.
Rumours of a relationship between the Arsenal player and his lover first swirled in 2021 when Tolami shared a cryptic clue on Instagram - a photo of a man in a facemask.
She shared two images of a person cuddling her from behind while the man's face was strategically cropped out of the photo.
The trick worked as judging by the comments, her followers failed to notice it was Bukayo.
Captioning the post: 'Ft [featuring] some guy I met in the lift', it was clear her now signature classy-cum-sporty style was blossoming, as she donned a white shirt dress overlaid with a black wool crop top.
![More recently, Tolami and Bukayo have been more touchy-feely in public (the pair are photographed together after the Euros 2024 quarter-final on July 6)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/08/20/87084097-13612687-image-a-37_1720465922111.jpg)
More recently, Tolami and Bukayo have been more touchy-feely in public (the pair are photographed together after the Euros 2024 quarter-final on July 6)
The fashionista teamed the look with a pair of black knee-high boots and a beige beret. She accessorised with chunky gold necklaces and a single bracelet.
But it wasn't until photos of them embracing in the stands at matches during the World Cup in Doha back in 2022 that tongues really started wagging.
Before England's 6-2 win against Iran at the Qatar World Cup stadium, Tolami shared a snap online posing in a blue and white England shirt in support of her beau's team.
From time to time she would sometimes post pictures in a Gunners kit, again signalling her support for her boyfriend's Premier League team.
Their romance was finally uncovered by fans in February the same year when they shared individual pictures on a yacht in Dubai. Tolami shared photos of herself chilling in a yacht in a stunning mint-green bikini and matching hat.
And while she filmed the goings on of the holiday, she managed to avoid capturing her very famous travel companion.
RARE PDAS AND A 'PRIVATE RELATIONSHIP' PREFERENCE
![Tolami's appearances at the Euros has catapulted her to fame, despite the beauty holding down a normal job (pictured on Instagram)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/09/14/87084183-13612687-Tolami_s_appearances_at_the_Euros_have_catapulted_her_to_fame_de-a-4_1720531618995.jpg)
Tolami's appearances at the Euros has catapulted her to fame, despite the beauty holding down a normal job (pictured on Instagram)
![Tolami shared photos of herself chilling in a yacht in 2022](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/09/14/87084509-13612687-Tolami_and_Bukayo_s_romance_was_finally_uncovered_by_fans_in_Feb-a-31_1720532667961.jpg)
![Bukayo posted an image of him relaxing in Dubai](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/09/14/87112643-13612687-image-a-32_1720532688632.jpg)
Tolami and Bukayo's romance was finally uncovered by fans in February 2022 when they shared individual pictures on a yacht in Dubai
As the couple have been spotted out in public just a handful of times, their recent displays of affection have come as a shock to many.
The pair put on a rare but welcomed loved up display at the England vs Denmark game on June 20.
After the game, the stylish PR connoisseur and the football star treated paparazzi to a rare show of affection as Tolami was spotted consoling her man while a visibly dejected Bukayo looked on.
They went one step further at England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia by sharing a passionate kiss in the stands in front of a watching crowd.
The sweethearts seemed to enjoy the steamy smooch and appeared oblivious to flashing cameras and watchful eyes.
![Rumours of a relationship between the Arsenal player and his lover first swirled in 2021. They were later seen in public only once at the World Cup in 2022](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/09/14/87084193-13612687-image-a-13_1720531782603.jpg)
Rumours of a relationship between the Arsenal player and his lover first swirled in 2021. They were later seen in public only once at the World Cup in 2022
The two were at it again at the Euros quarter-final on Monday that saw England send home Switzerland in a tense penalty stand-off.
In one striking image, Tolami cradled her man's neck and stared lovingly into his eyes while the star reciprocated with a wide grin.
![Tolami seemingly confirmed that her and Bukayo were dating with a cryptic Instagram post](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87084537-13612687-Tolami_seemingly_confirmed_that_her_and_Bukayo_were_dating_with_-m-28_1720625968274.jpg)
Tolami seemingly confirmed that her and Bukayo were dating with a cryptic Instagram post
![Arsenal's WAG Squad: Benson, pictured centre bottom, with Sophie Weber (left), girlfriend of Kai Havertz, Ben White's wife Milly (right), Martin Odegaard's partner Helen Spilling (top left) and Leandro Trossard's wife Laura, pictured at the Emirates](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/84032411-13612687-Arsenal_s_WAG_Squad_Benson_pictured_centre_bottom_with_Sophie_We-a-26_1720625957216.jpg)
Arsenal's WAG Squad: Benson, pictured centre bottom, with Sophie Weber (left), girlfriend of Kai Havertz, Ben White's wife Milly (right), Martin Odegaard's partner Helen Spilling (top left) and Leandro Trossard's wife Laura, pictured at the Emirates
Other photos captured them hugging and chatting away in the stands - their once private romance now on full blown display.
Perhaps one of the most telling clues unravelled later that night when Tolami shared an image to Instagram of Bukayo's Man Of The Match trophy.
The proud girlfriend clutched the trophy - normally awarded to the player who played the best during the game - and captioned the post with the sweet words: 'My baby’s baby'.
She also seemingly confirmed that her and Bukayo were dating with a cryptic Instagram post. The meme declared her preference for a 'private relationship'.
After the game, she uploaded a post saying: 'Private relationship with a splash of random flexing'.
WAG 2.0: HOW TOLAMI REINVENTED THE CONCEPT
![She has been heralded as a style icon, while others have dubbed her 'WAG of the season' owing to her unique outfits](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/13/87084311-13612687-She_has_been_heralded_as_a_style_icon_while_others_have_dubbed_h-m-3_1720614682528.jpg)
She has been heralded as a style icon, while others have dubbed her 'WAG of the season' owing to her unique outfits
![Tolami stunned the nation with THAT jacket - a custom-made leather biker jacket emblazoned with the number '87' - during the England vs Serbia match on June 16](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/08/20/87084181-13612687-image-a-40_1720465967370.jpg)
Tolami stunned the nation with THAT jacket - a custom-made leather biker jacket emblazoned with the number '87' - during the England vs Serbia match on June 16
![The 23-year-old started a new job in May as a senior planning executive for Zenith](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/87111879-13612687-The_23_year_old_started_a_new_job_in_May_as_a_senior_planning_ex-m-25_1720625943646.jpg)
The 23-year-old started a new job in May as a senior planning executive for Zenith
The growing hysteria surrounding Tolami has all but snowballed since she first stepped onto the stands at England's kick off game on June 16.
The 23-year-old, who started a new job in May as a senior planning executive for Zenith, stunned the nation with THAT jacket - a custom-made leather biker jacket emblazoned with the number '87' - during the England vs Serbia match.
![The proud girlfriend is seen clutching Bukayo Saka's Man Of The Match trophy - normally awarded to the player who played the best during the game. She captioned the Instagram post with the sweet words: 'My baby’s baby'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/09/14/87084167-13612687-image-a-26_1720532048859.jpg)
The proud girlfriend is seen clutching Bukayo Saka's Man Of The Match trophy - normally awarded to the player who played the best during the game. She captioned the Instagram post with the sweet words: 'My baby’s baby'
The jacket offered yet another sneaky hint to the lovebirds relationship, as this was Saka's jersey number for his 2018/2019 breakthrough season in the Arsenal squad. He also used the shirt number as a youth player, so it is likely close to his heart.
What may have started off a subtle ode to her beau quickly took off to launch Tolami as a bonafide style icon, with watchers praising the WAG for her unique fashion choice.
The story behind the jacket is as unique as its design, with London designer Antonia Bronze admitting to reaching out to Tolami and 'spamming' her phone during the process.
Confirming Tolami's keen eye for fashion, she explained that it was the outcome of a collaboration between the two. She also expressed gratitude to Tolami for trusting her to design a jacket for the first time.
In an Instagram post describing the making of the coat, she gushed: 'She was a complete dream to work with - she had a really clear vision in mind of what she wanted as well which was amazing'.
The typically elegant WAG wowed fans once more when she showed up to England vs Denmark in a white cropped Prada jacket, a matching pleated skirt and a blue scrunchie handbag.
She accessorised her outfit with fine silver jewellery and blue sneakers; adding a blue England sash and a Three Lions cap as the perfect accompaniments.
Her glamorous dark brown locks were styled in her now trademark natural waves and fell just below her shoulders.
![Arsenal star Saka pictured in action at the Emirates Stadium](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/08/20/85059943-13612687-Arsenal_star_Saka_pictured_in_action_at_the_Emirates_Stadium-a-43_1720466258300.jpg)
![The glamorous PR executive is a regular at the Emirates stadium in North London and has followed her beau all over the world watching him play](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/08/20/85059591-13612687-The_glamorous_PR_executive_is_a_regular_at_the_Emirates_stadium_-a-44_1720466259404.jpg)
The glamorous PR executive is a regular at the Emirates stadium in North London and has followed her beau all over the world watching him play
![After sharing snaps of flying on a private jet, Benson also posed up a storm at her destination, a luxury villa resort](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/86272863-13612687-After_sharing_snaps_of_flying_on_a_private_jet_Benson_also_posed-a-29_1720625998578.jpg)
After sharing snaps of flying on a private jet, Benson also posed up a storm at her destination, a luxury villa resort
![She's a gunner! Benson offered a glimpse into the couple's lifestyle recently with this shot of her shooting in a country field](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/16/86310411-13612687-She_s_a_gunner_Benson_offered_a_glimpse_into_the_couple_s_lifest-a-30_1720626003778.jpg)
She's a gunner! Benson offered a glimpse into the couple's lifestyle recently with this shot of her shooting in a country field
The look captured hearts, as many flocked to her personal page to fawn over the growing star.
'Iconic' stated one.
One person said she was the 'WAG of our generation', while another quipped she was their 'favourite' of all famous wives and girlfriends.
A fourth person wrote: 'She's bringing true waggery back' - a sentiment very much shared by Vogue.
The magazine honoured Tolami for igniting a WAG frenzy not seen since the likes of superstars Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole.
Her look last night - which showed off her toned stomach and svelte figure was another winner.
Appearing to be her colour of choice, she donned a white Off White crop top with a cutout at the centre. She teamed the blouse with a pair of white trousers.
A red NY baseball cap was the perfect accessory and testament to her unique sporty style.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/08/02/636x90_facebook_ad_sport.png)