Burna Boy presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday.
The award recognises footballers and other figures who use their platform to support humanitarian causes and promote social change.
Saka received the honour for his charitable work helping children in need. Through a partnership with German charity BigShoe, he funded 120 surgical operations for children in Nigeria suffering from conditions including hernias and brain tumours.
The initiative also highlights Saka’s personal ties to Nigeria, the country of his parents’ origin, and his efforts to improve healthcare access for vulnerable children.
France Football magazine and the Peace and Sport organisation jointly present the Socrates Award as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony. It celebrates individuals in football whose humanitarian, educational and health projects demonstrate the sport’s impact beyond the pitch.
Established in 2022, the award is named after Brazilian football legend Socrates, known for his social activism and advocacy for democracy.
Senegalese forward Sadio Mane won the inaugural award in 2022 for his charitable projects in Senegal, including healthcare and education support in his village of Bambali. The 2025 award went to the Xana Foundation, linked to Spanish coach Luis Enrique and his family, for its work supporting children with serious illnesses and their families.
Bukayo Saka delivers a speech after winning the 2026 Sócrates Award!
Saka shared the story of 14-year-old Biringiro from Rwanda, whose eyesight was restored thanks to the charity Big Shoe.
Reading Biringiro’s message: “When I was 12, I started losing my sight. My village has no electricity and as my eyesight got worse, even moving around my home became difficult.”
“Then thanks to Big Shoe, I received the eye care that I needed. Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom.”
“I can enjoy being a child again. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my future. I want to become an English teacher one day.”
Saka on helping children: “We know how it feels to be a child and having a ball at your feet and how much joy you have.”
“Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that’s important to me.”
“It’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help, thank you.”
