Burna Boy hands Socrates Award to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at Ballon d’Or

Burna Boy presents the Socrates Award to Bukayo Saka

On Monday, 26 October 2026, the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London saw Nigerian singer Burna Boy take the stage to present the Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka. Saka received the honor in recognition of his philanthropic efforts through BigShoe, a group that offers medical aid to vulnerable young people, such as operations to restore vision.

Burna Boy, who has been active in football development through his own academy in Nigeria, spoke briefly before handing the trophy to the England international. He noted that he had started the academy a few years ago to support football culture back home and expressed hope that one day a Nigerian would receive a Ballon d’Or honour.

The ceremony, which also celebrated other Ballon d’Or winners, highlighted the growing link between African music and international football.

Background

The Socrates Award was established in 2022 by France Football in partnership with Peace and Sport. This distinction highlights athletes who leverage their status and assets to back humanitarian initiatives and effect change within their local areas. The award is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates.

Earlier winners of this category have included Senegal's Sadio Mané, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, and Spain's Jenni Hermoso. In 2025, the prize was presented to the Xana Foundation, an entity established by Paris Saint‑Germain boss Luis Enrique to honor the memory of his late daughter.

Bukayo Saka, who plays for Premier League club Arsenal and represents England internationally, was chosen for the 2026 award because of his involvement with BigShoe. The organisation provides medical assistance to children, helping them access life‑changing treatments such as surgery to restore sight.

Why it matters

The award highlights the role that high‑profile athletes can play in addressing social issues. Saka’s work with BigShoe has enabled children in need to receive essential medical care, directly impacting their health and future prospects. By recognising his efforts, the Ballon d’Or ceremony underlines the importance of humanitarian work within the sport.

The presentation also drew attention from fans of both the singer and the footballer, illustrating the crossover appeal between music and football and the potential for collaborative influence.

What happens next

The sources do not indicate any further actions or upcoming events related to the award. No additional announcements or plans were reported following the ceremony.