Bukayo Saka wins the award that celebrates football beyond trophies
For me, Bukayo Saka won one of the most meaningful awards of the night at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.
The Arsenal and England star received the Socrates Award, recognising his incredible humanitarian work.
Now, I am not saying the Ballon d'Or or any of the other awards are less meaningful. They recognise years of hard work, dedication and extraordinary achievements on the football pitch.
But the introduction of the Socrates Award has been a fantastic addition to the ceremony.
Because football is not just about goals, assists and trophies. It is also about the difference these footballers can make in people's lives.
And Saka is a wonderful example of that.
Speaking at the ceremony, the 25 year old explained how he works alongside his family and the charity BigShoe to help children who are less fortunate.
"I work a lot with my family and the charity called BigShoe. We try to do our best to help children who don't have the same opportunities or capabilities we have."
Changing lives beyond football
In 2022, Saka helped fund 120 surgeries for children in Kano, Nigeria, where his parents are originally from.
He later supported medical treatment for another 100 children across Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
He also helped provide accommodation for 26 families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye in 2023.
But one of the most touching moments of the ceremony came when Saka shared the story of Biringiro, a 14 year old boy from Rwanda.
The youngster had been losing his eyesight and was struggling to read at school or even play with his friends.
Thanks to BigShoe, he received the treatment he needed and can now see clearly again.
And guess what? He now dreams of becoming an English teacher.
Just imagine that.
A child who was struggling to see the blackboard can now dream of standing in front of one as a teacher.
That is the kind of impact footballers can have beyond the pitch.
The Socrates connection with Lula
There is another beautiful story behind this award.
It is named after legendary Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was not just a wonderful midfielder but also a doctor, a political activist and a passionate advocate for democracy.
During Brazil's military dictatorship, Socrates played an important role in the Corinthians Democracy movement, which promoted democratic decision making within the club.
He was also a friend and political ally of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the leftist leader who later became president of Brazil.
Both were involved in Brazil's democracy movement during the 1980s.
And here comes quite a coincidence.
On Sunday, October 25, Lula was re-elected president of Brazil for a fourth term, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro.
Just a day later, Saka received an award named after Socrates, the footballer who once stood alongside Lula in Brazil's fight for democracy.
Socrates passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues through an award that celebrates footballers who make a difference in society.
Quite a coincidence, isn't it?
More than just football
Footballers deserve recognition for their achievements on the pitch. Winning the Ballon d'Or, the Kopa Trophy or any other major individual honour is something special.
But recognising their contributions to society is equally important.
An award that celebrates someone for helping others has a special place of its own.
And that is why I believe the Socrates Award has been one of the best additions to the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
It reminds us that footballers can be heroes not just for what they do with a ball at their feet, but also for what they do with the opportunities their success gives them.
Well deserved, Bukayo Saka!