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Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday.
The award recognises footballers who use their influence, resources and public standing to support humanitarian causes and improve the lives of people in their communities.
Burna Boy presented the honour to Saka following remarks about his efforts to support football development in Nigeria through a football academy he established a few years ago.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Grammy-winning singer expressed hope that his initiative would help nurture Nigerian football talents who could eventually earn international recognition.
“Something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home. Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or,” he said.
Why Saka received the award
Saka was recognised for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.
Through his support for the organisation, the Arsenal winger has helped children gain access to life-changing medical treatment, including surgeries to restore their sight.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of humanitarian contributions in football, with the Socrates Award celebrating players who use their platforms to make a positive difference beyond the pitch.
Saka, an England international of Nigerian heritage, has established himself as one of Arsenal’s key players, while also attracting attention for his charitable activities.
About the Socrates Award
The Socrates Award was established in 2022 by France Football in collaboration with Peace and Sport. It was named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was widely known for his social activism alongside his football career.
The award forms part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony’s recognition of footballers who contribute to humanitarian and social causes.
Previous recipients include Senegalese forward Sadio Mané, Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior and Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso.
In 2025, the honour went to the Xana Foundation, established by Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique in memory of his daughter.
Burna Boy promotes Nigerian football development
Burna Boy’s appearance at the ceremony also drew attention to his efforts to support football development in Nigeria.
The singer said he established his football academy to contribute to the growth of the game in his home country, expressing hope that Nigerian talents would one day receive recognition at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony.
His remarks underscored the potential role of private initiatives in identifying and nurturing young footballers, particularly in a country with a strong football culture and a history of producing talents for major international competitions.
The presentation brought together music, football and humanitarian work at one of the sport’s most prominent award ceremonies.
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