Burna Boy Presents Saka With 2026 Sócrates Award At Ballon d’Or
Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has presented Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka with the prestigious 2026 Sócrates Award in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives supporting vulnerable children worldwide.
The presentation took place at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday, October 26, marking the first time the prestigious football awards ceremony was held outside France.
The Sócrates Award honours footballers whose contributions to humanitarian causes, social activism and community development extend beyond the pitch.
Saka was recognised for his charitable work, particularly initiatives supporting underprivileged children. During his acceptance speech, the England international shared the inspiring story of 14-year-old Biringiro from Rwanda, who received vital eye care through the charity BigShoe.
Reading from the boy’s letter, Saka recounted how his eyesight had deteriorated from the age of 12, making everyday activities difficult in his village, which lacked electricity.
However, through BigShoe’s intervention, Biringiro received the treatment he needed and can now read the classroom blackboard again, with renewed hope of becoming an English teacher.
The Arsenal star’s account highlighted the life-changing impact of humanitarian support on vulnerable children.
Burna Boy, who presented the award, also spoke about his ambitions for youth development through his personal football academy, expressing hope that it would one day produce future Ballon d’Or winners.
The ceremony also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, first awarded to England legend Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956.
