Nigerian singer Burna Boy presents the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, recognising his charitable work supporting children in need.
Nigerian singer Burna Boy has presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The Grammy-winning singer presented the honour on Monday night after speaking about his efforts to support football development in Nigeria through a football academy he established a few years ago.
Burna Boy said he hoped the initiative would help nurture Nigerian talents capable of earning 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.
Saka received the award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.
Through his support for the organisation, the Arsenal forward has helped children access life-changing medical treatment, including surgeries to restore their sight.
The recognition highlights the role footballers can play in humanitarian work by using their influence and resources to improve lives 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.
The Socrates Award was established in 2022 by France Football in collaboration with Peace and Sport. It is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was widely known for his social activism alongside his football career.
The award recognises footballers who use their influence, resources and public standing to support humanitarian causes and make a difference in their communities.
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
