2026: Ballon d’Or: Burna Boy presents Socrates Award to Bukayo Saka

Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday.

Speaking before presenting the award, Burna Boy discussed his football academy in Nigeria, saying he started the initiative a few years ago to support football development in his home country.

“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.

The singer subsequently presented the award to Saka at the ceremony.

The Socrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and make a difference in their communities. It was established in 2022 by France Football in collaboration with Peace and Sport and is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates.

Saka received the award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need. His support has helped children access life-changing medical treatment, including surgery to restore sight.

Previous recipients of the award 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.

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