started · updated
Bukayo Saka wins 2026 Socrates Award at Ballon d’Or ceremony
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka has been awarded the 2026 Socrates Award during the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium. The award, presented by Nigerian artist Burna Boy, recognizes footballers for their outstanding humanitarian work and social impact.
Saka was honored for his extensive charitable initiatives, particularly his partnership with the organization BigShoe. Through this collaboration, Saka has helped fund life-changing medical procedures, including over 120 surgeries for children in Nigeria and essential ophthalmic care for children in Rwanda. During an emotional acceptance speech, Saka read a letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old Rwandan boy whose sight was restored through the charity’s efforts.
The Socrates Award is presented annually by France Football in collaboration with Peace and Sport to celebrate individuals who use their sporting influence to support vulnerable communities and promote social change.
Entities
Arsenal · BigShoe · Bukayo Saka · Burna Boy · France Football
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Saka's work with BigShoe funded approximately 120 medical procedures for children in Nigeria. www.gbnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Socrates Award was established in 2022 by France Football and Peace and Sport. punchng.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Bukayo Saka won the 2026 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. k24.digital · www.gbnews.com · punchng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Saka's funding provided emergency housing for families displaced by earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco. k24.digital
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Saka donated over 100 pairs of New Balance football boots to the Street Soccer Foundation. k24.digital
- [● 3 SOURCES] Burna Boy presented the award to Saka. www.gbnews.com · punchng.com