VIDEO: BURNA BOY PRESENTS SÓCRATES AWARD TO BUKAYO SAKA AT 2026 BALLON D’OR

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has presented the 2026 Sócrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

The presentation took place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, during the 70th edition of the prestigious football awards.

Saka received the award in recognition of his humanitarian work through Big Shoe, a charity that supports children in need of medical care, including those with vision problems.

During the ceremony, the Arsenal forward read a letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose eyesight was restored through the charity’s intervention.

In the letter, the boy explained how receiving eye care had enabled him to read the classroom blackboard again and regain confidence in his future, including his ambition to become an English teacher.

Established in 2022 by the Ballon d’Or organisers in collaboration with Peace and Sport and the family of Brazilian football legend Sócrates, the award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support charitable causes and promote positive social change.

Burna Boy’s presentation added a Nigerian music presence to the ceremony, bringing together the worlds of football and entertainment on one of the sport’s biggest nights.

Saka’s recognition highlights the impact of initiatives that use football’s global platform to improve lives beyond the pitch.

See video below: