Bukayo Saka wins Socrates Award for humanitarian work
The Arsenal and England player helped fund 120 medical operations for children in Kano, Nigeria, through his work with BigShoe.
Bukayo Saka was honored for his humanitarian efforts at London's 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Nigerian musician Burna Boy presented him with the Socrates Award. The Arsenal and England attacker received the recognition for his involvement with BigShoe.
The charity offers medical treatment and humanitarian assistance to children and families in need. Saka's support helped pay for 120 operations for children in Kano, Nigeria. The award takes its name from the Brazilian footballer Socrates and recognizes humanitarian work by footballers.
On stage, Saka read a letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old in Rwanda who received eye care through BigShoe. The boy described developing sight problems at 12 and struggling to navigate his home. After treatment, he could see the classroom blackboard again and hoped to become an English teacher. Saka said he accepted the honor on behalf of the children helped.
Earlier recipients include Sadio Mane, the inaugural winner in 2022, and Vinicius Junior in 2023. Jenni Hermoso became its first female winner for promoting gender equality. Luis Enrique and the Xana Foundation received the 2025 award for assistance to seriously ill children and their families.
