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

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian music star, Burna Boy took the stage at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards in London to present the Socrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka, recognising the player’s extensive humanitarian work.

The ceremony, held at the London Palladium on Monday night, saw Burna Boy announce Saka as the winner before handing over the trophy.

Saka was honoured for his partnership with the charity BigShoe, through which he has helped fund more than 100 life-changing medical operations for children, including surgeries in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, as well as support for families affected by earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco.

In his remarks, Burna Boy spoke about his own football academy in Nigeria and expressed hope of returning to the Ballon d’Or one day to present an award to a Nigerian player, saying “Insha Allah.”

The moment marked the first time a Nigerian artist has presented an award at the prestigious football gala.

The Socrates Award, introduced in 2022 by France Football in collaboration with Peace and Sport, is named after the late Brazilian footballer and activist Sócrates.

It recognises players who use their platform for significant social and humanitarian impact.

Previous winners include Sadio Mané, Vinícius Júnior and Jenni Hermoso.

Saka, whose parents hail from Nigeria, has long supported BigShoe’s efforts to provide medical care and aid to children in need.

After receiving the award, he shared an emotional letter from a young beneficiary whose sight was restored through the charity’s work and dedicated the honour to the children helped.