Bukayo Saka picked up the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony in London on Monday night, recognised for his humanitarian work with the charity BigShoe.
The Arsenal and England winger was presented with the award by Nigerian artist Burna Boy. It goes each year to the footballer judged to have done the best humanitarian work, and it is named after the Brazilian great Socrates.
Saka’s work with BigShoe, which provides medical care and humanitarian aid for children and families in need, has helped fund 120 life-changing medical operations for children in Kano, Nigeria. It was a proud evening for the club, with a night that began with several Arsenal players tipped to miss the Fleetwood cup tie so they could be in London ending with an award for one of their own.
Bukayo Saka Socrates Award: what did he say on stage?
After receiving the trophy, Saka shared a letter from 14-year-old Biringiro in Rwanda, who benefited from the charity’s work, and read it out to the room.
“When I was 12, I started losing my sight. My village has no electricity and as my eyesight got worse, even moving around my home became difficult,” the letter said.
“Then, thanks to BigShoe, I received the eye care that I needed. Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom. I can enjoy being a child again. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my future. I want to become an English teacher one day.”
Saka then told the audience: “For me, it’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award on behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help.”
Arsenal posted their reaction on X straight after the presentation.
We're proud of you, Bukayo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DK7RNiAHAc
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 26, 2026
Who else has won the Socrates Award?
Sadio Mane was the first winner in 2022, recognised for his charitable work in Senegal. Vinicius Junior followed in 2023 for his leading role in education in Brazil and his work in the fight against racism.
A year later, Jenni Hermoso became the first female recipient for her work on gender equality. Luis Enrique and the Xana Foundation took the award in 2025 for their work assisting seriously ill children and their families with medical, financial and psychological support.
Author opinion: a Saka award that has nothing to do with goals
Gooners have watched Saka carry Arsenal’s attack for years, so it is a nice change to celebrate something he has done away from the pitch. The number that stands out is 120 operations for children in Kano, and the letter from Biringiro explains far better than any stat what that means in practice.
It also puts him in good company alongside Mane, Vinicius, Hermoso and Luis Enrique. For a night that had Arsenal fans talking about who might be missing at Fleetwood, the club’s EFL Cup trip can wait. This one belongs to Saka.
