Ballon d'Or 2026: Bukayo Saka wins the Socrates Award for humanitarian work
The English star is a legend in humanitarian work
Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has won the "Socrates" award for 2026 at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, honouring his humanitarian work and charitable initiatives off the pitch. It's a fresh accolade for his career, this time earned far from his goals and assists.
The honour recognises Saka's work supporting children in need. He partnered with the German charitable foundation "BigShoe" to help fund surgical operations for children in Nigeria, the land of his parents' origins. His support funded 120 surgical operations for children suffering from various health problems and illnesses, including hernias and brain tumours.
France Football magazine and the "Peace and Sport" organisation present the Socrates award together as part of the Ballon d'Or ceremony. It honours figures connected to football who use their fame and resources to serve the community, backing humanitarian, educational and health initiatives that show what sport can do beyond the boundaries of competition.
Saka joins the list of Socrates award winners
Launched in 2022, the award carries the name of the late Brazilian football legend Socrates, renowned for his social stances and his defence of democracy. It has become one of the honours that highlights the humanitarian impact of the game's stars.
Senegal's Sadio Mane was the first winner in 2022, recognised for his charitable initiatives back home. These included supporting health and education projects, among them building a hospital and a school in his village of Bambali.
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Brazil's Vinicius Junior took the award in 2023 for his efforts to support children's education and combat racism, particularly through his foundation. That foundation works to provide educational opportunities and develop digital resources in public schools in Brazil.
Spain's Jenni Hermoso was crowned in 2024, recognised for her social stances and her role in highlighting issues of abuse and discrimination. The 2025 award went to the "Xana" foundation linked to Spanish coach Luis Enrique and his family, which supports children afflicted with serious illnesses and aids their families.
His win in the 2026 edition adds Saka's name to that list, after his work for children drew particular attention. It confirms that the impact of football stars does not stop at what they offer on the pitch. It extends to their ability to bring about tangible change in the lives of others.
