Bukayo Saka receives 2026 Socrates Award

Bukayo Saka received the 2026 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, in recognition of his humanitarian work with the charity BigShoe. Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented the award to the Arsenal and England forward. The Socrates Award recognises footballers for humanitarian work. Saka’s partnership with BigShoe has helped fund 120 medical procedures for children in Kano, Nigeria, according to reports about the initiative. The figure has been cited in coverage of the award, though no charity accounting was included in those reports. Saka said he works with his family and BigShoe to help children who lack opportunities and resources. After receiving the award, he thanked France Football and called for continued attention to causes that matter to him, dedicating the recognition to children helped by the charity’s work. During his remarks, Saka read a letter attributed to Biringiro, a 14-year-old from Rwanda. The letter described losing his eyesight at age 12 and later receiving eye care through BigShoe. In the account Saka read, Biringiro said he could again read the classroom blackboard and hoped to become an English teacher. The account was...