Saka wins Socrates Award for humanitarian work at Ballon d'Or 2026
Bukayo Saka has been honoured for his work off the pitch, winning the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in recognition of his humanitarian efforts. The Arsenal winger was crowned at the London event on Monday night, with the award given to the footballer judged to have made the greatest humanitarian impact worldwide.
Named after the late Brazilian legend Socrates, the award was first presented in 2022 to former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. Saka received it for his long running charitable work, which includes projects with Big Shoe, an organisation providing medical care and humanitarian aid to children and families in London and around the world.
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Saka shares story behind the award
During his acceptance speech, as reported by the Evening Standard, Saka told the story of Biringiro, a 14 year old from Rwanda whose sight was restored through Big Shoe's work. Quoting Biringiro directly, Saka said: “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. Then thanks to Big Shoe, 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 spoke about his own motivation for getting involved in charitable causes, saying: “We know how it feels to be a child and having a ball at your feet and how much joy you have. Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that's important to me.”
He closed his speech by thanking those he has been able to support through his work. “It's an honour to be here, and it's an honour to receive this award,” Saka said. “On behalf of all the children we've been able to help, thank you.”
A role model beyond football
The recognition adds to Saka's growing reputation as one of the most high profile ambassadors in English football, both for his performances for Arsenal and his charitable commitments away from the game. His and his family's long term association with Big Shoe has focused on providing medical care and humanitarian aid to children in need, both in London and internationally.
The Socrates Award stands apart from the individual performance based prizes handed out on Ballon d'Or night, instead celebrating the broader impact footballers can have in their communities and beyond. For Saka, the honour underlines a reputation built as much on his conduct off the pitch as his quality on it.
