Bukayo Saka Receives 2026 Sócrates Award for Humanitarian Work

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka was awarded the prestigious Sócrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, recognizing his significant humanitarian efforts and charitable work off the pitch. Established in 2022 by France Football and the Peace and Sport organization, the award honors football figures who leverage their influence and resources to support community, educational, and health initiatives.

Saka, a 25-year-old England international, has spent several years deeply involved in philanthropy. Much of his work focuses on assisting children in vulnerable situations across the United Kingdom, Africa, and regions affected by natural disasters. His efforts include partnering with the charitable network BigShoe to fund life-changing medical procedures for children.

Through his collaboration with BigShoe, Saka helped finance 120 surgical operations for youngsters in Nigeria—the homeland of his parents—addressing severe health issues such as hernias and brain tumors. Furthermore, his support has facilitated health check-ups for over 580 children in Rwanda and provided emergency housing and shelter for families displaced by devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco.

During his acceptance speech, Saka highlighted the importance of his heritage and his commitment to giving back. He read an emotional letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old child in Rwanda whose failing eyesight was treated through the charitable network. The letter described how regaining his vision allowed him to return to school, read the blackboard, and dream of becoming an English teacher one day.

In addition to international medical aid, Saka has actively supported local communities in London. Last year, he donated over a thousand school uniforms to four schools in Ealing, the neighborhood where he grew up, including Greenford High School, which he previously attended. He also supplied more than 100 pairs of football boots to participants at the Street Soccer Academy, an organization that combats youth homelessness through employment training.

Reflecting on his mission to create positive change, Saka emphasized his desire to use his platform responsibly. "For me, it's really important to use my skills to make a positive impact whenever I can," he stated. He added that supporting children in Nigeria is deeply personal, recalling his own childhood dreams and encouraging youngsters to keep believing in their goals.

Saka becomes the first English player to receive the Sócrates Award, joining a distinguished group of past recipients. Previous winners include Senegal's Sadio Mane in 2022 for his infrastructure projects in his home village, Brazil's Vinicius Junior in 2023 for his educational foundation and anti-racism activism, Spain's Jenni Hermoso in 2024 for challenging abuse and discrimination, and the Xana Foundation in 2025 for supporting families of seriously ill children.