English star Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and national team player, was awarded the Socrates Award for 2026 during the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium theater in the British capital. This honor comes in recognition of his active role and humanitarian and social contributions off the pitch.
The Socrates Award, which launched in 2022 as a result of cooperation between “France Football” magazine and the “Peace and Sport” organization, is granted to players who leverage their fame and resources to support charitable causes and make a positive impact in society. The award focuses on areas including health, education, and combating discrimination, reflecting the players’ commitment to achieving a deeper impact beyond the sports field.
Saka has an impressive record in charitable work, having significantly contributed to funding 120 surgeries for children in Kano, Nigeria. This effort was done in collaboration with the “Big Shoe” organization, which specializes in supporting medical operations for children. The Arsenal player, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, emphasized that helping children in Nigeria holds special importance for him due to his deep connection to his family roots and cultural heritage.
This receipt of the Socrates Award highlights the humanitarian side of athletes and affirms that football can be a powerful tool for positive change in the world. Saka’s commitment to helping those in need sets an exemplary model for young athletes and encourages them to activate their social role to serve causes larger than just achieving sports victories.
