Bukayo Saka wins 2026 Socrates Award for humanitarian work

Bukayo Saka has been awarded the 2026 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in recognition of his humanitarian work and charitable initiatives away from football.

The Arsenal forward was honoured for his support of children in need through his partnership with German charity BigShoe. The organisation has helped fund operations for children in Nigeria, the country of his parents’ heritage.

Saka’s involvement contributed to 120 surgical procedures for children affected by a range of health conditions, including hernias and brain tumours.

The Socrates Award is presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony by France Football in partnership with Peace and Sport. It recognises football figures who use their profile and resources to support humanitarian, educational and health-related causes, highlighting the contribution sport can make beyond competition.

Saka joins previous Socrates Award winners

The award was introduced in 2022 and named after the late Brazilian football great Socrates, who was known for his social activism and his support for democracy. Since then, it has provided recognition for the wider humanitarian impact of figures in the game.

Sadio Mane was the first recipient in 2022, receiving the award for charitable projects in Senegal. His work included backing health and education initiatives, such as the construction of a hospital and a school in his home village of Bambali.

In 2023, the award went to Vinicius Junior for his efforts to improve children’s education and challenge racism. His foundation has worked to create educational opportunities and develop digital resources in Brazil’s public schools.

The 2024 award was presented to Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso. She was recognised for her social advocacy and for drawing attention to issues involving abuse and discrimination.

The 2025 prize went to the Shana Foundation, which is associated with Spanish manager Luis Enrique and his family. The foundation supports children living with serious illnesses and provides assistance to their families.

Saka becomes the latest name on that list after his initiatives supporting children received particular recognition. His award adds an achievement away from the pitch to a career otherwise defined by his performances and contributions for Arsenal.

The honour also underlines the role footballers can play through their public influence and charitable work, with their impact extending beyond what they produce during matches.