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Bukayo Saka Wins Socrates Award for Inspiring Charity Work
26 Oct
Summary
- Saka funded 120 surgeries for children in Nigeria.
- The Socrates award honors humanitarian work by football figures.
- This marks the 2026 Socrates award winner for his charitable initiatives.
Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal and England star, has received the 2026 Socrates award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. This honor acknowledges his substantial humanitarian work and charitable endeavors beyond his football career.
Saka's contributions specifically targeted children in need. In partnership with the German foundation 'BigShoe,' he funded 120 life-changing surgical operations for children in Nigeria, their parents' homeland.
The Socrates award, presented by France Football and 'Peace and Sport,' recognizes football personalities dedicated to community service, supporting humanitarian, educational, and health initiatives.
Launched in 2022, the award is named after the legendary Brazilian footballer Socrates. Previous recipients include Sadio Mané (2022), Vinícius Júnior (2023), Jenni Hermoso (2024), and the 'Xana' foundation (2025), underscoring football's broader societal impact.