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Nigeria: Burna Boy Makes History At Ballon d'Or Awards
The Arsenal forward was recognized for BigShoe-backed medical aid and surgeries that helped about 220 children in Nigeria and East Africa.
- On Monday, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, marking the event's first time held in the city during its 70th anniversary.
- France Football established the prize in 2022 to honor significant humanitarian contributions by players; named after the late Brazilian footballer, it recognizes social initiatives with previous recipients including Sadio Mane and Vinicius Junior.
- Through BigShoe, Saka supported surgical procedures for about 120 children in Kano State, Nigeria, in 2022, then assisted another 100 children in Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania in 2023.
- During his acceptance speech, Saka read a letter from 14-year-old Biringiro, a Rwandan boy whose eyesight was restored through BigShoe, emphasizing the importance of giving children opportunities to pursue ambitions.
- Burna Boy's appearance reflects the growing presence of Nigerian music stars at major international sporting events, joining artists like Rema and Davido who performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony and FIFA World Cup.
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52 Articles
52 Articles
Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka won the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, but it wasn't his footballing achievements but his big heart that moved the world. He made the glittering evening very emotional by reading a letter from a child whose life had been changed thanks to the player's support. The Socrates Award was established in 2022 in the name of the iconic Brazilian footballer, known for his active civic stance. It honours fo…
In 2022, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka funded 120 operations for children in Nigeria; four years later, his work with a charity that restored a Rwandan boy's sight has earned him the 2026 Socrates Award in London
Football’s biggest moments are often measured by goals, trophies and memorable nites under stadium lights.
·India
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An Arsenal star is honored for his commitment with the German initiative BigShoe.
·Berlin, Germany
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Total News Sources52
Leaning Left6Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
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