Bukayo Saka Wins Ballon d’Or Socrates Award for Funding 120 Surgeries in Kano

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or Socrates Award for his humanitarian work beyond football. Saka was recognised for his partnership with the BigShoe charity, which has supported medical care for children in Africa. In 2022, he funded 120 surgeries for children in Kano, including treatment for hernias and brain tumours. During his acceptance speech, Saka shared a message from a 12-year-old boy in Rwanda whose sight was restored through treatment supported by the initiative. Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented the award and said he hopes to one day return to present a Ballon d’Or prize to a Nigerian player.

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