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How Bukayo Saka’s work off the pitch earned him a Ballon d’Or award

Last week was a tough one for Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal winger is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines with the thigh injury…

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 11:30 AM
How Bukayo Saka’s work off the pitch earned him a Ballon d’Or award
Key Things to Know
  • Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony for his global humanitarian work.
  • Saka is the first Arsenal player and the first Englishman to win the prestigious honor.
  • His charitable efforts funded surgeries for more than 100 children in Africa alongside charity Big Shoe.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka won the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium. The award recognises the best humanitarian work carried out by a footballer globally. Saka is the first Englishman and first Arsenal player to receive the honor, which was presented on the same night Harry Kane won the main Ballon d'Or prize.

Saka earned the recognition through extensive charitable efforts, including partnering with Big Shoe to fund life-changing surgeries for over 100 children in Nigeria and Africa. He also provided earthquake relief shelter in Turkey and Morocco, donated over 1,000 school uniforms in Ealing, and supported the Street Soccer Academy.

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