From Europe's pitches to Africa's hearts.. Behind the scenes of Saka's 2026 Sócrates Award crowning

Bukayo Saka is widely recognised for his performances with Arsenal and England but beyond the football pitch lies another story, one deeply connected to his African heritage and the lives of children whose futures he has helped transform.

On Monday 26 October, the 25 year old winger received the 2026 Sócrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, recognising his humanitarian initiatives and charitable contributions.

Behind that recognition is a remarkable story involving 120 surgical operations in Nigeria, support for earthquake victims in Morocco and a young Rwandan boy whose restored eyesight has given him renewed hope for the future.

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120 surgeries in Nigeria: How Saka changed children's lives

Saka's humanitarian involvement attracted international attention in November 2022 when it emerged that he had partnered with the charitable organisation BigShoe to finance 120 life changing operations for children in Kano, northern Nigeria.

The procedures, carried out in October 2022, treated children suffering from medical conditions including inguinal and umbilical hernias and brain tumours.

Born in London, the Arsenal winger has consistently expressed pride in his African roots and his desire to make a meaningful contribution to communities in Nigeria.

The impact became particularly visible in February 2024 when the Premier League shared letters written by children who had benefited from the initiative.

One especially moving account concerned Kabir, a 12 year old boy who had previously struggled to walk.

Following his operation and recovery, Kabir was able to return to playing football, with his friends even giving him the nickname "Saka" in honour of the player who helped change his life.

From Nigeria to Rwanda: A story of restored sight

During the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Saka drew attention to another inspiring story involving BigShoe's humanitarian work in Africa.

He shared the experience of Biringiro, a 14 year old boy from Rwanda who began losing his eyesight at the age of 12.

Living in a village without electricity, the youngster found everyday activities increasingly difficult as his vision deteriorated.

With medical assistance provided through BigShoe, Biringiro regained his ability to see clearly, allowing him to read the classroom blackboard and resume activities he had previously struggled to enjoy.

His ambition is now to become an English teacher.

By sharing Biringiro's experience, Saka highlighted the importance of giving vulnerable children the opportunity to pursue their dreams. The Rwandan case also illustrated the wider impact of the charity's work beyond his own documented initiative in Nigeria.

Morocco and Turkey: Humanitarian work beyond the operating room

Saka's charitable efforts have also extended to families affected by natural disasters.

In December 2023, he partnered with BigShoe to provide 50 fully equipped residential containers in Morocco, helping accommodate families displaced by the devastating September earthquake.

The project offered shelter to 84 families including 89 children according to reports published at the time.

Earlier in 2023, the Arsenal star had also financed accommodation for 26 families affected by the earthquakes in Turkey.

From African roots to the Ballon d'Or stage

Saka's recognition carries additional significance given the history of the Sócrates Award.

Introduced in 2022, the prize was first awarded to Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané whose charitable initiatives included substantial contributions to healthcare and education in his homeland.

Four years later, another player with deep African connections has received the same recognition.

Although Saka represents England internationally, his humanitarian involvement in Nigeria reflects the continuing importance of his family's African heritage.

His 2026 Sócrates Award celebrates a contribution that extends far beyond footballing statistics, individual trophies or performances on the pitch.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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