From a young boy’s dream in west London to a tangible commitment to children, the England international embodies a generation of champions who use their sporting success as a means of fostering solidarity.
At the 70th Ballon d’Or™ ceremony, Bukayo Saka was named the winner of the 2026 Sócrates Award, which recognises footballers – both male and female – who are involved in charitable initiatives and social causes. This award recognises, in particular, his humanitarian work on behalf of children in Nigeria, his focus on young people and his outspokenness in speaking out against discrimination. During the award presentation by the international artist Burna Boy, he read a moving message from a 14 yo child in Rwanda whose access to education had been made possible through his initiative.
It all begins with a dream
Born in London in 2001, Bukayo Saka grew up with a passion for football and a determination to give himself the means to succeed. Having become one of the key players for Arsenal and the England team, he has not forgotten the importance of the opportunities available to younger players and encourages them to believe in their ambitions.
Aware of the extent of his influence, he is also committed to helping the most vulnerable: in 2022, he partnered with the charity BigShoe to fund more than 120 life-saving surgical operations for children in Kano, Nigeria, his parents’ country of origin.
After being subjected to racist abuse following the Euro 2020 final, he condemned these attacks and called on social media platforms to better protect their users. His outspoken stance served as a reminder that no child or adult should have to endure such messages.
“It’s an honour to be here on behalf of all children. We know what it means to be a child and to love playing football, so being able to give other children the same opportunity is truly special.” – Bukayo Saka
“Bukayo Saka is an exemplary player, both on and off the pitch. His commitment to humanitarian causes is a perfect illustration of this. Through his career and the values he upholds, he fully embodies the spirit of the Sócrates Award, established in 2022 by the L’Équipe Group and Peace and Sport. He is therefore a particularly fitting and inspiring ambassador for the award. I am convinced that, in the years to come, he will continue to play an active part in advancing major social causes.” – Vincent Garcia, Editor-in-Chief of France Football
A champion’s responsibility extends beyond the pitch
By honouring Bukayo Saka, the Sócrates Award highlights the role of champions who use their influence to advance social causes. His commitment to supporting children in Nigeria and combating discrimination echoes that of Peace and Sport’s Champions for Peace, who use their fame to promote a more inclusive and peaceful world.
“A champion’s responsibility does not end on the pitch. Peace and Sport’s work involves supporting and promoting the commitment of sportspeople who use their influence to help others. It is within this framework of expertise that our contribution to the Sócrates Award fits, as it recognises champions capable of transforming their fame into concrete action. Bukayo Saka is a fine example of this. ”
Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport
