At the initiative of Peace and Sport, the Xana Foundation, created by PSG coach Luis Enrique and winner of the 2025 Sócrates Award, presented during the Ballon d’Or® ceremony co-organized by Groupe L’Équipe and UEFA, was received at the Prince’s Palace by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. This historic meeting highlights the major role of sport in serving social and humanitarian causes.
Peace and Sport: at the heart of athletes’ social commitment
Co-created by L’Équipe and Peace and Sport and awarded each year during the Ballon d’Or® ceremony, the Sócrates Award has become an international symbol of social engagement in football. This year, for the first time, the award winners, Elena and Bela Cullell, representatives of the Xana Foundation, were received at the Palace by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, underscoring the growing importance of this trophy and the central role of Monaco and Peace and Sport in promoting athletes’ civic engagement.
Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport:
“Since its creation, Peace and Sport has worked to ensure that athletes’ commitment beyond the field is recognized and valued, while supporting them to increase the impact of their social initiatives. The Sócrates Award and this audience at the Prince’s Palace are a concrete illustration of this approach and help strengthen the visibility of their commitment to society.”
Yannick Lemaire – Director of the Ballon d’Or®, Groupe L’Équipe:
“It is a tremendous honor for Groupe L’Équipe to have presented, alongside Peace and Sport, the Sócrates Award to the Xana Foundation during the 69th Ballon d’Or® ceremony. Created by Luis Enrique and his wife Elena Cullell, the Xana Foundation fully embodies the spirit and societal values carried by the Award. We are delighted about this meeting between Peace and Sport and the Xana Foundation, which will further strengthen the special ties we maintain with the Sócrates Award winners.”
Luis Enrique and the Xana Foundation: sport in the service of humanity
The Xana Foundation, created by Luis Enrique and his wife Elena Cullell following the tragic passing of their daughter Xana, supports hospitalized children suffering from serious illnesses. Its mission relies on a holistic approach centered on the well-being, emotional support, and dignity of young patients.
Bela Cullell, Director of the Xana Foundation, said:
“Receiving the Sócrates Award is an honor. As a still-young foundation, it brings us national and international visibility and strengthens the credibility of our work.”
