Bukayo Saka wins 2026 Socrates prize for helping fund 120 surgeries for Nigerian children

Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has won the 2026 Socrates Prize at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in recognition of his humanitarian work and charitable initiatives away from football.

The award recognises Saka’s efforts to support children in need, including his collaboration with German charity BigShoe to help fund medical operations for children in Nigeria, the country of his parents’ origin.

His contribution helped provide 120 surgeries for children suffering from various health conditions, including hernias and brain tumours.

Recognising Football’s Humanitarian Impact

The Socrates Prize is presented during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in collaboration with France Football and the Peace and Sport organisation.

It honours figures in football who use their influence and resources to support communities through humanitarian, educational and health initiatives, highlighting the impact the sport can have beyond competition.

Saka Joins Previous Socrates Prize Winners

Introduced in 2022, the Socrates Prize was named after the late Brazilian football legend Socrates, who was known for his social activism and defence of democracy.

Senegal international Sadio Mane became the award’s first recipient in 2022 in recognition of his charitable work in his home country. His initiatives included supporting health and education projects, such as the construction of a hospital and a school in his village of Bambali.

In 2023, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior received the prize for his work supporting children’s education and combating racism, particularly through his foundation, which promotes educational opportunities and digital resources in Brazilian public schools.

Spanish international Jenni Hermoso won the award in 2024 in recognition of her social advocacy and efforts to raise awareness of abuse and discrimination.

The 2025 prize went to the Xana Foundation, associated with Spanish coach Luis Enrique and his family, for its work supporting children with serious illnesses and their families.

Saka’s 2026 victory adds his name to the list of recipients recognised for using football’s global platform to support humanitarian causes.