Burna Boy gave the 2026 Socrates Award to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d'Or event on Monday.
Before handing over the award, Burna Boy talked about his football academy in Nigeria. He said he started this project a few years ago to help football grow in his home country.
"Something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home. Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or," he shared.
After his speech, the singer presented the award to Saka during the ceremony.
The Socrates Award is for footballers who use their fame and money to help others and improve their communities. France Football and Peace and Sport created it in 2022. The award is named after the famous Brazilian player Sócrates.
Saka received the award for his charity work with BigShoe. This organization helps children who need medical care. His support has allowed many children to get life-changing treatments, including surgery to help them see again.
Other winners of the award include Senegal's Sadio Mané, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, and Spain's Jenni Hermoso.
Last year, the award went to the Xana Foundation. This foundation was set up by Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique in memory of his daughter.
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