Burna Boy Makes History at Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Nigerian singer Burna Boy has become the first Nigerian artist to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. He handed the 2026 Sócrates Award to Arsenal player Bukayo Saka at the London Palladium on Monday night.

Burna Boy, who has won a Grammy, presented the award to Saka, who plays for England but has Nigerian roots. This was during the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, a big event that celebrates top football players.

The Sócrates Award is given to players who help with humanitarian work and social development outside of football.

Burna Boy took the chance to talk about his football academy in Nigeria. He set up this academy to help develop football 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 the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

The ceremony’s hosts, Kate Scott and former French player Thierry Henry, introduced Burna Boy before he presented the trophy to Saka.

This appearance adds to Burna Boy’s relationship with big football events. He performed at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey.

Also, Burna Boy and Wizkid have linked music and football in their 2021 song, “Ballon d’Or.” In the song, they use the award to show excellence and success. His presence at the ceremony shows his growing ties to major football events.