Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has become the first Nigerian artiste to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony after handing the 2026 Sócrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka in London.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, presented the award at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, during the 70th edition of the ceremony, which was held in London for the first time.
Before announcing Saka as the recipient, the singer spoke about his football academy in Nigeria, which he said was established to support the country’s football culture.
“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 said.
Burna Boy was invited on stage by presenters Kate Scott and Thierry Henry before presenting the trophy to Saka, who has Nigerian heritage.
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The Sócrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence to support humanitarian causes and social initiatives beyond the pitch. France Football established the honour in 2022 in collaboration with Peace and Sport, naming it after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates.
Saka received the 2026 award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children access medical treatment.
Through the initiative, the Arsenal forward has supported life-changing surgeries for children in Nigeria and other African countries. In 2022, he sponsored surgeries for 120 children in Kano, while further donations helped fund procedures for children in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Burna Boy’s appearance at the ceremony followed his performance at the 2026 NFL Paris halftime show on Sunday. The singer has previously performed at major sporting events, including the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and the UEFA Champions League final kickoff show.
Previous recipients of the Sócrates Award include Senegalese forward Sadio Mané, Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior and Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso.
Guardian.ng
