Burna Boy Presents Sócrates Award to Bukayo Saka
Nigerian music star Burna Boy took Afrobeats to football’s biggest night on Monday, October 26, 2026, when he presented the Sócrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. The Grammy-winning singer used his moment on stage to talk about his football academy in Nigeria and shared a big dream: seeing a Nigerian lift the Ballon d’Or one day.
Watch the Moment
See the moment Burna Boy handed Bukayo Saka the Sócrates Award in London, shared by the Premier League on Instagram.
Burna Boy Takes the Stage at the London Palladium
This year’s Ballon d’Or was held at the London Palladium, the first time the awards have taken place in London. The evening was hosted by broadcaster Kate Scott and former France striker Thierry Henry, who introduced Burna Boy before he presented the trophy.
According to Premium Times, the appearance made Burna Boy the first Nigerian artist to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The singer, known to fans as Odogwu, kept his look sharp and simple. He wore a tailored black suit with subtle metallic details and dark sunglasses, while Saka stepped out in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.
“One of My People”
Before handing over the award, Burna Boy spoke about the football academy he set up in Nigeria. He described it as “something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home.”
He then shared his hope for the future of Nigerian football, telling the audience: “Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or.”
It was a fitting moment for an artist who has spent years flying Nigeria’s flag on global stages. Burna Boy is also set to make his India debut at Rolling Loud India 2026 in Mumbai in December.
Why Bukayo Saka Won the Sócrates Award
Saka, who has Nigerian heritage, was honoured for his charity work with BigShoe, a German charity that helps children get medical care.
Through the partnership, the Arsenal star funded surgeries for about 120 children in Kano State, Nigeria, in 2022. The operations treated conditions including hernias and brain tumours. In 2023, he funded around 100 more surgeries for children in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
On stage, Saka read a letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda. He also thanked the organisers, saying: “It’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award.”
About the Sócrates Award
The Sócrates Award was introduced in 2022 by France Football together with the Peace and Sport organisation. It is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates and celebrates players who use their influence to support humanitarian causes and social change.
Past winners include Sadio Mané (2022), Vinícius Júnior (2023) and Jenni Hermoso (2024). In 2025, the award went to the Xana Foundation.
Quick Facts
- Event: 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony
- Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
- Venue: London Palladium, London (first Ballon d’Or held in the city)
- Hosts: Kate Scott and Thierry Henry
- Presenter: Burna Boy
- Award: Sócrates Award, won by Bukayo Saka
- Reason: Saka’s work with BigShoe funding surgeries for children in Nigeria and East Africa
A Night With a Strong Nigerian Flavour
Burna Boy was not the only Nigerian music star in the room. Adekunle Gold walked the red carpet and revealed he had a role to play later in the night.
“Another year that I’ll be invited for the Ballon d’Or, and this time, I’ll be performing at the after-party,” he said.
The moment also brought back memories of Burna Boy’s 2021 song “B. D’OR” (Ballon d’Or) with Wizkid, a track that celebrated success using football’s top individual prize as its theme. Five years later, Burna Boy was standing on the real Ballon d’Or stage.
Who Won the Main Awards?
England captain Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s prize for the third time. Lamine Yamal won the men’s young player award, Unai Simón and Cata Coll were named the best goalkeepers, and PSG and Barcelona were honoured as clubs of the year.
Fans React Online
Clips and photos of Burna Boy and Saka on stage spread quickly on social media after the ceremony, with many Nigerian fans celebrating two stars with Nigerian roots sharing one of football’s biggest stages. One sports page summed up the mood on Threads with a line popular among fans: “Odogwu no be small name.”
The appearance adds to a busy season for Nigerian stars in London, where Olamide is set to headline the O2 Arena in March 2027.
Final Word
Burna Boy’s Ballon d’Or appearance was about more than music. By presenting an award for charity work to a player of Nigerian heritage, and by speaking about grassroots football back home, he turned a red-carpet moment into a message of pride and hope. Whether his wish of seeing a Nigerian win the Ballon d’Or comes true remains to be seen, but on Monday night, Nigeria was well represented in London.
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