English footballer Bukayo Saka has been awarded the 2026 Socrates Award for his humanitarian work outside of football. The Arsenal player received the award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26. The Socrates Award recognizes footballers engaged in humanitarian and social initiatives. Saka, 25, has been involved in several charitable activities, particularly in support of disadvantaged children and communities.
Saka's commitment to humanitarian work is inspired by his Nigerian heritage and personal experience with racism. Between 2022 and 2024, he contributed to funding 120 surgical operations for children in Nigeria, in collaboration with the German humanitarian organization BigShoe. These operations included treatments for hernias and brain tumors. Saka expressed pride in his Nigerian roots and emphasized the importance of supporting children in need.
Saka's initiative in Nigeria is part of his broader charitable efforts. In 2023, he distributed over 1,000 school uniforms to modest families in Ealing, London, where he grew up. Four schools benefited from this initiative, including Greenford High School, his former school. Additionally, he provided over 100 pairs of football shoes to young people supported by Street Soccer Academy, which helps young adults facing homelessness access training and employment.
Saka's engagement is also linked to his personal experience with online racism. After the 2020 Euro final, he faced racist insults on social media, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, following missed penalties. Saka subsequently spoke out against Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, criticizing their inability to prevent the spread of hate messages. This experience has fueled his commitment to combating discrimination.
In 2023, Saka participated in an initiative to support victims of earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, in collaboration with BigShoe. The initiative included funding for housing solutions. The Socrates Award, established in 2022 in honor of Brazilian footballer Socrates, recognizes Saka's humanitarian work and its impact on improving lives.
The Socrates Award highlights a different aspect of Saka's career, one that extends beyond his sporting achievements. His trophy serves as a reminder that a player's influence can be measured not only by their performance on the field but also by the lives they help improve. Saka's humanitarian work has made a significant impact, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
Saka's message to disadvantaged children is one of hope and resilience. He encourages them to continue dreaming, believing, and fighting for their goals. Through his charitable efforts, Saka aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need, both in Nigeria and in his local community in London.
Key points
- Bukayo Saka received the 2026 Socrates Award for his humanitarian work, particularly in support of disadvantaged children and communities.
- Saka's charitable efforts include funding surgical operations for children in Nigeria and distributing school uniforms and football shoes to those in need.
- The Socrates Award recognizes footballers engaged in humanitarian and social initiatives, highlighting the impact of players' work beyond their sporting achievements.
