Arsenal star Bukayo Saka delivered a touching moment at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after winning the prestigious Socrates Award for his outstanding humanitarian efforts.
The England international used his acceptance speech to highlight the inspiring story of a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose life was transformed through a charity he supports.
Saka works alongside BigShoe, an organisation dedicated to helping disadvantaged children around the world. The charity has funded 120 medical operations for children in Nigeria, while also supporting health check-ups for more than 580 children in Rwanda.
During the ceremony, the Arsenal winger took a letter from his pocket and read it aloud, sharing the young boy’s emotional journey.
The teenager, identified as Biringiro, revealed that he began losing his eyesight at the age of 12. Living in a village without electricity, his deteriorating vision made everyday activities increasingly difficult.
He struggled to move around his home, read the blackboard at school and enjoy playing with his friends like other children his age.
However, with support from BigShoe, he eventually received the eye treatment he desperately needed.
The boy explained that he can now read the blackboard from the back of his classroom and no longer feels different from other children. He also revealed his dream of becoming an English teacher one day.
His story deeply highlighted the impact of the charity’s work, with Saka expressing gratitude for the opportunity to help children around the world.
The Arsenal star said receiving the award was an honour and dedicated the recognition to all the children whose lives have been changed through their humanitarian efforts.
Saka has now become the first English footballer to win the Socrates Award, which recognises outstanding charitable and humanitarian contributions.
Previous winners include Sadio Mané in 2022, Vinícius Júnior in 2023, Jennifer Hermoso in 2024 and Luis Enrique in 2025.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Saka’s latest recognition highlights how footballers can use their influence to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. ❤️👏
