Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has added another honour to his name, but this one has little to do with what he does on the football pitch. The Arsenal winger has won the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony for his work helping children and families in need.
Bukayo Saka recognised for work away from the pitch
The Socrates Award recognizes footballers who use their position to support others. Named after Brazilian football legend Socrates, it was first presented in 2022, with ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane becoming its first winner.
Saka is the latest player to receive the honour. Along with his family, he has supported several charity projects, including long-term work with Big Shoe, an organization that helps children get medical treatment.
As per Arsenal’s official website, their efforts have helped children and families in London and other parts of the world. The aim is to give people access to support they might struggle to afford on their own.
It is a side of Saka’s life that fans may not hear about as often as his performances for Arsenal and England. While his work on the pitch brings goals, assists and plenty of attention, his charity work has helped people dealing with much more difficult situations.
Helping children get the treatment they need
A major part of Saka’s work has involved supporting children who need surgery. For many families, the cost of medical treatment can be a huge burden. Without financial help, some children may have to go without care that could make a lasting difference to their lives.
Through their work with Big Shoe, Saka and his family have helped fund operations for children in Nigeria and across Africa. Arsenal’s website states that their efforts have helped more than 100 children receive surgeries that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Their support has not only been medical care. Saka’s family have also supported providing emergency housing, shelters for families who lost their homes in the earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco. These resources have helped families survive a very difficult time when dispossessed families have no safe haven to turn to.
Saka’s work with Big Shoe has also enabled children in different African countries to access treatment. Medical care can open up opportunities that many take for granted. The award matters because of such projects. The money and support helps children recover and also provides relief to the families.
Saka’s stats on the pitch for Arsenal in the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created Successful Passes %
Premier League 31 7 5 61 76.7%
FA Cup 2 0 0 2 97.0%
EFL Cup 5 1 0 9 77.9%
Champions League 11 3 2 17 82.6%
Arsenal
An award beyond football
Saka has become one of Arsenal’s most important players and a familiar face for England supporters. Winning the Socrates Award, however, recognises something different from his achievements in the game.
Footballers often receive praise for winning trophies or producing big moments in important matches. Saka’s latest honour puts the focus on what he and his family have done for people away from the spotlight.
The charity work shows how athletes can take advantage of their success to contribute to the community. Every single initiative matters when they reach people with a lack of options. Saka has already achieved success in the Premier League at 25. This award is another reason he can be proud of himself, as his work has helped improve the lives of many. It is a reminder that a footballer’s impact can stretch well beyond the game itself.