CORNERFLICK
Bukayo Saka won the 2026 Sócrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on Monday, with his work away from football recognised on the night.
Why Saka was chosen
The award honours players who use their public platform to support humanitarian causes and other social projects. It is not based on football performance.
Saka, who has Nigerian roots, has backed several charitable efforts in recent years. One of the most notable was his work with the Big Shoe charity to help fund surgery for 120 children in Nigeria.
The support covered operations for children whose families could not afford the treatment.
Previous winners
Sadio Mané, Vinícius Júnior and Jenni Hermoso have all won the Sócrates Award before. Last year, the title went to the Xana Foundation, set up by Luis Enrique and his family.