Burna Boy becomes first African artiste to present Ballon d’Or Socrates Award

Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has become the first African artiste to present the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The Grammy-winning singer presented the 2026 award to Arsenal forward and England international Bukayo Saka at the ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.

The Socrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and social development beyond the sport.

Saka received the honour for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need. His work has helped fund life-changing medical procedures for children in Nigeria and other African countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Burna Boy discussed his football academy in Nigeria, established to support the development of the sport. He expressed hope that one of the academy’s players would one day receive recognition at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, the award was established in 2022 to recognise footballers’ humanitarian and social initiatives.

Burna Boy’s appearance highlighted the growing representation of African music at major international sports events.