Burna Boy makes history at Ballon d’Or awards

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Nigerian singer Burna Boy became the first Nigerian artist to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, handing the 2026 Sócrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the London Palladium on Monday night. The Grammy-award-winning singer presented the award to Saka, an England international of Nigerian heritage, during the 70th edition of football’s prestigious individual awards ceremony.

The honour recognises footballers who make significant contributions to humanitarian causes and social development beyond the pitch.

Burna Boy used his appearance to talk about his football academy in Nigeria, explaining that he established the initiative to support the sport’s development in his home country.

“Something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home. Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

The Grammy-winning singer was introduced on stage by the ceremony’s hosts, Kate Scott and former France international Thierry Henry, before presenting the trophy to Saka.

The appearance adds to Burna Boy’s growing association with major international football events. He previously performed at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final kick-off show in Istanbul, Turkey.

Meanwhile, Burna Boy and Wizkid have also explored the connection between music and football in their 2021 collaboration, “Ballon d’Or,” using the prestigious award as a symbol of excellence and success. His appearance at Monday’s ceremony amplifies his association with football’s biggest stages.

Saka received the Sócrates Award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.

Through the initiative, the Arsenal forward supported life-changing surgical procedures for about 120 children in Kano State, Nigeria, in 2022.

He undertook the effort in recognition of his Nigerian heritage and helped children access treatment for conditions requiring medical intervention. He subsequently supported procedures for another 100 children in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania in 2023.

During his acceptance speech, Saka thanked France Football and highlighted the importance of giving children opportunities to live healthy lives and pursue their ambitions.

He also read a letter from Biringiro, a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose eyesight began deteriorating when he was 12. BigShoe provided the child with eye care after his condition made everyday activities, including moving around his home and reading in school, increasingly difficult.

In the letter, Biringiro described how the treatment had changed his life.

“Then thanks to BigShoe, I received the eye care that I needed. Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom,” he was quoted as saying.

Reflecting on the initiative, Saka said helping children regain opportunities they might otherwise lose was important to him.

“We know how it feels to be a child and have a ball at your feet and how much joy you have. Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that’s important to me,” the striker said.

The 25-year-old footballer added that he worked with his family and BigShoe to support children who lacked access to opportunities others had.

“It’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help, thank you,” he said.

France Football established the Sócrates Award in 2022 in collaboration with Peace and Sport. Named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, the honour recognises humanitarian and social initiatives supported by players and their foundations.

Previous recipients include Senegalese forward Sadio Mané, Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior and Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso.

The 2026 ceremony marked the first time the Ballon d’Or awards were held in London. The venue was chosen to commemorate the award’s 70th anniversary.

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s prize for the third time.

Other winners included Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who received the men’s young talent award, while Unai Simón and Cata Coll won the men’s and women’s goalkeeper honours, respectively. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were named men’s and women’s clubs of the year.

Meanwhile, Nigerian footballers have featured in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba among the early nominees. Victor Osimhen recorded Nigeria’s highest finish, placing eighth in 2023, while Ademola Lookman finished 14th in 2024.

However, no Nigerian has won the award. Liberia’s George Weah remains the first and only African to win the men’s Ballon d’Or in 1995.

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold also attended the ceremony’s red carpet, joining Burna Boy in representing the country’s music industry at the event.

The singer, popularly known as AG Baby, shared his excitement, saying, “Another year that I’ll be invited for the Ballon d’Or, and this time, I’ll be performing at the after-party”.

Their appearances follow other occasions when Nigerian artistes have featured at major international football events.

In 2023, Rema became the first African artiste to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, delivering his hit song Calm Down in Paris. He also performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Burna Boy also performed at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, while Davido performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Recently, Ayra Starr also made history as the first African artist to headline a halftime show at the NFL International Games. The latest appearances highlight the growing presence of Nigerian music stars at major international sporting events.

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