In 2022, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka funded 120 operations for children in Nigeria; four years later, his work with a charity that restored a Rwandan boy's sight has earned him the 2026 Socrates Award in London

Football’s biggest moments are often measured by goals, trophies and memorable nights under stadium lights. But for Bukayo Saka, one of the most meaningful victories has come away from the pitch, in hospitals, classrooms and communities where access to basic medical care can transform a child’s future. The Arsenal star’s continued humanitarian efforts have now earned him one of football’s biggest off-pitch honors. Scroll down to find out the details of his humanitarian act.A recognition outside of footballSaka was named the winner of the 2026 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, an award given to footballers whose humanitarian contributions extend beyond the sport, according to a report by The Cable. The prize, named in honor of the legendary Brazilian footballer, was first given in 2022 to former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and has since become a major recognition of the role football plays in supporting social causes.The Standard reports Saka was recognized for his extensive humanitarian work with his family and several charitable organizations, particularly his long-standing involvement with Big Shoe, which provides medical assistance and humanitarian support to children and families in need around the world. The award was presented by Nigerian musician Burna Boy at the gala, held at the Palladium Theater in London, adds The Cable.Nigeria: 120 childrenSaka has worked with Big Shoe on initiatives to support children who may have trouble accessing necessary medical procedures, according to The Standard. In 2022, the Arsenal winger partnered with the charity to finance life-changing surgeries for 120 children in Kano, Nigeria, in one of the most significant efforts of his charitable work to date.His support went beyond Nigeria the following year. Saka also helped fund surgeries for another 100 children across Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, as part of broader efforts to bring critical healthcare to children in developing communities, The Cable reported. The work has a personal resonance with the cause. Saka, who is of Nigerian heritage, has long used his platform to support initiatives for children in situations vastly different from his own.Restoring a child’s visionAmong the stories featured around Saka’s Socrates Award was that of 14-year-old Biringiro from Rwanda, whose eyesight was restored thanks to Big Shoe’s medical program. Biringiro had started losing his sight at the age of 12, The Standard reports. Living in a village without electricity, his failing eyesight had made it increasingly difficult to move around each day and had impacted his ability to fully participate at school.Thanks to treatment supported by Big Shoe, the young boy was able to regain his sight and go back to activities that had become difficult, including reading the classroom blackboard. His story was a powerful testament to the impact behind Saka’s charitable work, turning the award from a personal achievement into recognition of the children and communities benefitting from the initiative.A wide-ranging missionSaka’s humanitarian efforts go beyond individual medical procedures. The footballer has been working with Big Shoe and his family to help children who do not have the same chances or resources as many others.The initiative also reflects the broader purpose of the Socrates Award: to highlight the ability of prominent athletes to use their visibility and influence to create meaningful change away from competition.Saka has emphasized the importance of helping children rediscover simple joys and possibilities that illness or poverty can take away, as The Standard reported. For young beneficiaries of Big Shoe’s work, that can mean something as fundamental as being able to see clearly, return to school or imagine a future without a medical condition that defines their possibilities.A different type of winThe 2026 Socrates Award adds another layer to Saka’s growing legacy. His footballing legacy with Arsenal may continue to define him, but his charitable work is creating an impact measured in lives, not in scorelines.Images Courtesy: Facebook and istockYou use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.