LONDON.Bukayo Saka brought the story of Biringiro, a 14-year-old Rwandan boy, onto football’s biggest awards stage after winning the 2026 Sócrates Award.
The Arsenal and England forward received the humanitarian honour at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, with Nigerian musician Burna Boy presenting the award.
Saka read a letter from Biringiro, whose recovery from deteriorating eyesight through charity BigShoe had renewed his confidence and educational ambitions.
Biringiro’s renewed hope
In the letter, Biringiro explained that his eyesight began worsening when he was 12, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
His village had no electricity, and as his vision deteriorated, even moving around his home became a challenge.
Medical care through BigShoe helped restore his sight, allowing him to follow lessons and enjoy childhood again.
“Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom,” Biringiro wrote in the letter Saka read.
The teenager also shared his ambition: “I want to become an English teacher one day.”
Saka explained that helping children rediscover the happiness associated with playing football remained an important motivation for his charitable work.
“We’re all just really blessed,” he said during his acceptance speech, while reflecting on the opportunity to support others.
Giving back to Nigeria
Saka’s recognition also reflects his longstanding support for children in Nigeria, the country of his parents’ birth.
Award partner Peace and Sport said he partnered with BigShoe in 2022 to fund more than 120 surgical operations in Kano.
The organisation highlighted his commitment to young people and his public opposition to discrimination when explaining his selection.
“I’m very proud of my Nigerian heritage, so being able to support children there is very special to me,” Saka previously told the Premier League.
The Ballon d’Or organisers cited those remarks in their announcement, connecting his charitable work with his family roots.
His community support extends to London, where organisers said he donated more than 1,000 school uniforms across four Ealing schools.
He also provided more than 100 pairs of football boots to Street Soccer Academy, which supports young adults facing homelessness.
Established in 2022 by the L’Équipe Group and Peace and Sport, the Sócrates Award recognises footballers’ charitable initiatives and social commitments.
Saka’s recognition reflects work spanning medical treatment, education and opportunities for young people, with children in Africa central to that contribution.