BURNA BOY MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST AFRICAN ARTIST TO PRESENT AWARD AT 2026 BALLON D'OR

On Monday, October 26, 2026, Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy presented the 2026 Socrates Award to Bukayo Saka at the Ballon d'Or ceremony — becoming the first African (and first Nigerian) artist to present an award at the Ballon d'Or. Read our Burna Boy biography for more on the African Giant's career. The ceremony took place at the London Palladium, marking the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or and the first time the awards were held in London.

The Moment at the London Palladium

Introduced by hosts Kate Scott and former France international Thierry Henry, Burna Boy took the stage to present one of the evening's special honours. The 2026 ceremony was the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or — seventy years after Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award in 1956. For the African Giant, the invitation carried historic weight: no African artist had ever presented at the Ballon d'Or before.

What Burna Boy Said — The Nigerian Football Academy

Before handing over the trophy, Burna Boy spoke about his football academy in Nigeria — launched in 2024, according to reports — describing it as a project rooted in his love for the game back home. He told the audience: “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 Ballon d'Or.”

Why Saka Won the Socrates Award

The Socrates Award, named after the late Brazilian footballer Socrates and established in 2022, honours footballers who use their influence for humanitarian causes and social development. Saka received the 2026 award for his charitable work with BigShoe, which funds medical treatment for children. According to reports, the initiative supported around 120 children in Kano State, Nigeria in 2022, and further children in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania in 2023.

Burna Boy's Sports Year

The Ballon d'Or appearance capped a remarkable sporting year for Burna Boy. Just a day earlier, on October 25, 2026, he performed at the NFL Paris halftime show as the Steelers faced the Saints at the Stade de France — the NFL's first regular-season game in France. And in July 2026, he shared the FIFA World Cup final halftime stage with Shakira for their anthem “Dai Dai.” Also see our 'Dai Dai' lyrics and Tems, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr's Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack.

Watch the Official Video

Video: The official music video of “Dai Dai,” Burna Boy and Shakira's 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem (via shakiraVEVO). Please note: this is the song's music video, not footage from the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Burna Boy the first African artist to present at the Ballon d'Or?
Yes. By presenting the 2026 Socrates Award, he became the first African — and first Nigerian — artist to present an award at the ceremony.

Who won the 2026 Socrates Award?
Bukayo Saka, recognised for his charitable work with BigShoe funding medical treatment for children.

When and where was the ceremony held?
On Monday, October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium — the 70th Ballon d'Or and the first held in London.

What did Burna Boy say on stage?
He spoke about his football academy in Nigeria (launched in 2024, according to reports) and said he hopes to one day return and see one of his own people receive a Ballon d'Or award.

What is the Socrates Award?
Established in 2022 and named after the late Brazilian footballer Socrates, it honours players who use their influence for humanitarian causes and social development.