Burna Boy, Bukayo Saka Make History at 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Nigerian music star Burna Boy and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka created a memorable moment at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after the Grammy-winning singer presented the England international with the prestigious Sócrates Award.

The ceremony took place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Burna Boy’s appearance marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Nigerian artiste to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. His participation also highlighted the growing connection between African music and international football.

Before announcing the winner, the singer spoke about his football academy in Nigeria, explaining that he established the initiative to support grassroots football development and help young talents pursue their dreams.

“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,” Burna Boy said.

His remarks drew attention to his ambition of helping develop Nigerian football talents who could one day compete for some of the sport’s biggest individual honours.

Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable activities away from the football pitch.

The Arsenal winger, who has Nigerian heritage, was recognised for his involvement with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children in need access essential medical treatment.

Through the initiative, Saka has supported life-changing operations for children, including surgeries in Nigeria. In 2022, he helped fund medical procedures for 120 children in Kano, while subsequent support extended to children in other African countries.

The award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and make a positive impact in their communities. Established in 2022, it is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was known for his social activism as well as his achievements on the pitch.

Saka’s recognition adds to his growing profile as a footballer committed to charitable work, while Burna Boy’s presence placed Nigerian entertainment on the international stage during one of football’s most prominent award ceremonies.

The moment also resonated with Nigerian fans, as two figures of Nigerian heritage and influence featured prominently at an event celebrating excellence in global football.

Burna Boy expressed hope that his football development initiative would eventually help produce a Nigerian player capable of winning the Ballon d’Or itself.

His statement has added another dimension to the ceremony, shifting attention beyond the awards to the possibilities of grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.

The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.

Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.

The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.

Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.

Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.

The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.

The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.

Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.

The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.

Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.

The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.

The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.