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.

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English footballer in 25 years to claim the prestigious individual award.

Kane was announced as the winner at the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium in London on Monday, October 26, 2026. He finished ahead of France international Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona’s Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, who came third.

The 33-year-old forward enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 73 goals for club and country. His performances helped Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title and secure a domestic treble, while he also finished as the German league’s leading scorer for the third consecutive season.

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances for Bayern Munich and added 12 goals for England. He also recorded 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals of the competition.

His contributions to the England national team further strengthened his case for the award, with the Three Lions finishing third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kane scored six goals during the tournament.

The victory makes Kane the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, joining an exclusive list featuring Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

Owen was the last English player to receive the honour in 2001, when he won following an impressive season with Liverpool. Kane’s triumph therefore ends a 25-year wait for an English winner.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kane described the campaign as the best of his career and acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, coaches and everyone who supported his journey.

He credited the collective efforts of his Bayern Munich and England teammates for helping him achieve the remarkable goal-scoring record that contributed to his success.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the honour for the third time in her career after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

Putellas was recognised following a successful campaign with Barcelona before moving to London City Lionesses. Her latest victory also ended Aitana Bonmatí’s three-year run as the women’s award winner.

Other winners at the ceremony included Yamal, who claimed the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Unai Simón won the men’s goalkeeper award. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, and Paris Saint-Germain received the Men’s Club of the Year honour.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives.

The 2026 ceremony was held in London for the first time, marking the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first presented in 1956 to English footballer Sir Stanley Matthews.

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.