Burna Boy Wants His Nigerian Football Academy to Produce a Ballon d’Or Winner
Burna Boy has spent years taking Nigerian music to some of the world’s biggest stages. Now, the singer hopes to help Nigerian football talent earn similar recognition.
At the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, Burna Boy presented Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka with the Sócrates Award, which recognises footballers who use their influence to support humanitarian causes. Before handing over the trophy, however, the Grammy-winning singer shared an ambition of his own.
“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 the Ballon d’Or,” Burna Boy said.
Bukayo Saka Earns Recognition for His Charity Work
Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work, particularly his partnership with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children access essential medical treatment. Through the initiative, the Arsenal forward has supported life-changing surgeries for children in Nigeria and other African countries.
During his acceptance speech, Saka highlighted the impact of that work by sharing the story of a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose eyesight improved after he received medical treatment.
The award recognises a side of football that extends beyond goals, trophies and individual performances. It celebrates players who use their platforms and resources to improve lives, making Saka’s win a fitting moment for the ceremony.
Burna Boy’s presentation also brought together two prominent figures with Nigerian roots from different industries. While Saka continues to make his mark in football, Burna Boy hopes his own investment in grassroots development will help more Nigerian players reach the highest levels of the sport.
