Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has become the first Nigerian artiste to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony after handing the 2026 Sócrates Award to Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka in London.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, presented the award on Monday at the London Palladium during the 70th edition of the ceremony.
The event was held in London for the first time, marking 70 years since England’s Stanley Matthews won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
Before presenting the award, Burna Boy spoke about his football academy in Nigeria and its aim of supporting the development of the sport in his home country.
“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,” he said.
The singer was invited onto the stage by presenters Kate Scott and former France international Thierry Henry before announcing Saka as the winner.
The Sócrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and improve lives in their communities.
It was established in 2022 and named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates.
Saka received the honour for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children access medical treatment they might otherwise be unable to afford.
Through the partnership, the Arsenal winger has supported operations for children, including treatment to restore sight.
His charitable work has also reached children in Nigeria.
Burna Boy’s appearance at the ceremony came shortly after his performance at the 2026 National Football League Paris halftime show, where he entertained fans at Stade de France.
The singer has previously performed at major sporting events, including the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and the UEFA Champions League final kickoff show.
He also performed alongside Colombian singer Shakira during the first FIFA World Cup final halftime show in July 2026.
Burna Boy has become one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised music stars, winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall.
His appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony adds to the growing presence of Nigerian music stars at major international sporting events.
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