Bukayo Saka used his moment in the spotlight to tell a story that went far beyond football after winning the 2026 Sócrates Award, highlighting the life-changing work of charity Big Shoe and its impact on children in need.
The Arsenal winger delivered an emotional speech in which he shared the experience of Biringiro, a 14-year-old boy from Rwanda whose eyesight was restored after receiving essential eye care through the charity.
Biringiro’s story offered a powerful reminder of how access to basic healthcare can transform a child’s life, restoring not only their ability to learn but also their confidence and hopes for the future.
Reading Biringiro’s message:
“When I was 12, I started losing my sight. My village has no electricity and as my eyesight got worse, even moving around my home became difficult.
“Then thanks to Big Shoe, I received the eye care that I needed. Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom.
“I can enjoy being a child again. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my future. I want to become an English teacher one day.”
The young boy’s experience captured the difference that timely medical intervention can make, particularly in communities where access to healthcare remains a challenge. For Biringiro, receiving treatment meant more than recovering his sight. It gave him the opportunity to return to the classroom with greater confidence, enjoy childhood again and dream of becoming an English teacher.
Saka’s decision to share the story placed the focus firmly on the children whose lives have been changed through charitable work, rather than on his individual achievement.
The England international also spoke about the simple joy that football brings to children and why helping others experience that happiness remains important to him.
“We know how it feels to be a child and having a ball at your feet and how much joy you have.
“Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that’s important to me.
“It’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help, thank you.”
The speech reflected Saka’s emphasis on using his platform to support children and create opportunities beyond the pitch. While football can provide moments of excitement and inspiration, his message highlighted the importance of helping young people access the care and support they need to build a better future.
The 2026 Sócrates Award recognises the wider impact of football figures through humanitarian and charitable initiatives. Saka’s speech brought that purpose into focus by connecting the award to a real-life story of a child whose future has been transformed.
Biringiro’s ambition to become an English teacher also gave the moment an uplifting conclusion. With his eyesight restored, he can now see the classroom more clearly and pursue the education that could help turn his dream into reality.
For Saka, the honour was therefore about more than personal recognition. His message was a tribute to the children who have benefited from the work of Big Shoe and a reminder that football’s influence can extend far beyond the game itself.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
