Bukayo Saka did not leave the Ballon d'Or ceremony empty handed as Harry Kane was recognised for a brilliant 2025/26 season

Bukayo Saka said he was extremely proud after winning the Socrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday night.

The Arsenal star was presented with the award as recognition for his humanitarian work. The Hale Ender and his family have worked with multiple charities, including long-term projects with Big Shoe, and he explained in front of the crowd at the London Palladium how the work helps children and families in London and around the world.

Saka, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, said: “For me it’s an honour to be here and it’s an hour to receive this award on behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help.”

After the ceremony, which saw Harry Kane become the first English winner of the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, Saka took to social media to post another message, alongside pictures of him with the Socrates Award.

Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making football.london one of your Google preferred sources .

The 25-year-old said: "Some of the best things this year happened both on and off the pitch. Proud of what we’re building. Grateful to receive the Sócrates Award, and continue to make an impact where we can."

Elsewhere, Saka's team-mate David Raya missed out on the Yashin Trophy to Spain number one Unai Simon while Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente won the Men's Coach of the Year despite Mikel Arteta being nominated.

In the Men's Ballon d'Or, William Saliba placed 29th, Gabriel ranked 21st and Declan Rice finished in 15th. Kane won the prestigious award despite competition from Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The 33-year-old netted 73 goals for club and county during the 2025-26 campaign and also won the Gerd Muller Trophy.

"For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible," Kane said in an emotional speech. “I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration and thank you very much.”