Burna Boy Makes History as First Nigerian to Present Award at Ballon d’Or

Nigerian Afrobeats star Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has become the first Nigerian to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The singer made history when he presented the 2026 Socrates Award to England international, Bukayo Saka.

Burna Boy handed over the award to Saka on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Palladium Theatre in London, UK.

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Speaking about his football academy ahead of the presentation, he said, “Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or.”

The artiste was at the ceremony following his halftime performance at the 2026 National Football League in Paris.

His appearance at the Ballon d’Or, coming after his performance alongside Shakira at the FIFA World Cup final, further cements his growing presence at major global sporting events.

It was gathered that Burna Boy launched his football academy in Lagos in August 2024.