Burna Boy makes history as first Nigerian to present award at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Nigerian Afrobeat star, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy, has made history as the first Nigerian to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

He made history after handing out the 2026 Sócrates Award to English footballer, Bukayo Saka.

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

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

The singer attended the ceremony after his halftime show performance at the 2026 National Football League in Paris.

Burna’s appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony after his performance with Shakira at the FIFA World Cup final adds to his growing presence at major international sporting events.

DAILY POST reports that Burna Boy launched his football academy in Lagos, Nigeria, in August 2024.