Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been credited with helping a 14-year-old Rwandan boy regain his sight after funding eye treatment through the medical charity BigShoe.
The story of the boy, Byiringiro, was presented at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where Saka was reported to have received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.
Byiringiro began losing his sight at the age of 12. Living in a rural village without electricity, he struggled to move around safely and could no longer read the blackboard at school.
The treatment funded by Saka reportedly restored his vision, allowing him to return to his studies without the difficulties that had threatened his education.
In a letter read at the ceremony, Byiringiro described the difference the treatment had made.
“Today, I can read the blackboard even from the back of the classroom,” he wrote, adding that he hoped to become an English teacher.
The reported intervention is part of a wider account of Saka’s charitable work, which includes support for children needing medical treatment in Nigeria and assistance for communities affected by natural disasters.
The Sócrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence to support humanitarian causes. It was introduced in 2022 and named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates.
For Byiringiro, the reported support means more than being able to see clearly again. It offers him a better chance to continue his education and work towards his ambition of becoming a teacher.
