2022 Ballon d’ Or: Sadio Mane Wins Socrate Award for Charity Work

Sadio Mane has won the maiden Socrates Award, with the Bayern Munich forward being recognised for his humanitarian work.

Senegal star wins top prize
A reward for his philanthropy
The first footballer to claim the honour

WHAT HAPPENED? The Senegal international and Bavarian star won the first Socrates Award during the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held on Monday night at the Theatre du Chatelet, Paris. The prize is named after Brazil football icon Socrates – who co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement, in opposition to the ruling military government in 1980s Brazil.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE: Notwithstanding his hectic schedule on the field of play, the reigning African Player of the Year continues to touch lives, especially in Senegal. Mane built a public hospital and funded schools and families in his home village of Bambali last year, and also donated to the Senegalese National Committee to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

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WHAT THEY SAID: “I’m really happy to be a guest tonight. Sometimes I’m a bit shy, but I’m really happy to do what I can do for my people to make things better,” Mane said after picking up the award.(goal)