Senegal and Bayern Munich forward, Sadio Mane had been named the first-ever winner of the Socrates Award.
Mane was presented with the award at the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night.
The former Liverpool player has earned global recognition for his work on the pitch but his humanitarian efforts have touched thousands of lives as well.
Mane has built a hospital and provided funds for schools in his home nation while supporting families in Senegal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sadio Mané, the very first winner of the Socrates Award! #PrixSocrates with @peaceandsport#ballondor pic.twitter.com/VU3eAYiZ0L
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) October 17, 2022
“The Socrates Prize identifies the best social initiative by committed champions,” France Football, the organisers of the ceremony said in a statement.
The award is named after the late Brazilian footballer Socrates, who co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement, in opposition to the ruling military government in 1980s Brazil.
Sadio Mané, after receiving the Socrates Award 👀#ballondor @peaceandsport pic.twitter.com/b5NBhyMcgI
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) October 17, 2022
“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 in his speech after receiving the award.
Mane also placed second in the 2022 Ballon d’Or race behind eventual winner Karim Benzema.