Football is not just a game, it’s a passion that brings people together from all walks of life. It’s a sport that has the power to inspire, unite, and transform society.
And now, there’s a new award that recognizes the humanitarian work of champion footballers. The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is named after the legendary Brazilian football player and doctor who believed in the power of sport to create a more just world.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is, why it was created, and who has won it so far. Join us as we delve into the world of football and its impact beyond the pitch.
What Is Socrates Award Ballon D’or
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is an annual football award that recognizes the humanitarian work of champion footballers. It was created to honor the legacy of Brazilian national team legend, Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, commonly known as just ‘Socrates’. The award is presented at the Ballon d’Or gala presentation night, which is organized by France Football magazine.
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is given to a footballer who has made significant contributions to social and charitable projects. These initiatives can include promoting social integration, protecting the environment, or aiding groups who are disadvantaged, threatened, or victims of conflict. The award aims to recognize footballers who use their platform to make a positive impact on society.
Who Was Socrates And Why Is He Important In Football?
Socrates was a legendary Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder for Brazil’s national team and various clubs in Brazil, Italy, and France. He was known for his elegant playing style, technical skills, and his ability to control the tempo of the game. However, Socrates was not just a footballer; he was also a physician, an intellectual, and a political activist.
Socrates played for the Brazilian national team from 1979 to 1986, scoring 22 goals in 60 appearances. He played in two World Cups, in 1982 and 1986, and was part of the famous Brazilian team that played some of the most beautiful football ever seen. Socrates was also a key player for his club side Corinthians, where he co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement in opposition to Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1980s.
The Corinthians Democracy movement was a unique initiative that aimed to introduce democracy into the running of the club. The players insisted that all decisions about the club’s management be made by a democratic vote, including the selection of coaches and players. The movement gained widespread support from fans and eventually led to the downfall of the military dictatorship.
Socrates’ commitment to social and political causes made him an important figure in Brazilian football and beyond. He believed that football had the power to transform society and make it more equal. Socrates was also a rare example of a professional footballer who had earned a degree in medicine while playing at the highest level.
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is named after this legendary figure because of his commitment to social causes and his belief in the power of football to bring about positive change. The award recognizes footballers who use their platform to make a difference in society, just as Socrates did during his playing career.
The Creation Of The Socrates Award Ballon D’Or
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or was introduced for the first time in 2022 to recognize the off-the-field contribution of a footballer. It was created by France Football magazine, which organizes the Ballon d’Or ceremony, in honor of Socrates, who was not only a legendary football player but also a physician and political activist. Socrates played for Brazil for seven years between 1979 and 1986, scoring a total of 22 goals. However, he is best known for his medical degree and political awareness which earned him the nickname Doctor Socrates. He founded the Corinthians Democracy in Brazil to oppose the then-ruling military dictatorship.
France Football chose Socrates as the name for the award because of his commitment to a campaign he helped organize at his club, Corinthians in Sao Paulo, while Brazil was under a military dictatorship called “Corinthian Democracy”. While they were warned to stop interfering in political affairs, the players escaped unpunished because of their high profile and because they focused on introducing democracy only at their club, insisting there was a vote on decisions on how the club was run.
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is awarded by a jury that includes former Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Rai, who is Socrates’ younger brother, as well as representatives of France Football and leaders of the Monaco-based Peace and Sport organization. The award will be given every year starting in 2022 for a footballer’s humanitarian efforts. The aim of the award is to inspire more footballers to use their influence to create positive change in society.
Criteria For Winning The Socrates Award Ballon D’Or
To be eligible for the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or, a footballer must have demonstrated a strong commitment to social and humanitarian causes. The award is not based on the player’s on-field performance, but rather on their off-field contributions to society.
The jury that selects the winner of the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or considers several factors when making their decision. Firstly, they look at the footballer’s social initiatives and their impact on society. These initiatives must be sustainable and have a lasting impact. The jury also considers the player’s commitment to these initiatives and their willingness to use their platform to promote positive change.
In addition, the jury considers the player’s character and behavior both on and off the pitch. The winner of the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or must exemplify fair play, ethical behavior, and respect for others.
Previous Winners Of The Socrates Award Ballon D’Or
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or was first presented in 2022, and the inaugural winner was former Liverpool forward and current Bayern Munich player Sadio Mané. Mané was recognized for his humanitarian work in his native Senegal, which included funding a school and hospital in his hometown of Bambali. He also offers a monthly support package to each family in the village and has awarded bonuses to top pupils in the village high school.
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or is a relatively new award, so there are no previous winners to list. However, it is worth noting that the Ballon d’Or itself has been awarded since 1956 and has recognized some of the greatest footballers in history. Lionel Messi has won the most Ballons d’Or with seven awards, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five. The first non-European and first African player to win the award was George Weah, who won in 1995.
It is important to note that until 2021, the Ballon d’Or was awarded based on player performance during the calendar year. Since 2022, jurors have been instructed to take into account the previous season. This indicates that the Ballon d’Or winning player also won the FIFA World Player of the Year or The Best FIFA Men’s Player award in the same year (available in 1991–2009 and from 2016).
Impact Of The Socrates Award Ballon D’Or On Football And Society
The Socrates Award Ballon d’Or has a significant impact on both football and society. Firstly, it recognizes the humanitarian efforts of footballers who use their platform to make a positive impact on society. This recognition can inspire other footballers to become more involved in social and charitable projects, thereby increasing the impact of football on society.
Secondly, the award highlights the important role that football can play in promoting social change. Football is a universal language that can bring people together and break down barriers. By recognizing the social and charitable work of footballers, the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or emphasizes the power of football to promote social integration and make a positive impact on society.
Finally, the award honors the legacy of Socrates, who was not only a talented footballer but also a committed activist and humanitarian. Socrates used his platform as a footballer to campaign for democracy in Brazil during a time of military dictatorship. His commitment to social justice and equality serves as an inspiration to footballers around the world.
In conclusion, the Socrates Award Ballon d’Or has a significant impact on both football and society. By recognizing the humanitarian efforts of footballers, promoting social change through football, and honoring the legacy of Socrates, this award highlights the positive role that football can play in making the world a better place.
