SADIO MANE BECOMES THE FIRST EVER BALLON D'IOR SOCRATES AWARD WINNER

Introduced as a new award catergory at the 2022 Ballon Dior Awards For personal contribution to the development of world's integration and human actions just like the Greate Socrates. Nominees include politicians, businessmen and women, scientists and artists, and those whose works help to further the economic, scientific and cultural development of society. 

The Socrates Award is named after the former Brazil international, who passed away in 2011. Socrates was politically active and fought in the 1980s for social change, calling for fans to fans and players to rebel against the military dictatorship in his country at the time. 

The medal of the “International Socrates Award” is made of precious metals with a Socrates image in profile which is covered with pure gold (999,9 standard) and encrusted with Swarowski crystals. There is an inscription on a medallion “Primus Inter Pares”. The medallion is attached to the medal atlas ribbon. The complete set of the award consists of the order symbol, a statue and the diploma “Grawerton”. 

Its on the above background to the award that Senegalese Sadio Mane becomes the first ever winner of the award at the Ballon Dior.

The famous "Ballon d'Or France Football" award ceremony was held on Monday 17 October in Paris, France. If the coronation of Frenchman Karim Benzema was greeted by the whole world, the great family of African football was able to witness with joy the recognition of its talents, namely Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Sebastien Haller.

Senegal's Sadio Mane was presented with the newly introduced Socrates Award, which recognises the player who is committed to social and charitable projects. The Lions of Teranga star was celebrated for his dedication and, above all, his involvement in the development of his country through the construction of schools and hospitals. 

In the overall Ballon d'Or ranking, Mané finished in second place, right behind the evening's winner Benzema. This is the first time since His Excellency M George Weah won the award in 1995 that an African player has been ranked so highly.

Victory in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022 and qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup were also important factors, as was the striker's performance at club level with Liverpool FC (England) last season. Mané now plays with Bayern Munich (Germany).

Pharaoh Mohamed Salah finished fifth. The Egyptian star has had a wonderful season, reaching the final of the AFCON as Egypt’s captain and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League with his club Liverpool.

Model of self-sacrifice and courage, Sebastien Haller also finished in 13th place thanks to his performances with Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands). The Ivorian who took part in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, has been battling cancer for several months. It is with emotion that his battle was greeted. He also thanked his family and fans for their love and support during this difficult period.

As a reminder, the concluded ceremony of Ballon d'Or France Football rewarded the major players of the game from June 2021 to June 2022.

Mane On The Awards

Sadio Mane isn't just an exceptional footballer but also makes an impact far beyond the pitch. As recognition for his extraordinary social commitment, the Senegal international was named the inaugural winner of the Socrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. The new trophy honors footballers who campaign for integration, climate protection, disadvantaged people or those threatened by conflict.

Mane the inaugural winner "I'm just pleased to be here. I don't like talking about what I do, but I do what I can for my people and try to improve things in my country," Mane said upon receiving the prize in the French capital, accompanied by board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic.

(c) Images @FranceFootball