Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has made a significant contribution by funding 120 life-changing operations for children in Nigeria. Working in collaboration with the youth charity BigShoe, the 21-year-old winger played a crucial role in facilitating medical procedures for children in Kano, which took place last month. These operations aimed to treat children suffering from conditions such as inguinal hernias or brain tumors in Nigeria.

Saka’s actions stem from his concerns about diseases like inguinal hernias or brain tumors affecting children in Nigeria. Speaking on the matter, Saka expressed his gratitude for being in a position to make a positive impact on children’s lives through these surgeries. He emphasized his strong connection to Nigeria and the importance of using his abilities to provide equal opportunities for children to achieve their dreams. Saka expressed his happiness in witnessing the joy of the children and their parents and expressed his desire to help as many children as possible.

The operations, carried out by a team of five doctors, were successfully conducted in mid-October, benefiting numerous children in Kano. As Nigeria’s second-largest city, Kano faces significant challenges concerning children’s health.

Saka is not the only football player who has teamed up with BigShoe in recent months. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger has agreed to donate all of his World Cup earnings to children in Sierra Leone. Rüdiger, who established The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation for Sierra Leone in January, has been actively involved in funding procedures for underprivileged children in the country. With the approaching World Cup, Rüdiger considers his contributions to BigShoe a matter of honor and expresses his desire to implement more projects in Sierra Leone.

Rüdiger’s actions are a response to the issue of congenital clubfoot in Sierra Leone, a condition that affects many children throughout their lives. He acknowledges the challenging circumstances in which Sierra Leonean children grow up and highlights the significance of correcting misalignments through surgery, allowing patients to finally walk and participate in social life after several months of follow-up treatment. Rüdiger appreciates the opportunities he has been given and expresses his gratitude for being in a privileged position to make a difference.

Both Saka and Rüdiger’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of children in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, respectively, and exemplify the positive impact that athletes can have off the field.