What is the Sócrates Prize?

Last September, France Football revealed that a new prize would be awarded at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening. “The Socrates Prize will identify the best solidarity actions carried out by committed champions”, we could read on an official press release. Concretely, the Théâtre du Châtelet will value the actions undertaken to highlight ecology, the fight against the precariousness of underdeveloped countries or those in favor of the victims of conflicts.

Socrates, the symbol of the “champion committed to a more just world”

England striker Marcus Rashford’s mobilization on behalf of disadvantaged British families was welcomed in 2020. Socrates’ name was chosen by France Football with no surprises. Passed away in 2011, this former Brazilian international midfielder was involved in the “Corinthian Democracy” at the time of the military dictatorship in Brazil in the 80s. The Corinthians club had decided to put all team decisions to a vote. This new prize will be awarded by a jury that includes former Brazil and PSG figure Raï, younger brother of Socrates..

“Socrates has always believed in the mobilizing and transformative power of sport to make society more equal. He proved it as a player through his fight for the redemocratization of Brazil during the revolutionary experience of the Corinthian democracy. Raï recalled in a statement, specifying that 11 years after his disappearance Socrates remained “the symbol of the champion committed to a fairer world”.