Paris, October 28, 2024 – Jenni Hermoso has been honored with the Socrates Award at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, following in the footsteps of previous winners Sadio Mané and Vinicius Junior. Hosted by Didier Drogba, Vice President of Peace and Sport, and Sandy Heribert, the evening celebrated the remarkable achievements of professional footballers, both on the field and in society.
The Socrates Award was awarded in the presence of Rai, brother of Socrates, the iconic figure who inspired the creation of this prize.
Jenni Hermoso becomes the first female recipient of the Socrates Award, recognized for her dedication to gender equality. Her exemplary career and advocacy for women’s rights in football have made her an inspiration to future generations and have motivated athletes worldwide.
She stated – “I want to thank everyone for this award, as it truly means a lot to me. It makes me even more aware of the responsibility we have as athletes, both on and off the field. I speak in the plural because this award is not only mine, but also belongs to all my teammates, as equality is not always a reality. This is why we work every day with hope and determination to ensure that women’s football finds itself in a better place for future generations.”
This recognition highlights the importance of footballers’ commitment to promoting equality and respect, making the Socrates Award a unique honor in the global sports landscape.
About Peace and Sport
Peace and Sport is an international organization under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. It believes that athletes, as citizens, have a role to play in society. In 2009, Peace and Sport founded the Champions for Peace Club, a group of athletes from all five continents. As heroes, role models, and sources of inspiration for youth worldwide, they dedicate part of their time, fame, and experience to projects that leverage sport to address social, economic, and educational issues.
About the Ballon d’Or
Since 1956, France Football has organized the Ballon d’Or®, the world’s most prestigious individual trophy in football, recognizing the best male and female players of the season. During this ceremony, the Kopa Trophy (best young player) and the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) are also awarded. Additionally, awards are given for the best men’s and women’s clubs of the season, as well as for the top scorer of the year. The Socrates Award, which honors players committed to societal and charitable projects, was introduced at the 2022 ceremony.
Credit – Jean Baptiste Autissier- L’Equipe
