Books & Ball
Footballers rarely get credit for their academic side, but some have earned serious qualifications, often while playing professionally.
Sócrates (Brazil): Medicine and a PhD
The Brazilian legend earned a medical degree, then a PhD in the subject after retiring. He is often cited as one of the most educated footballers ever. His medical degree and his political awareness, combined with style and quality of his play, earned him the nickname “Doctor Socrates“. Famous for his beard and the headband he wore during the 1986 World Cup in solidarity with victims of the Mexico City earthquake, Sócrates became the “symbol of cool for a whole generation of football supporters”.
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David Wetherall (England): First-class Chemistry Degree
While on Sheffield Wednesday’s books, Wetherall earned a chemistry degree from the University of Sheffield, and in 1992 became the first Premier League player to graduate with a first-class degree. Though he didn’t feature for Sheffield Wednesday, he went on to make more than 500 appearances for Leeds and Bradford City and went on to manage Bradford City as well.
Duncan Watmore (England): First-class Economics Degree
Watmore graduated with first-class honours in Economics and Business Management from Newcastle University at 21. He later added a law qualification with the PFA’s help.In 2017, whilst on holiday in Barbados, Watmore reportedly helped save three pensioners from the water after a boat crash.
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Vincent Kompany (Belgium): MBA
Kompany graduated from Manchester Business School in 2017. His dissertation, on how Premier League clubs benefit from home advantage, earned a distinction. Kompany no wonder has used his education in making Bayern Munich add more silverware in an already burgeoning cabinet.
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy): Economics and an MBA
Chiellini graduated in Economics and Commerce from the University of Turin, then completed a master’s degree in business administration. Chiellini was a tough, aggressive player and one of the best defenders ever to have played for the Azzurri. In March 2022, Chiellini wrote an article entitled “We must no longer pretend that racism doesn’t exist in our society” for FIFPRO‘s series that highlights the personal impact of racism and discrimination in the game from the players’ perspectives
Juan Mata (Spain): Fashion Design Degree
Mata holds a degree in Fashion Design. The University of Manchester also gave him an honorary degree for his work against child food poverty in the UK. Mata, a brilliant attacking midfielder, played a lot of his club football with Manchester United and was indeed a regular with the Spanish National Team.
Honourable mentions
Oliver Bierhoff: earned an economics degree through distance learning while playing.
Simon Mignolet: holds a degree in political science and law.
Sources: Goal, UCFB, Hotcourses Abroad, University of the Arts London student blog.
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