Sócrates

The doctor who orchestrated Brazil's midfield with intelligence and style.

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira (19 February 1954 – 4 December 2011), simply known as Sócrates, was a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder. 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". In 1983, he was named South American Footballer of the Year. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Quick Facts

Full name: Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira
Born: 19 February 1954
Birthplace: Belém, Pará, Brazil
Died: 4 December 2011
Place of death: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 1.92 m / 6 ft 4 in
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 465

Lore & Background

Sócrates played for Brazil for seven years, scoring 22 goals and representing the nation in two World Cups. He captained Brazil at the 1982 FIFA World Cup; playing in midfield alongside Zico, Falcão and Toninho Cerezo as part of one of the most celebrated teams in the country's history. He also appeared in the 1979 and 1983 Copa América. At club level, Sócrates played for Botafogo-SP before joining Corinthians in 1978. Representing Botafogo, Sócrates was the highest goalscorer in the 1976 Campeonato Paulista da Divisão Especial de Futebol Profissional. He moved to Italy to play for Fiorentina and participated in Serie A and European Cup, returning to Brazil in 1985 to end his career. His youngest brother Raí was also a professional footballer and part of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 1994. Raí is best known for his tenures at São Paulo and Paris Saint-Germain.

Reader's Guide

During his period in Flamengo, he played 20 games, scoring 5 goals and won Campeonato Carioca: 1986.

Did You Know?

He co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement, in opposition to the then-ruling Brazilian military government.
In 2004, 50-year-old Sócrates agreed to a one-month player-coaching deal with Garforth Town of the Northern Counties East Football League in England.
He was known for his signature 'no-look' back-heel pass.

The Intellectual Midfielder

Sócrates held a medical degree from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, part of the University of São Paulo. He initially viewed football as a hobby and arranged with Botafogo-SP to skip training so he could focus on his studies. After graduating in 1977, he chose a professional football career over medicine because the salary offered was far greater than what he would have earned as a doctor. Following his retirement from playing in 1989, he returned to practice medicine in Ribeirão Preto.

The Symbol of Cool and Rebellion

Sócrates was famous for his beard and the headband he wore during the 1986 World Cup to show solidarity with victims of the Mexico City earthquake, earning him the title of "symbol of cool". He was known for his left-wing political views, outspokenness, and eccentric personality. Describing himself as an "anti-athlete," he admitted to smoking and drinking large quantities of beer. Notably, he often refused to participate in teammates' celebrations after scoring a goal.

Club Journey and Family Legacy

Sócrates played for Botafogo-SP before joining Corinthians in 1978. In the 1984–85 season at age 30, he moved to Italy to play for Fiorentina in Serie A and the European Cup. He returned to Brazil in 1985, representing Flamengo, Santos, and Botafogo-SP before retiring in 1989. His youngest brother, Raí, was also a professional footballer who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.