Sócrates

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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.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Flamengo during Sócrates' arrival was electric, though the legendary squad that had conquered Europe just years prior had dispersed. Into this new era stepped the man with the beard and the headband, carrying the weight of history from Corinthians and Fiorentina. He did not need to run; his presence alone commanded the midfield. In those 20 games for Flamengo, he orchestrated play with the precision of a surgeon, a skill honed during his medical studies at the University of São Paulo. The highlight of this period was the triumph in the 1986 Campeonato Carioca. It was a victory that validated his return to Brazil after his European experiment. Fans watched as he glided across the field, adjusting his socks and ignoring the celebrations of others when he scored, maintaining his unique, rebellious character. He played with a freedom that mirrored his political activism, proving that even in the twilight of his career, he remained the brain of the team.

Reader's Guide

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

Did You Know?

• Sócrates was a qualified physician, having earned a medical degree from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, part of the University of São Paulo.
• 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.

Global Recognition and Honors

In 1983, Sócrates was named South American Footballer of the Year. In 2004, Pelé selected him for the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

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.