Sócrates
The brain of Brazil: a doctor, a democrat, and a midfield maestro.
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.
- Role
- Midfielder
- Affiliation
- Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
- Years at Club
- 1978–1984; later played for Fiorentina (1985–1986), Santos, Flamengo, and Botafogo-SP until retirement in 1989
- Nickname
- Doctor Socrates
- Major Honour
- South American Footballer of the Year (1983)
- Status
- Deceased (2011)
Verified Timeline
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. 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.
In Their Own Story
Sócrates' time at Corinthians (1978–1984) saw him score 41 goals in 59 Brazilian Série A games, contributing to a total of 172 goals in 297 matches. Although the source notes he returned to Brazil in 1985 after playing for Fiorentina in Italy, his most significant club achievements occurred during his initial tenure. He captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup alongside Zico and Falcão, a team celebrated as one of the country's greatest. While the text mentions he won the Campeonato Carioca with Flamengo in 1986, his return to Corinthians saw him play for Flamengo, Santos, and Botafogo-SP before retiring in 1989. His leadership style was defined by intelligence rather than brute force; he orchestrated attacks with a signature 'no-look' back-heel pass, often ignoring goal celebrations to maintain his composed demeanor.
Reader's Guide
Sócrates was a key member of the Brazil national team of the early to mid-1980s. He scored twice in the 1986 World Cup: the game's only goal against Spain in the group stage, and another in the round-of-16 4–0 win over Poland, shooting his penalty kick without running. In the following game against France, he tried to convert a penalty in the same fashion but had his shootout attempt saved by goalkeeper Joël Bats. He also represented his country at the 1979 and 1983 Copa América tournaments; in the latter he appeared in only one game, the second leg of the final against Uruguay (1–1 home draw, 3–1 aggregate loss).
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.
- His signature move was the blind or 'no-look' back-heel pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sócrates?
He was a legendary Brazilian midfielder who played for Corinthians between 1978 and 1984. Known as Doctor Socrates, he is celebrated for his medical degree, political activism, and iconic beard.
What role did he play on the field?
Sócrates functioned as a creative midfielder who dictated the pace of the game with precise passing. His leadership from the center allowed Corinthians to dominate possession during their golden era.
Why is he known as Doctor Socrates?
He earned this nickname because he held a medical degree while maintaining his professional football career. This unique combination highlighted his intellectual depth and calm demeanor both on and off the pitch.
Where did Sócrates play after leaving Corinthians?
After departing in 1984, he played for Fiorentina before returning to Brazil with Santos, Flamengo, and Botafogo-SP. He retired from football in 1989 without ever coming back to Corinthians as a player.
What was his biggest individual achievement?
Sócrates received the South American Footballer of the Year award in 1983 for his exceptional skill. This recognition marked him as one of the premier talents in the region during that decade.
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