Footballers might not have a reputation for intelligence, but these players proved that plenty have brains on top of their talent
Getty ImagesVincent Kompany
Not content with lifting Premier League titles as captain, rifling in screamers at crucial stages in title races and being beloved by seemingly all who cross his path, Vincent Kompany also has a Master's in Business Administration.
He graduated from Alliance Manchester Business School in 2017, with a keen interest in the world of football off the pitch. It was hardly surprising, then, to see him step into a managerial role at Anderlecht.
His final dissertation project, looking at how Premier League football clubs benefit from home advantage, received a distinction grade.
AdvertisementDavid Cannon/GettySocrates
The Brazil legend built up a mystique not only around his ability on the field, but his deep thinking off it.
He completed a doctorate in Medicine during his playing career, and practised medicine after his retirement from the game in 1989 before also earning a PhD.
Known as 'Doctor Socrates', he grew up in a house that half-resembled a library, stacked with philosophical books and other works by his father.
GettyJuan Mata
Juan Mata became one of the world's most universally popular footballers when he announced his Common Goal initiative back in 2017, but it wasn't the first sign of his thoughtful nature.
During his time at Valencia and Chelsea, he earned two degrees from Madrid’s Universidad Camilo Jose Cela – one in Marketing, and one in Sports Science.
About to start his seventh season at Manchester United, Mata has suggested he will go into coaching at the end of his career but also says he is interested in the field of psychology.
GettyIain Dowie
Now 54, Iain Dowie made over 400 appearances across a 13-year career as a forward, winning 59 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
As a youngster, though, his football career looked to be over before it had begun when he was released by Southampton. He went to the University of Hertfordshire, earned a Master's in Engineering and got a job at British Aerospace.
Playing in non-league, he was spotted by Luton Town, where he decided to focus on football full-time. Now a pundit, in 2016 he was appointed the regional sales manager for Go To Surveys, a company which carries out homebuyers reports, building surveys and valuations.