Sócrates

The Brazilian footballer nicknamed Dr Sócrates was one of the finest talents of his generation. Not only did he hold a medical degree but also for years he felt divided between his life as a professional athlete and thoughts of following a career as an orthopaedic surgeon. In fact, even when he made a choice of the green of the pitch over the green of the scrubs, it was far from clear which aspect of his life the tall midfielder loved most.

“I have always had three loves: football, medicine, and beer,” Sócrates used to joke. “When I started playing I had this deal with my dad that I would not forfeit my education for the game and would get a degree I could use if things didn’t work in football. Even when I got my diploma I still didn’t know what to do.”