Despite the virtuous moves and split-second decisions that come as the result of quick thinking, a lot of people consider footballers to be undereducated, overpaid athletes that don’t invest too much in their education.
While the beautiful game’s superstars are some of the most recognizable individuals in the world, they’re not always viewed as bastions of intelligence and responsibility. Off the pitch, these stars are more famous for their lavish lifestyle, gambling addiction than obtaining a world-class education.
For years footballers have had their intelligence questioned, but that’s just not the case with this lot.
Here is a list of 10 footballers with degrees
- Edwin Van Der Sar
Van Der Sar born 29 October 1970 is a former Dutch player who plays as a goalkeeper, he has played for Ajax, Fulham and left for Manchester United where he has a successful career winning 4 Premier League,3 community shield,2 League Cup and 1 Champions League.
He retired from football and since then been studying to complete his International Sports Management degree.
- David Wetherall
David is an English player who played as a central defender. The Former Leeds United and Bradford City player became the first Premier League player to graduate with a first-class degree back in 1992. Until Watmore joined him more than two decades later, he was the only one.
David has a University degree in Chemistry from Sheffield University where he graduated in 1992, he is currently the Head of Youth Development at “The Football League”.
- Shaka Hislop
Shaka is a Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper who played for Newcastle United, he was part of Magpies team that finished in the Premier League in two successive seasons.
Hislop graduated with an honour degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University, and also interned with the NASA now presently works as a sports commentator.
- Steve Coppell
Steve is a former English player who currently managed an Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, he played for a number of clubs in the Premier League back in the 1970s and early 80s.
Steve’s educational pursuit was trigger by series of injuries that cut short his career and made a master degree in Economic and History.
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- Iain Dowie
Dowie is a former Northern Ireland international, his contribution for the national team includes 12 goals scored in 59 matches. At the pinnacle of his career
He is known for his vast educational prowess beyond his football thrills and skills. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Aeronautical engineering from the University of Hertfordshire and also worked with British Aerospace, something not every footballers can achieve.
- Slaven Bilic
Bilic is a retired Croatian international who managed Premier league side, West Ham 2015-17 West Brom 2019-20, Bilic served as one of Croatia’s most consistent defenders, his football career spanned from 1987-2001
He has a Master degree in Law and he speaks four different languages fluently English, Italian, German and Spanish.
- Graeme Le Saux
Le Saux is a retired English footballer of French background, he played for numbers of clubs in the Premier League such as Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Southampton. He retired in 2012, he also attained a degree in Environmental Studies.
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- Barry Horne
Barry is a former welsh footballer who played for Everton at a time, he is a known figure among the Welsh football fans.
He completes his First class degree in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool while playing for Everton, and was later appointed Professor of Chemistry at King’s School and get a nod to direct the school football.
- Arjan De Zeeuw
De Zeeuw is a retired Dutch footballer who played for numbers of clubs in England such as Barnsley, Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth and Coventry City where he played as a centre back.
He retired from football and went back to school to pursue his Medical Studies and attained a degree in Medical science, he was also trained to be a Forensic detective with the Dutch police.
- Socrates Brasileiro
Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira mostly called Socrates is a Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and was one of the greatest and most intelligent captains to lift the World Cup.
Besides his charisma, and wealth of knowledge on the pitch, Socrates was a well-known qualified doctor and also had PHD Degree in Philosophy.
Honarary Mention:
- Juan Mata
- Andres Iniesta
- Simon Mignolet
- Frank Lampard
- Glen Johnson
- Adrei Arshavin
- Duncan Watmore
