7 Famous footballers with academic qualifications 

• Many players quit studying at the undergraduate or school level as soon as they become pros
• However, some opt to continue with academics while also playing professionally
• Giorgio Chiellini is one of the footballers with academic qualifications

Did you know that there are footballers with academic qualifications? While footballers are not known for their intelligence in academic matters, there are some who have actually studied past high school and earned degrees from universities.

The list of footballers who have donned the cap and gown is longer than you might think, and I’m not talking about the honorary degrees that Marcus Rashford and Alan Shearer have. Here are footballers who have put the hard work both on pitch and in class:

1. Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini. Photo/ ESPN.

Giorgio Chiellini is not only brilliant when it comes to reading attackers on the pitch but also in academics. The 39-year-old, who is best known for his time with Juventus, graduated from the University of Turin with a degree in Economics and Commerce. He then went for his Master’s, and graduated in 2017.

2. Frank Lampard 

Frank Lampard, now a manager, is undoubtedly one of the greatest midfielders the football world has ever seen. His three league titles with Chelsea speak for themselves.

According to reports, the former Chelsea man has an IQ above 150, which puts him in the top 0.5% of people and just a few points short of Albert Einstein. He did show his smartness during his days at Essex’s Brentwood School where he received 11 GCSEs and graduated at the age of 17. He joined university after high school and did get himself an undergraduate degree. Moreover, Lampard has a Master’s Degree in Latin, as per Tribuna.

3. Juan Mata

Juan Mata. Photo/ USA Today.

Next on our list of famous footballers with academic qualifications is Juan Mata. Another Chelsea man, Mata boasts an Ivy League education. He holds two degrees from the Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, one in Sports Science and the other in Marketing.

The 35-year-old could be looking to pursue coaching after retirement but also has interests in psychology, something which shouldn’t be a surprise if you have seen him on the pitch. Mata is currently a free agent after spells at Manchester United, Galatasaray and most recently Vissel Kobe.

3. Simon Mignolet 

Currently playing for Belgian Pro League club Club Brugge, Simon Mignolet is best known for his time in England where he played for Liverpool. Apart from being one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, Mignolet also happens to be among footballers with academic qualifications.

The 35-year-old holds a degree in Political Science and Law. He is also fluent not only in English but also French, Dutch and German.

4. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku. Photo/ Transfermarkt.

A well known figure in the football world, Romelu Lukaku has played for several top clubs, including Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and currently Roma. While many know Lukaku for his goalscoring prowess, only a few know that he is actually learned.

Lukaku holds a degree in Tourism and Public Relations. Just like Mignolet, is also fluent in several languages, including English, French, Dutch and German.

5. Vincent Kompany 

The current manager of Premier League club Burnley, Vincent Kompany completed his degree at Alliance Manchester Business School in 2017. He was then honoured with an honorary doctorate by The University of Manchester while pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Social Sciences.

6. Andres Iniesta 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta is best known for his time at FC Barcelona. During his time with the Catalans, he won numerous titles, including the Champions League.

Interestingly, the Spanish midfielder is not only intelligent on the pitch but also off it as he has a degree in Sports Science as well as Biology. He is currently playing for UAE Pro League club Emirates and still dominating the midfield at the age of 39.

7. Socrates

Doctor Socrates. Photo/ Tribune.

Well, no list of footballers with academic qualifications would be complete without the name Socrates. Following his retirement from football, Socrates continued with his academics and got a PhD in Medicine. His prowess on the pitch combined with his academic qualifications and his political awareness earned him the nickname “Doctor Socrates”. The Brazilian football legend passed away in 2011.