Whenever Socrates stepped onto the field, all eyes were on the man they called “The Doctor.”
As well as being a talented footballer — his mesmerizing technical ability, strength and long legs make him a wonder to watch — he’s also a very intelligent guy who gained a lot early in his career. Medical degree from the University of São Paulo.
He was also the captain of Brazil’s World Cup team in 1982, long before cable TV and streaming made every football game and player collection readily available. While national teams and their star players come to the World Cup shrouded in mystery, Brazil and its stars have an air almost mystical.
When Brazil took to the pitch in Spain’s first match against the Soviet Union in 1982, resplendent in the famous canary yellow and blue jersey, few fans knew what to expect.
Yet, 90 minutes later, they’re mesmerized by what they’ve seen – and Socrates, the team’s captain, brain and heartbeat, is at the center of it all.
“We were all very, very optimistic about what would happen at that World Cup,” Juca Kfouri, one of Brazil’s most prominent commentators, told CNN Sports. “Because they are outstanding players, each one has their own characteristics, their personalities are very, very strong, and they are kind, charming, inviting.”