Footballers get a bad rep for neglecting their studies, but many have completed complicated degrees in medicine, economics and even journalism
THEY'RE football's smartest men.
For years footballers have had their intelligence questioned, but that's just not the case with this lot.
Sure, many players neglect their studies to concentrate on making it in the professional game, and that's fine.
But some like to use their brains further in getting degrees that could help them in life after football.
Take 1970s Brazilian legend Socrates, for example, as a pioneer for footballers in studying complicated courses.
The midfield genius had a doctorate in medicine, and he's not the only brainy footballer worth celebrating.
Juan Mata
Not only is he an all-round nice guy doing tons for charity, he's also super smart.
The Man United wide man studied journalism at Universidad Politecnica e Madrid.
When he's not dancing down the wing at Old Trafford, he's also swotting up on a sports science and finance degree.
Andrey Arshavin
If it wasn't football, it would've been fashion he would've gone into.
The mercurial Russian playmaker graduated from St Petersburg State University of Technology and Design.
He studied clothing technology, and has put that talent to use by launching his own clothing range in Russia.
Simon Mignolet
He's not just a talented keeper, you know.
The Belgium shot-stopper has a coffee shop in his native country, so he'll always have that to fall back on when his career ends.
But should he want to, Mignolet could lean on his degree in law and political sciences for a career change.
Frank Lampard
Super Frank's currently in charge of Derby County, but that should be child's play for him.
After all, the Chelsea legend reportedly scored over 150 in an IQ test with Mensa.
That result meant that Lamps is among the most intelligent 0.1 percent of the world's population.
Giorgio Chiellini
The tough-tackling Juventus centre half isn't as much of a brute as you'd think.
Chiellini was a whizz at high-school, passing all his exams with ease.
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He later went to the prestigious University of Turin where he graduated with a business economics degree.
Glenn Johnson
The former Stoke City right-back has commanded high-numbered transfer fees during his time, so it's lucky he's not numerically challenged.
In fact, Johnson is so good with digits he enrolled at The Open University to do a degree in Maths.
He can start negotiating his own contracts, surely?
Clarke Carlisle
Dubbed Britain's most intelligent footballer, Clarke has the right CV to back that up.
He was a contestant on Countdown, and was also the first player to appear on Question Time.
Clarke has a degree in sports writing and broadcasting from Staffordshire University.
Romelu Lukaku
Man United's heavyweight striker isn't just your average footballer.
The skilled forward is also a natural linguist, speaking as many as five languages including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and Portuguese.
Lukaku is also said to understand German and Swahili, as well as hold a degree in tourism and public relations.
Edwin Van der Saar
Another Man United man with a great brain - no wonder they're so successful.
When the Red Devils Dutch keeper retired he studied for a masters degree in sports and brand management at the Johan Cruyff Institute.
After becoming a marketing director at the Dutch giants, he's now their CEO.
Socrates
Recognised for his headband and beard on the football pitch, the late Socrates was one of Brazil's favourite sons.
He held a bachelors degree in medicine from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto while he was still playing.
Socrates also wrote columns for Brazilian newspapers on everything from sport to politics to economics.
Duncan Watmore
The Sunderland footballer became only the second player in the Premier League ever to graduate with a first.
