Sócrates

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira (19 February 1954 – 4 December 2011), simply known as Sócrates [ˈsɔkɾat͡ʃis], was a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder. A qualified physician and outspoken political activist, he was a leading figure in the Corinthians Democracy movement and an advocate for Brazil's democratisation during the military dictatorship. His medical training, intellectual reputation and distinctive style of play earned him the nickname "Doctor Sócrates". Sócrates began his professional career at Botafogo-SP before joining Corinthians in 1978, where he became one of the club's most influential players. He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1983 and subsequently played for Fiorentina in Italy before returning to Brazil in 1985. Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, he was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. At international level, Sócrates made 60 appearances for Brazil between 1979 and 1986, scoring 22 goals. He captained the national team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, playing alongside Zico, Paulo Roberto Falcão and Toninho Cerezo in a side celebrated for its attacking style of play. He also represented Brazil at the 1986 World Cup and the 1979 and 1983 Copa América tournaments.

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