The Far Post Header ‘Hall of Fame’ No.11 – Socrates
Socrates was well-recognised on the pitch with his distinctive headband and beard. He oozed class and was the perfect example of a traditional Brazilian player, with flair, skill and confidence in abundance.
His vision was fantastic and he could pick out team-mates with precise long balls and had a great range of passing. He was also known for having a great footballing brain and often played the game at a slower, more methodical pace.
The attacking midfielder won 60 caps for the Selecao between 1979 and 1986, captaining Brazil at the 1982 World Cup and ended his international career at the 1986 World Cup.
His career began with Brazilian side Botafogo where he scored 24 times in 57 games between 1974 and 1978. At the time, Socrates was playing as a centre forward but moved back to midfield later in his career.
He moved to Corinthians in 1978 where he spent six years and had his most prolific spell of his career, finding the net 41 times in 59 appearances. It was whilst playing for Corinthians that he made his Brazil debut and began captaining the national side.
Fiorentina came in for Socrates in 1984 and he made the move to Serie A for one season. He scored nine goals in 33 appearances before moving back to his native Brazil, signing for Flamengo.
He made the Brazil squad for the 1986 World Cup whilst at Flamengo and scored twice in the tournament.
Socrates moved to Santos for two years before going back to Botafogo, the club where he started his playing career. He made six appearances before hanging up his boots (and headband!) in 1989.
In 2004, Socrates made a guest appearance for English non-league side Garforth Town. Millionaire owner Simon Clifford brought Socrates in as a publicity stunt and it gained international interest. The crowd swelled as fans from all over the country came to Garforth for a glimpse of the Brazilian in action. Socrates was 50 years old at the time!
Socrates passed away on 4th December 2011 at the age of 57. He remains one of the greatest players to have ever played for the Brazilian national side.
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