SHOCKING! Lionel Messi snubbed as former Premier League stars dominate list of most intelligent players
In a recent report by Football 365, the absence of Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was surprising. The report highlighted some of the most intellectually gifted footballers in the history of the sport, including Premier League legends such as Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, and Petr Cech.
Lionel Messi’s shocking omission
Despite Lionel Messi’s achievement of winning eight Ballon d’Ors, the 36-year-old skipper of Inter Miami was unexpectedly omitted from the list, despite being widely recognized as one of the most intelligent footballers globally.
However, it’s worth noting that the criteria for inclusion in this list extended beyond on-field performance to encompass academic achievements and linguistic abilities.
List of most intellectual footballers
Below are some of the footballers worldwide who have made significant impacts both on and off the field:
Frank Lampard
Renowned for his high IQ and academic achievements, Lampard’s 11 GCSEs, including an A* in Latin, set him apart. Despite his football prowess, the Chelsea legend’s intellect shines through, even amid his association with the Conservative Party.
Dennis Bergkamp
While excelling on the field for the Netherlands and Arsenal, Bergkamp pursued a medical engineering degree at the University of Bath, a testament to his multidimensional intellect. His daughter’s relationship with Donny van de Beek adds an intriguing twist to his story.
Socrates
Socrates, a Brazilian football legend and philanthropist, was not just a midfield maestro but also a qualified doctor. His intellectual depth was matched by his footballing prowess, earning him accolades as one of the best midfielders of his time. Having spent most of his career at Corinthians, he passed away at age 57 after being married four times.
Petr Cech
Petr Cech’s ability to speak seven languages highlights his linguistic aptitude, while his success on the pitch speaks for itself. With a master’s degree in business administration, Chelsea’s legendary goalkeeper has an intellect that is as impressive as his trophy cabinet.
Giorgio Chiellini
Chiellini’s imposing presence on the field belies his academic accomplishments, including a BA in economics and commerce, followed by a master’s degree in business administration. The former Juventus defender, known for his defensive prowess and intellectual depth, makes him a standout figure in football history.
Simon Mignolet
Mignolet’s linguistic prowess, fluently speaking Dutch, English, French, and German, coupled with his degree in political science, portrays a footballer with intellectual depth beyond the pitch. After his five-year stint at Anfield, the 36-year-old goalkeeper returned to his home country, where he plays for Club Brugge.
Meanwhile, Sports Buddy recently reported that Messi’s former manager picked Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOAT to end long-standing debate.
UNBELIEVABLE! Messi’s former manager picks Cristiano Ronaldo as GOAT to end long-standing debate
