In the pantheon of football legends, few figures transcend
the game itself to leave a profound mark on society. Socrates Brasileiro
Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira—known simply as Socrates—was one such
figure. A towering, lanky 6’4” midfielder with a trademark beard and an
unforgettable name, Socrates embodied a rare duality. His genius on the pitch
was matched only by his passionate commitment to social justice and political
resistance. As captain of Brazil's national team and a leading figure in the
Corinthians Democracy movement, he demonstrated that football could be much
more than a game; it could be a vehicle for change.
When Socrates passed away in 2011, then-Brazilian President
Dilma Rousseff succinctly captured his dual legacy: “On the field, with his
talent and sophisticated touches, he was a genius… off the field… he was active
politically, concerned with his people and his country.” These words
encapsulate a life lived at the intersection of sport and politics, a sharp
contrast to the sanitized professionalism of modern football.
The Philosopher
Athlete
Socrates acquired his name from his philosophy-reading
father, a tax inspector in São Paulo, who imbued his children with intellectual
curiosity. A career in medicine initially beckoned for the young Socrates, who
sought a practical means to address Brazil's rampant poverty and inequality. Yet,
persuaded by his father, he turned to football—a stage where his voice and
actions could resonate more widely. His career began at Botafogo, but during his time at Corinthians in 1978, Socrates forged a politicized
approach to the game, challenging the authoritarian structures both on and off
the pitch.
The Birth of
Corinthians Democracy
Under Brazil's military dictatorship, football mirrored the
repressive rigidity of the regime. Players were subjected to a strict
disciplinary system known as concentração, which micromanaged their lives and
stripped them of autonomy. This environment was a microcosm of the larger
political landscape, where freedom was stifled and dissent crushed.
In 1981, the arrival of Adilson Alves, a sociology graduate
with leftist ideals, as director of football at Corinthians catalyzed a
transformation. Alongside Socrates and Wladimir, a Black player with a
similarly activist outlook, the trio spearheaded what came to be known as the
Corinthians Democracy movement. They reimagined the club as a democratic
institution where decisions—from player transfers to daily operations—were made
collectively. This radical "player power" experiment extended even
to the stadium janitors and laundry workers, who were treated as integral to
the club’s success.
Socrates understood the symbolic power of football in a
nation where the sport held a near-religious significance. The team’s 1982 act
of defiance—taking to the pitch with jerseys emblazoned with “I Want to Vote
for My President”—was a bold affront to the dictatorship. While Socrates was
not the sole architect of Brazil's transition to democracy, his visibility and
advocacy amplified the growing calls for change. At a 1982 rally of nearly two
million protesters, Socrates stood beside Lula da Silva, the autoworker who
would become a central figure in Brazil’s democratic movement. His ultimatum to
leave the country unless political reforms were enacted underscored his
commitment to the cause.
A Philosopher’s
Perspective on the Game
On the international stage, Socrates brought the same
politically charged ethos. Brazil's elimination from the 1982 World Cup, often
lamented as a tragedy, was reframed by Socrates as a moral victory. To him, the
team's aesthetic and idealistic style represented resistance to the rising tide
of neoliberal efficiency and pragmatism. "At least we lost fighting for
our ideals," he remarked, contrasting Brazil’s artistry with the
utilitarian approach of Italy, their conquerors.
His symbolic gestures continued into the 1986 World Cup,
where he used his platform to address global issues. His headbands bore
messages like “Yes to Love, No to Terror,” in response to U.S. military
aggression, and “Mexico Still Stands,” in solidarity with earthquake victims.
These actions epitomized his belief that football could be a lens through which
to view and critique society.
Legacy and
Unfulfilled Promises
Despite his contributions, Socrates remained acutely aware
of the limitations of Brazil’s democratic transition. The Democracy movement’s
ideals were subsumed by the harsh realities of neoliberalism, which perpetuated
inequality even after the dictatorship’s fall. Before his untimely death at 57,
Socrates expressed disillusionment with the commercialization of football,
lamenting how Brazil’s hosting of the 2014 World Cup symbolized this betrayal.
White-elephant stadiums and exorbitant ticket prices excluded the very people
who had once been his cause.
Socrates' life offers a poignant reminder that sport is not
immune to societal currents. His example serves as a counterpoint in an age when football is dominated by corporate interests and anodyne post-match soundbites. Socrates wielded his fame and talent to articulate dissent and
inspire change, embodying the potential for athletes to transcend the game.
The Lord of Style
Sócrates, once a centre-forward, later evolved into a distinguished midfielder, adept in both attacking and central roles. His style was defined by elegance, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of the game. As a playmaker, he was renowned for his deft through passes, precise long balls, and intricate link-up play, all of which were underpinned by a remarkable vision on the field. His two-footedness further enhanced his versatility, allowing him to dictate the rhythm of play with remarkable fluidity. Though primarily celebrated for his ability to orchestrate attacking movements, Sócrates was also a prolific goal scorer, possessing a powerful and accurate shot with his right foot, as well as a keen instinct for making late runs into the box. His aptitude for scoring from set pieces, particularly penalties, showcased his composure under pressure. Additionally, his height and aerial prowess made him a formidable presence in the air, despite not being particularly swift or inclined to rush the game. Instead, he often preferred to slow the tempo, relying on his intelligence and reading of the game to influence proceedings. His hallmark move, the "no-look" back-heel pass, epitomized his ability to surprise and outwit opponents with seemingly effortless flair.
Sócrates was a cornerstone of the Brazil national team during the early to mid-1980s, and his influence on the pitch was profound. Jonathan Wilson aptly described him as the "brain of Brazil," noting that while he may not have possessed the same flamboyance as Zico, his cerebral contributions were indispensable to the team's success. His former Fiorentina coach, Giancarlo De Sisti, further emphasized his intelligence, remarking that Sócrates was a man of great class, both on and off the field.
Beyond his technical and intellectual gifts, Sócrates commanded respect for his charismatic presence and leadership in the dressing room. His distinct physical appearance—marked by his height, headband, and iconic beard—made him instantly recognizable, while his unorthodox personality set him apart from his peers. A figure of strong, rebellious character, Sócrates was never one to shy away from expressing his left-wing political views, often using his platform to challenge the political status quo in Brazil. His defiance of convention extended to his personal life, where his lack of discipline and indulgence in smoking and drinking were well-known. He once remarked, "I am an anti-athlete. I cannot deny myself certain lapses from the strict regime of a sportsman. You have to take me as I am," encapsulating his refusal to conform to the typical expectations of a professional athlete. In this sense, Sócrates embodied a paradox: a man of great intellect and skill, yet one who rejected the conventional boundaries of both sport and society.
Conclusion: The Beautiful Game as a Stage for
Liberation
The story of Socrates is not merely one of an exceptional
footballer but of a philosopher who saw the pitch as a platform for justice.
His commitment to democracy, equality, and solidarity in an era of repression
demonstrates that football, at its best, can serve as more than
entertainment—it can be a force for liberation. In a world increasingly driven
by results and revenue, the legacy of Socrates beckons us to reimagine the
beautiful game as a space for both joy and justice.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
