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Top 10 smartest football players ever

List of top 10 smartest football players in the world

The top footballers in the world must definitely have the advantages of individual technique, speed, explosiveness and great fighting ability. However, that does not mean that they have a normal intellect. In fact, a smart mind allows good players to “read” the game better and have a better overall view. Usually, superstars or players in the middle line are often the “brain” of the team. Let Premiumsoccertips.net take a look at the top 10 smartest football players in the article below.

Top 10 smartest football players ever

1. Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique, the center-back for Barcelona, is known for his remarkable IQ score of 170, surpassing the majority of the world’s population. In an interview, Pique’s father, Joan Pick, revealed that his son had taken an IQ test and achieved a score of 170. This places him above Einstein, whose IQ was 160, and may explain Pique’s success as one of the top center-backs globally.

Gerard Pique - Smartest football players
Gerard Pique – Smartest football players

It can be said that Gerard Pique, the renowned center-back for Barcelona, has an impressive IQ score of 170, surpassing that of the majority of the world’s population. In an interview, Pique’s father, Joan Pick, shared that his son had taken an IQ test and achieved this remarkable result. This not only surpasses Einstein’s score of 160 but also explains a part of Pique’s success in his football career, as he became one of the top center-backs in the world.

2. Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard is recognized as one of the most intelligent footballers globally, boasting an incredible IQ score of 150, a remarkable achievement. This cognitive ability has aided him excellently in his role as a central midfielder for Chelsea, with his adeptness in reading the game and creating intelligent attacks. However, transitioning into a coaching role, Lampard faced various challenges, including team management and tactical shaping. While IQ alone isn’t a determining factor, Lampard’s contributions to Chelsea and the England national team remain noteworthy and undeniable.

Frank Lampard - Smartest football players
Frank Lampard – Smartest football players

Gerard Pique is renowned for his IQ score higher than Einstein’s, reaching 170 in an IQ test. His intelligence not only contributed to his success on the field but also played a significant role in shaping his career and life. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard, although not possessing a similarly high IQ score, is still recognized as an intelligent player, with undeniable contributions to his club and national team.

3. Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is often seen as a symbol of “outsider” in football, known for both his goal-scoring abilities and scandals. However, behind his rebellious actions lies talent and sharp intelligence. Despite occasionally acting “differently,” “Super Mario” isn’t necessarily foolish but rather remarkably intelligent. It could be said that Balotelli falls into the category of individuals with an inverse relationship between IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional intelligence).

Mario Balotelli - Smartest footballers
Mario Balotelli – Smartest footballers

Mario Balotelli, the renowned forward known for his goal-scoring and controversial incidents, is often seen as a symbol of “outsider” in the football world. Despite controversial actions, behind them lies a sharp and intelligent mind. “Super Mario” is not a fool but rather a person with outstanding intelligence. This demonstrates the inverse relationship between IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional intelligence).

4. Juan Mata

Juan Mata has been globally recognized as a talented midfielder while playing for Manchester United, where he created memorable moments and made significant contributions to the team’s success. Not only a player with technical skill and good vision on the field, Mata is also an integral part of the Spanish national team, contributing to victories in both the World Cup and Euro, playing a crucial role in laying the foundation for those triumphs.

Juan Mata - Smartest footballers
Juan Mata – Smartest footballers

However, what makes Juan Mata even more special is not only his on-field playing abilities but also his versatility and diligence off the field. During his time at Chelsea, he not only dedicated time and effort to improving his football skills but also made a determined effort to enhance his academic qualifications. Mata pursued a degree in journalism at the Politecnica de Madrid University, a decision that showcases the diversity and richness of his career and his commitment to personal development. Additionally, he participated in distance learning courses, including sports science, physical education, and marketing. Mata’s intelligence and solid knowledge are not only a source of motivation in his football career but also help him become an admirable figure both on and off the field.

5. Clarke Carlisle

Clarke Carlisle, a former professional footballer, had a stellar career with teams like Leeds United, Watford, Burnley, and Northampton Town before officially retiring in 2013. However, he was famous not just for his on-field achievements but also for being one of the most intelligent players in English football.

What’s remarkable about Carlisle is his outstanding academic prowess. He made a mark in the entertainment industry with his excellent performance on the TV show Countdown. Not only that, with 10 A grades at GCSE and A grades in both Mathematics and Politics, Carlisle demonstrated the importance of investing in education and knowledge outside the football field.

Clarke Carlisle - Smartest footballers
Clarke Carlisle – Smartest footballers

Additionally, Carlisle holds a degree in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting from Staffordshire University, showcasing meticulous preparation for his post-football career. Carlisle’s versatility and diligence are not only a source of inspiration but also admirable qualities within the football community and beyond.

6. Petr Cech

Petr Cech is not only famous for his historic Premier League clean sheet records but also as one of the greatest goalkeepers English football has ever known. With four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, one Europa League title, and one Champions League title in his career journey, Cech has left an undeniable mark on the football world.

However, what makes Cech special is not just his on-field achievements but also his outstanding IQ. With exceptional intelligence, Cech is not only a solid goalkeeper on the field but also a shining leader and a respected teammate.

Petr Cech - Smartest footballers
Petr Cech – Smartest footballers

Furthermore, another interesting aspect of Cech is his decision to sign a contract with an ice hockey club after retiring. Through this transition, Cech has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to developing his career beyond the football field, a continuation of the impressive journey of a true football hero.

7. Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is known as a genius with an impressive IQ score, evident since his school days. He was highly regarded for his intelligence from a young age. Proficient in six languages, including Russian, Italian, English, French, German, and Portuguese, Mkhitaryan is confident in communication and playing on international stages, showcasing cultural flexibility and diversity.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Smartest football players ever
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Smartest football players ever

In addition to his football career, Mkhitaryan also holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from university. He continues to strive for learning by pursuing a degree in economics at St. Petersburg University and plans to become a lawyer after retiring, demonstrating his versatility and determination in developing his career and knowledge beyond the football field.

8. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku, the forward for Chelsea FC, is not only an outstanding player but also a talented linguist. With impressive goal-scoring abilities and a remarkable physique, Lukaku has also proven himself as a natural-born linguist.

He is proficient in communicating fluently in up to five languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, and Portuguese. While playing for Inter Milan, Lukaku also took the time to learn Italian, expanding his communication skills and adapting to new environments. The diversity and flexibility in language use not only help him establish good communication with teammates and coaches but also provide a significant advantage when engaging with football communities globally.

Romelu Lukaku - Smartest football players IQ
Romelu Lukaku – Smartest football players IQ

Moreover, Lukaku is also known for having basic knowledge of German and Swahili, demonstrating his interest in and respect for different languages and cultures. This also reflects the multifaceted and extensive shaping of Lukaku’s personality and career, extending beyond the football field and shining in various fields.

9. Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini has become an indispensable part of Italy’s impressive triumph at Euro 2020. Besides his outstanding talent on the football field, Chiellini has impressed with his remarkable academic achievements. From high school, he effortlessly passed all exams, demonstrating theoretical academic abilities as impressive as his on-field performance.

Giorgio Chiellini - Smartest football players IQ
Giorgio Chiellini – Smartest football players IQ

Subsequently, Chiellini continued his successful journey by enrolling at the prestigious Turin University. Here, he pursued a degree in business administration and graduated with a perfect score of 110, a remarkable achievement. His intelligence and solid knowledge not only help Chiellini shine on the football field but also enable him to “pair up” and compete with any striker smartly and strategically. This is undoubtedly an important factor in his great career.

10. Socrates

Lastly, one cannot overlook Socrates, known as the “philosopher” of Brazilian football. He was not only an outstanding footballer but also a cultural icon, admired for his headband and distinctive beard, creating the image of a philosopher embodied on the football field. What’s special about Socrates is not only his appearance but also the depth of knowledge and intelligence he brought to the football world.

Socrates - Smartest football players ever
Socrates – Smartest football players ever

He was not just a footballer but also a talented medical professional, earning a medical degree from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto while still playing. This demonstrates his diversity and professionalism outside the football field. Moreover, Socrates also contributed to writing for various sections, from sports to politics and economics, showing that he was not only an outstanding football player but also a true writer and philosopher. The combination of football talent, medical knowledge, and cultural creativity made Socrates an unforgettable icon in football history.

Conclusion

These players not only excel on the pitch with excellent technical and tactical abilities, but also possess multidimensional knowledge and intelligence in many areas. This diversity not only helps them succeed in their football careers but also makes them impressive and exemplary figures in the community. Therefore, the smartest football players list is not only about figures and numbers, but also about the stories, achievements and influence they leave behind, contributing to the enrichment of global football culture.

See also: Top 10 soccer players with long hair in world football