Write a review. Socrates is the player that I remember making the biggest impression on me, an 11 year old watching from Glasgow, during the 1982 World Cup from Spain. He showed how argument, debate, and discussion could help men to understand difficult issues. Brazilian football legend Socrates died today at the age of 57 after falling ill following a meal of beef stroganoff. Socrates (469 BC – 399 BC) was one of the greatest Greek philosophers.He did not propose any specific knowledge or policy. The 1983 South American Footballer of the Year left the game with so much to proud of, for his achievements in the game were truly groundbreaking. Buy Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend by Downie, Andrew (ISBN: 9781471154072) from Amazon's Book Store. All SOCRATES' goals for Brazil Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira simply known as Sócrates, was a Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Start your review of Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend. But then Socrates is not your average ex-footballer, in any way. For the Brazilian footballer, see Sócrates. This may strike you as not being the sort of thing the average ex-footballer talks about. Despite his exceptional on-field success, there was no doubt in Socrates’ mind that he believed his work away from the pitch was of far greater importance than his work on it. Most of the issues he dealt with were only political on the surface. Apr 19, 2017 Paul rated it it was amazing. Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, to give him his full name, delayed the start of his international career until the age of 25 so he could complete his studies as a doctor. Shelves: non-fiction. His bachelors degree in medicine and his political awareness earned him the nickname "Doctor Socrates". The Greek philosopher Socrates was about 70 years old when he died in 399 BC (Born circa 470-469 BC).