Socrates, the footballer and philosopher, has died at the tender age of 57. He had the honour of playing for his native Brazil country 60 times, as well as being one of the founders of Western philosophy in his native Greece.
Born in Athens in 469 BC, he signed up to play for Corinthians FC in 1978. Little is known of his early life other than what is known through his fellow players such as Pele, and his student Plato whom he taught at the Academy.
Later on in his career, his outspoken views caused him to be cast as a "trouble-maker" by the Athenian government. He also captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Socrates died in a hospital in Sao Paolo, after being ordered to take hemlock for his heretical beliefs. However, he will long be remembered for his insightful philosophical dialogues, his sophisticated irony, and his pinpoint passing skills.
