Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend

Andrew Downie’s biography tells the story of the larger-than-life sporting figure, Socrates, against the backdrop of Brazilian politics and society at a time when both were changing rapidly.It would be impossible to tell the story of Socrates without explaining the era in which he came of age and eventually dominated the national football scene. Downie achieves this in an engaging and conversational tone punctuated with richly researched and detailed anecdotes that offer a glimpse into what it was like to be present as the beautiful game became big business in Brazil. This is no dull history lesson, but rather a romp through an era accompanying perhaps the only person whose path threads the divided social, political and economic strata of the country.While non-Brazilians have sense of the Brazilian greats that have lifted the World Cup, stories of the “greatest team to never win it” are perhaps more interesting if not harder to come by. Thankfully Downie has meticulously curated a work comprised of countless primary sources and in-person interviews with the movers and shakers of the sport from all corners of Brazil and across Europe.To sum it up, this is a much more audacious undertaking than a book about a deceased football star. It is a sophisticated exposition of a life led at the intersection of Brazilian politics, culture and of course, football.

This is one of the most detailed biography I have read. The years of research and interviews clearly paid off, and are clearly seen throughout this book. Kudos to Andrew Downie, the author who did a brilliant job showing all facets of this Brazilian footballer and idol of many. Dr Socrates was truly one of the most authentic personalities -- all fields and industries considered, let alone a very conservative Brazilian football scene during a tough dictatorship such as the one in force in Brazil when Dr Socrates rose as a World-class player. He did not only excelled playing football, but also as a political personality in Brazil. Dr Socrates lived live to the limits of freedom and ironically he succumbed for not compromising a bit to be like that. He died because he was to tied to his own decisions (with astonishingly similarities to the Greek philosopher). I would say that Dr Socrates' human nature portrayed by Andrew Downie is exactly what makes him more than just a footballer, but also an all-time idol. Congratulations do Andrew Downie for such a beautiful way of telling a beautiful life. PS.: I cried reading the Epilogue; the emotions came all at once there and it was like living Dr Socrates' death once again. The joy and sorrow of a day: Dr Socrates' death and Corinthians' fifth national title.

It's an emotional journey, sometimes a painful one, to relive so many wins and losses by this great artist. I can still hear his voice, his deep voice mascaraded by his laughter and funny accent. I met Sócrates a couple of times and it was always disarming to hear him thank me for being there, hugging me and everybody around like we were all old friends. Indeed we were, because you could not be his friend. And I am so glad to have met him a few times more through the pages of this fantastic book.

A thoroughly enjoyable book. I'm not even that much of a soccer fan -- I bought this book mostly because I'm interested in Brazil -- but it was a page turner, full of colorful stories. Socrates was clearly a fascinating man and this book also brings an era in Brazil to life. If you're a soccer fan, I imagine you'd get even more out of this, as it describes the point (if I understand it right) when world soccer/football changed from the beautiful game to the rougher, win-ugly sport it's often become. Well worth reading.

This is one of the best books ever written about the most interesting character ever to appear in football / soccer. Socrates goes beyond the clubs he has defended, his journey was fascinating and the author has done a thorough research on this legend of Brazilian football.He was much more than a player, he was an intellectual force that helped change Brazil. I recommend this reading for all football fans, for all who want to understand a little of what was Brazil of the 80's and for all those who miss people like the Doctor.

Great insight on Socrates the man, not just the footballer. The Author really did his homework and in doing so uncovered the other side of the doctor that wasn't known to the outside world. Such an enjoyable read that finished quickly.

Greatly researched and written. Fantastic read about an extraordinary man and footballer

Excellent biography of a great player

Andrew Downie’s biography tells the story of the larger-than-life sporting figure, Socrates, against the backdrop of Brazilian politics and society at a time when both were changing rapidly.It would be impossible to tell the story of Socrates without explaining the era in which he came of age and eventually dominated the national football scene. Downie achieves this in an engaging and conversational tone punctuated with richly researched and detailed anecdotes that offer a glimpse into what it was like to be present as the beautiful game became big business in Brazil. This is no dull history lesson, but rather a romp through an era accompanying perhaps the only person whose path threaded the divided social, political and economic strata of the country.While non-Brazilians have sense of the Brazilian greats that have lifted the World Cup, stories of the “greatest team to never win it” are perhaps more interesting if not harder to come by. Thankfully Downie has meticulously curated a work comprised of countless primary sources and in-person interviews with the movers and shakers of the sport from all corners of Brazil and across Europe.To sum it up, this is a much more audacious undertaking than a book about a deceased football star. It is a sophisticated exposition of a life led at the intersection of Brazilian politics, culture and of course, football.

He was the one who resonated with me.My first conscious memory of World Cup and international tournament football. Those colours and sounds of Espana '82 will stay with me always, and although focus was on Zico, Eder, Falcao and Junior, this maestro captivated me so much.He looked different whereby you thought, he doesn't seem like he can hold his own in there.....what a ridiculous thought! Absolute class and authority. This book gives that back story and the rest of his intriguing, fascinating and sometimes flawed life. Many thanks for the story of his life, in lots of ways, it has reinforced my raw thoughts as a 9 year old when I was sat in front of the TV in open mouthed awe.Just a magnificent read

I must confess that this has been one of the most enthralling books I have read in recent time. It was just unputdownable and I devoured it in two straight reads. The author (Andrew Downie) delved into the life of this great icon, Doctor Socrates, who was not just a great footballer but a wonderful human being. The humane things he did in Brazil culminating in the Corinthians Democracy makes my love for him flow unabated. It's only a pain to my soul that this great human being, a philosopher and human rights activist succumbed to death, no thanks to cirrhosis. His exploits in the never forgotten FIFA World Cup '82 between Brazil and Italy endears all lovers of the beautiful game to him. How I wished the cold hands of death had spared him for another fifty years! Adieu 'Magrao' Doctor Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira. Rest in perfect peace!

This is pretty much everything you'd want from a football biography, which concentrates (understandably) on the 1982 World Cup. What I wasn't expecting, to be frank, is what a blow hard Socrates was. I don't suppose it really matters that Socrates was selfish, self-absorbed, a boozer with a penchant for childish practical jokes - but as a child I'd bought into the image of this doctor/ socialist/ chain smoking demigod, whereas in fact Socrates really did have feet of clay.This isn't the fault of the author (obviously) and there is some great stuff here on the World Cups, Corinthian Democracy etc. But like the old cliche goes, don't meet your heroes.

He was the philosophy of football as Motson said in the 3-2 defeat by Italy. He was the professor in the Brazilian team who lived his life to the full and I bought it to hear about the many stories of his life and I was not disappointed. A very enjoyable investigative account of the superstar. Great read.