7 Soccer Players Who Went To College

Stereotypically, soccer players aren’t perceived to possess notable academic backgrounds and from a young age tend to pursue a life of sporting success instead. Yet perhaps surprisingly, there remain a number of soccer stars who decided to add a further education qualification to their CV. 

Here’s 7 Soccer players who went to College.

1. Frank Lampard

Legendary Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard gained a total of eleven GCSEs at school along with an A* grade in Latin. He then pursued the subject at university and eventually achieved a Master’s degree. 

Lampard is said to have an IQ of 150 and is clearly among the most academic of professional soccer players. If you need help with academic writing then why not pay for essay writing from skilled writers at Academized writing service.

2. Vincent Kompany

Former Manchester City Captain Vincent Kompany always showed determination, drive and ambition as a player and also since moving into soccer management. 

In 2017 and just before hanging up his boots, Bayern Munich’s new head coach graduated from Manchester Business school with his lengthy dissertation focused on ‘home advantage for Premier League clubs.’

3. Edwin van Der Sar

Goalkeeping powerhouse Edwin van Der Sar has quietly and continuously climbed the ranks within soccer’s corporate world since retiring from the game in 2011. 

The Dutchman went on to complete his Sports and Brand Management degree, utilising his qualification with a high-profile return to former club Ajax and applied his skills to his CEO role. 

4. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is renowned for his near unmatched intelligence on the soccer field, historically weaving through defensive lines and threading intricate passes to deadly effect. 

However, the Spaniard is less well-known for his intellect off the pitch yet is actually the proud owner of a degree in Sports Science and Biology from the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

5. Georgio Chiellini

Veteran Italian centre-back Georgio Chiellini always displayed a wise demeanour when playing for either club or country, qualities that ultimately led to success and numerous honours throughout his career. 

He graduated from the University of Turin, obtaining a prestigious degree in Economics and Commerce before eventually achieving a Masters in the subjects. 

6. Romelu Lukaku

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku may surprise a few people with his academic ability. He is in fact fluent in a number of different languages including the likes of Dutch, English, German and French! 

The former Everton, Manchester United and Inter Milan striker is educated to degree level. Lukaku holds a higher qualification in Tourism and Public Relations.

7. Juan Mata

Juan Mata clearly appears to be an articulate and highly educated man. During both his playing career and as a pundit, the Spaniard displays clear intellect along with a magnetic presence. 

The former Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United playmaker was even capable of balancing both his soccer career and education. Because while still playing the game, Mata continued his learning and went on to earn a pair of degrees including Marketing and Sports Science.