This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
As thousands of students across the United Kingdom receive their GCSE results, we take a look at some of the brainiest footballers who have made a name for themselves both on and off the pitch.
High IQs and intellect are not qualities usually attributed to professional footballers, with common stereotypes suggesting their talents lie in their feet rather than their brains. However, plenty of high-profile stars have dispelled that myth over the years, demonstrating their talents in other areas and showing their own intelligence away from the pitch.
Chelsea's all-time record goalscorer and manager, Frank Lampard, excelled in his GCSE exams, earning 12 GCSEs at A or A, including an A in Latin. His intelligence was put to the test during his playing days at Stamford Bridge, with his IQ reported to be 'well above 150', placing him in the world's top 0.5%.
Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata is another example of a footballer who has pursued his passion for learning. He studied journalism in Spain before joining the Red Devils and regularly writes on his own blog online. He has also taken a degree in sports science and finance.
Former Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin originally enrolled at St Petersburg State University of Technology and Design for a rather unconventional reason - the number of girls studying there. However, he went on to gain a degree in clothing technology and even wrote a thesis on the design of a suit suitable for wearing for both business and sport.
Ex-Liverpool stopper Simon Mignolet boasts an impressive CV away from the football pitch, speaking four languages and holding a degree in law and political science. Brazil's 1982 World Cup winning captain, Socrates, famously qualified as a doctor after his playing days, despite being famous for smoking 40 a day as a player.
Clarke Carlisle was officially named 'Britain's Brainiest Footballer' back in 2002, and his intelligence was clear on shows like Countdown and Question Time. He also holds a sports writing and broadcasting degree from Staffordshire University and was chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association for a spell.
Sunderland striker Duncan Watmore made headlines for his studies after making his Sunderland breakthrough, graduating with a first in economics from Newcastle University in 2016. Former French international Jean-Alain Boumsong sacrificed a career as a doctor to become a footballer, but later went on to gain a mathematics degree.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has perhaps the most impressive background of the players featured on this list, with a degree in mechanical engineering from Washington's DC Howard University and an internship at NASA. Millwall striker Matt Smith also pursued a business degree in Manchester before opting for the football route.
