Romeru Lukaku of Naples speaks many languages. (Image: Nurphoto, Nurphoto via Getty Images)
The misconception is that despite countless hours of training on the pitch, soccer players are not academically superior. In fact, there are many examples of people who excel both on and off the field.
Given that professional soccer careers will not be forever, players often need to make a backup plan for the case of injuries that will sideline them from the game.
With A-Level Results Day once again, let’s take a look at football players who not only did the Express Sport work very well in the exams, but also achieved great things beyond the pitch.
Romeru Lukaku
The first on our list is the formidable Belgian striker. Lukaku isn’t unique on the pitch alone, but he is also a polyglot from that point. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French fluently. He also believes he is in good command of Germany and Swahili.
In addition to his language proficiency, he holds a degree in Public Relations and Tourism. So, if you’re staying at a hotel in the future, look out for Lukaku – he may be running the show!
Leah Williamson.
Leah gave England’s Lioness a win for the Euro this summer, but she was also a star off the pitch.
Arsenal Center joined the Arsenal Ladies Center of Excellence in 2006, and the club changed professionally in the year it finished its sixth form. Lee currently conducts part-time accounting courses through the Football Association, preparing for life after the day.
“You should devote your life to football – I have to, I am an athlete – but it shouldn’t be everything, it’s everything, it’s everything,” she told City AM last year.
Andrei Arshavin remembers best in his time at Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
“So I’ll keep some balance and always do it to do something outside of football. But I’m not under the illusion that I can’t retire at the end of my career and I can’t be energized for the rest of my life. I’ll have to work again.
“If a boy signs the 16-year-old academy, he’s generally ready for life. It’s a huge contrast in our game and I know that. It’s ridiculous to think that once your career is over, you’ll be fine and set.”
Andrei Arshabin
The former Assenal and Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder is currently a consultant for Zenit’s youth team, but his expertise is far beyond the pitch as he boasts qualifications in the fashion world.
At just 17 years old, he pursued a clothing technical qualification at the State Institute of Technology of St. Petersburg. Arshavin runs his own fashion label in Russia, so if you want any style guidance while visiting the country, look out for the former soccer player.
Beth England
Away from the football pitch, Lioness Beth England has been studying family law. The Chelsea striker pursued part-time research after securing a scholarship to private BPP college while playing for the Doncaster Bells.
Prior to that, teenager Beth completed a 12-week route course in the Higher Education Certificate in Law Studies at the University and traveled to London from his home in Barnsley. “I started studying social work, but it wasn’t for me. I’ve always been interested in law. I was looking at CSI, criminal minds, law, order with my mom!
“I didn’t think soccer was a full-time job, so I always knew that education needed to come in. After football, you need to make sure you’re ready for that transition.”
Simon Mignolett has completed his degree since leaving Liverpool. (Image: Getty)
Simon Mignolett
The Belgian goalkeeper enjoys a career that has returned to Liverpool and now Club Bruges’ hometown, but off the pitch, Mignolet is quite academic.
Once he cuts his boots, the Keeper has many options to pursue, as he returns home to run a coffee shop, or utilizes his law and political science degree. The future appears to be promising for international goalkeepers.
Gerald Piquet
Barcelona native Gerald Piquet, despite being one of the best defenders on the planet, excels in his research and successfully completed a Masters in Business from Harvard University in the United States. Shakira’s ex-husband, Piquet, is born from a pedigree of business success, as her grandfather works on the Barcelona FC board of directors.
With an impressive track record in both education and soccer, we don’t know where Piquet will go next.
Juan Mata
Next up is the stubborn Juan Mata from former Spanish International and Manchester United.
Mata holds a degree in journalism from the University of Madrid, but that’s not all. He also pursued twice in finance while playing for Old Trafford, offering plenty of post-football options.
Mary Earps
England goalkeeper Mary Earps is not only skilled at blocking goals, but also scores her own points from the field.
While playing for clubs such as Birmingham, Bristol City and Reading, Earps also had a degree in Information Management and Business Studies at Loughborough. Determined to meet the entry grade, Earps had an extra year at school and appeared at 2:1.
Posting her graduation snap on Instagram, she wrote: “From the moment I first stepped into the Loughborough University grounds about 10 years ago, there was only one university I was interested in going to – more than that, it became a very important and personal ambition that I was determined to achieve.
Mary Earps is not the only skilled goal. (Image: Getty)
“I’ve had an extra year at school and confirmed that I’ve met the required admission grades. I’ve always advocated for doing your research before making any important decisions, but that was the only open day of the university I’ve been attending. There was something about Loughborough.
“Today, I graduated from one of the top universities in the country, one of the nation’s top universities, where I always dreamed of attending, and in a 2:1 business…and it’s safe to say that stress, sweat, tears, lack of sleep is all worth it.
Clark Carlyle
In 2002, Carlisle crowned the UK’s best footballer after securing a degree in sports writing and broadcasting at Staffordshire University, then carrying out a massive charity campaign activity.
This has become a very impressive resume for the man who also appeared in his favorite TV question time and countdown.
Fikayo Tomori has a diploma in business management. (Image: Getty)
Duncan Watmore
The Sunderland midfielder is expected to earn his first class degree as one of the few Premier League soccer players after completing his economics and business administration qualifications at Newcastle University. He balances academic responsibilities, completes essays, participates in lectures, and competes for first team locations.
Socrates
One of Brazil’s most famous captains, Socrates was a force that was not only considered on the pitch, but also taken into consideration. He completed his medical degree and practiced medicine after hanging his boots.
The late football icon, who won two World Cup titles, made the mark as a writer and journalist in his hometown, writing columns on politics and economics for local newspapers.
Fikayotomori
AC Milan centre back Ficayo Tomori is also representing England internationally and has made an impressive journey from the field. He is another soccer player with business insight, pursuing a business management diploma.
Once his playing day is over, don’t be surprised if a Chelsea lender armed with his qualifications and splashed in the business world.
