Due to the high load they probably used to buy essays to succeed both on the field and in the university. Let's take a look at premier athletes from different leagues around the world that are highly educated.
1. Giorgio Chiellini
A championship-winning defender is famous as the fiercest player. However, Giorgio Chiellini is not only a formidable presence on the field but also off it. After graduating from Turin University with an economics and commerce degree in 2010, he went back for his master's years later to fulfil his dream.
2. Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany is a four-time Premier League winner and captain of Manchester City FC. He has been recognized for his academic achievements as well, following the completion of his degree at Alliance Manchester Business School. Vincent Kompany received an MA in business administration from University College London. He was then honoured with an honorary doctorate by The University of Manchester while pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Social Sciences focusing on International Political Economy.
3. Duncan Watmore
Liverpool player Duncan Watmore is a Premier League rarity, one of only two English players to have earned his first-class honours degree. In 2015 the then 21-year-old acquired an economics and business management diploma from Newcastle University Business School following graduation with a Bachelor in 2013. Later on, he enrolled for another two years at university doing International Leadership, Business, and Management studies and continuing to play football professionally with Middlesbrough FC. "Football is a very short-term career", said this Liverpool team member. However, he also added that he always looks to do more in his educational life.
4. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is a Premier League legend and former England international. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders across Europe in his day. His three league titles with Chelsea speak for themselves, but what may surprise many was that he graduated from Essex's Brentwood School at just 17 years old after receiving 11 GCSEs to place him among the most educated football players ever. However, what might surprise many is his IQ, which has been measured at more than 150, so he would be in the top 0.5% of people.
5. Yuto Nagatomo
A degree in economics? This is what Yuto Nagatomo has on us, but it's not the only thing! He also authored two books about modern economics. If that weren't enough to impress you already, his distinguished career would do the trick as he played for several decorated clubs and made a name for himself with the Japan National team. In 2005, a teenage Nagatomo joined the university football team in Tokyo. He then went on to play for three different Italian clubs before finally settling with Olympique Marseille from 2013-2018. The Japanese footballer was praised during his career and was even named Asian Footballer of the Year while playing for Inter Milan in 2013.
6. Andres Iniesta
What do you get when a soccer player is also an academic? Well, in the case of Andres Iniesta, he's both. The 36-year-old midfielder has studied Biology and Sports Science simultaneously at university since 2009. Given his age and experience on the field, it's no surprise that many young players look up to him as their idol.
7. Juan Mata
Manchester United's Juan Mata is a highly-educated scholar with an Ivy League education. He holds two degrees from the Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, one in Sports Science and another in Marketing. Though he may be looking to pursue coaching after retirement, his interests also include psychology. Something that will come as no surprise for those who have seen him on or off the pitch.
8. Simon Mignolet
Simon Mignolet, the legendary goalkeeper for Liverpool FC and Belgium national team, is one of the best-educated footballers. He graduated from university with a degree in Political Science and Law which he studied at Leuven. This makes him fluent not only in languages like English but also French, Dutch, German.
9. Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku has been in the form of his life ever since he moved to Inter Milan from Manchester United. In addition, Romelu is fluent in five languages and complete his graduation in Public Relations.
10. Fikayo Tomori
He is an influential defender but also has a plan other than playing football professionally. Fikayo gets registration for the degree of business management. In an open university. This young man continues his studies as an option if he ever decides to retire from playing soccer professionally. If something worse happens, like suffers an injury that forces him off of the field altogether. At Gravesend Grammar School, Tomori is highly-regarded by his mentors as one of their brightest students. They even considered awarding him first place at this year's scholarship ceremony.