Football is widely regarded as a sport that demands agility, finesse, and technique. However, not every talented player on the pitch is always accompanied by intelligence off the field. In the realm of football, some exceptional players excel not only in technical ability and physical prowess but also in intelligence. They not only exhibit outstanding talent on the field but also possess remarkable intelligence. Their intelligence even earns admiration from football enthusiasts worldwide. Who are they? Let's delve into the details with Wintips admin's analysis in the "Top 10 smartest football players in the world" below.
Top 10 smartest football players in history
1. Gerard Pique (IQ: 170)
The 36-year-old former center-back and Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique, is topping the list. Pique's IQ score is an astonishing 170, an incredibly impressive number. He even surpasses Albert Einstein's IQ of 160. With this exceptionally high IQ, Pique is among the most intelligent people in the world.
Piqué is pursuing a Master’s degree at the prestigious Harvard University in the United States, specializing in business, sports, media, and entertainment. After retiring from professional football, he harbors ambitions to become the president of FC Barcelona and is already laying the groundwork for this endeavor.
2. Frank Lampard (IQ: 150) - One of the smartest football players
The Chelsea legend and former head coach is the second smartest footballer in the world, with an IQ of 150, placing him among the most intelligent individuals globally. This IQ places Lampard in the top 0.5% of the most intelligent individuals worldwide.
During his school years, Lampard achieved 12 A's in his GCSEs (a two-year foundational high school program in the UK) and received an A+ in Latin studies. With his exceptional intellect, Lampard helped Chelsea navigate challenging times during the 2019-2020 season. He also returned to Chelsea as the interim head coach for the 2023 season.
3. Mario Balotelli (IQ: 147) - One of the smartest football players
Forward Mario Balotelli is a talented footballer. Born in 1990 in Palermo, Italy, Mario Balotelli is regarded as one of the most gifted players in the world. His exceptional skills on the pitch are matched by his intellectual abilities off the pitch. Balotelli is one of the three footballers with the highest IQ scores, with an impressive IQ of 147.
However, Balotelli is often considered a loose cannon due to his unpredictable behavior, rebellious nature, and lack of discipline both on and off the field. Despite this, Balotelli has shown compassion toward the underprivileged, including homeless individuals. He is passionate about charity work and actively supports those in need.
4. Juan Mata (IQ: 142)
Having graduated with a degree in Sports Science and Finance, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata possesses an IQ of 142. Juan Mata studied journalism at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and his articles have received high praise from professionals.
While very few professional footballers achieve outstanding academic qualifications, Juan Mata excelled, earning A's in both sports science and marketing. Upon joining Chelsea FC, Juan Mata quickly adapted to his new environment and became fluent in English within a year—a feat that few players have managed to accomplish.
5. Clarke Carlisle (IQ: 141) - One of the smartest football players
Clarke Carlisle was a former professional footballer who played for Leeds United, Watford, Burnley, and Northampton Town before retiring in 2013. He is regarded as one of the most intelligent players in English football.
Carlisle demonstrated his intelligence on the TV show Countdown, achieving 10 A grades at GCSE, an A in Mathematics, and an A in Politics. This defender also holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Broadcasting from Staffordshire University.
6. Petr Cech (IQ: 140) - Among the smartest football players
Petr Cech is one of the goalkeepers who has kept the most clean sheets in Premier League history. He has won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, one Europa League, and one Champions League throughout his illustrious career.
What sets Cech apart from other goalkeepers is his exceptionally high intelligence. Additionally, an interesting fact about the Czech goalkeeper is that, after retiring from football, he signed a contract with an ice hockey club to serve as a goalie.
7. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (IQ: 136)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is regarded as a genius due to his exceptionally high IQ. Even during his school days, he was recognized as an exceptionally intelligent young boy.
Fluent in six languages—Russian, Italian, English, French, German, and Portuguese—Mkhitaryan is very confident in communicating and competing on international stages. In addition, Mkhitaryan holds a bachelor's degree in physical education. He also studied economics at St. Petersburg University and plans to become a lawyer after retiring from football.
8. Giorgio Chiellini (IQ: 110) - Smartest football players
Not only is Giorgio Chiellini one of the world's legendary center-backs, but he also possesses an impressive intellect and notable educational achievements. In 2011, the former Italian defender graduated from his university with a degree in economics. Seven years later, he earned a master’s degree in Business Administration with a perfect score.
From a young age, Chiellini was praised for being extremely intelligent and for effortlessly passing every test in school. He then attended the prestigious University of Turin, where he graduated with the highest honors in business administration, earning a perfect score of 110. Surely, his intelligence has helped him in matching up against and contending with any forward on the field.
9. Romelu Lukaku (IQ: 107) - Smartest football players
Romelu Lukaku, the current forward for Chelsea and AS Roma, is not just an ordinary player. Lukaku is renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and imposing physical presence, and he is also a natural polyglot.
Lukaku is fluent in five languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, and Portuguese. While he was playing for Inter Milan, the striker also learned Italian. Additionally, it is said that he understands German and Swahili, and he holds a degree in tourism and public relations.
10. Socrates (IQ: 107)
Finally, let’s delve further into the fascinating life and accomplishments of Socrates, the legendary Brazilian footballer known not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his intellect and contributions off the field.
Socrates, often referred to as "the wise philosopher" of Brazilian football, was more than just a talented player; he was a thinker, a leader, and a man of principle. With his iconic headband and distinctive beard, he stood out not only for his appearance but also for his unique approach to the game. His style of play was elegant and intelligent, reflecting his deep understanding of football's nuances.
Conclusion
The following are the football players with the highest IQ scores in the world today. Not only are these players intelligent, but they also have illustrious sports careers that many admire. Hopefully, Wintips has provided readers with useful information. Check out more articles about football, sports, and home health care on the bet bookmaker website every day. Best regards!
See also: The most soccer players with long hair and headband - Top 10
