Sócrates Democracy Squad

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Lore & Background

The source details how Sócrates and his teammates at Corinthians modeled a microcosm of society by making all club decisions through voting. This 'Corinthians Democracy' was a direct opposition to the Brazilian military government, with players wearing shirts reading 'Democracia' to support the movement for democratisation. The text highlights that Sócrates believed debate and swapping ideas could function as an example for the general public. On 16 April 1984, he famously told two million people at a cathedral square that if direct presidential elections were not accepted, he would leave for Italy. This political stance defined his era, distinguishing him from rivals in São Paulo who did not share this specific democratic framework within their squads.

In Their Own Story

During the early to mid-1980s, Sócrates captained Brazil at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, playing alongside Zico, Falcão, and Toninho Cerezo in one of the nation's most celebrated teams. At club level, he scored 41 goals in 59 Brazilian Série A games for Corinthians between 1978 and 1984. The source notes his unique leadership style: he was known for not taking part in teammates' celebrations when he scored, yet remained a respected figure due to his correct behavior and charismatic presence. His physical traits—a beard, headband worn in solidarity with Mexico City earthquake victims during the 1986 World Cup, and height—made him instantly recognizable. He was a two-footed playmaker known for blind back-heel passes and scoring twice against Spain and Poland in 1986, though his penalty attempt against France in that tournament's shootout was saved.

Reader's Guide

To understand this era accurately, one must distinguish between Sócrates' actual clubs and the fierce São Paulo derby context. The source clarifies he joined Corinthians in 1978 after leaving Botafogo-SP, where he was the highest goalscorer in the 1976 Campeonato Paulista da Divisão Especial de Futebol Profissional. His time abroad with Fiorentina in Serie A occurred in the 1984–85 season before he returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo (winning the 1986 Campeonato Carioca), Santos, and Botafogo-SP again before retiring in 1989. Fans should note that while Sócrates was a 'symbol of cool' and an 'anti-athlete' who smoked and drank beer, his democratic experiments were exclusive to Corinthians. He later worked as a columnist and physician, passing away on 4 December 2011 due to complications from liver cirrhosis.

Did You Know?

• Sócrates scored his penalty kick against Poland in the 1986 World Cup without running up to the ball.
• He agreed to a one-month player-coaching deal with Garforth Town in England at age 50, making only one substitute appearance.
• His youngest brother Raí was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 World Cup.
• Sócrates earned his medical degree from the University of São Paulo and initially viewed football as a hobby until his salary offer exceeded what he would earn as a doctor.