Football is more than just a game. It has the power to bring people together, inspire change, and make a positive impact on the world.
The Socrates Award is a testament to this, recognizing footballers who use their platform to fight for inclusion, climate protection, and those who are disadvantaged or threatened by conflict. Named after a legendary footballer known for his humanitarian work, this award celebrates achievements off the field and honors those who make a difference in their communities.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into what the Socrates Award is all about and why it’s such an important recognition in the world of football.
What Is The Socrates Award In Football
The Socrates Award is an annual football award that acknowledges the humanitarian work of a champion footballer. It was first presented in 2022 at the Ballon d’Or gala presentation night. The award was named after a Brazilian national team legend who was known for his humanitarian work during his playing days. Socrates was also a political activist who fought for social change and co-founded the Corinthians Democratic Movement to oppose the military government in Brazil.
The Socrates Award is unique in that it recognizes achievements off the field, rather than on it. It honors footballers who use their platform to make a positive impact on society, whether it’s through fighting for inclusion, climate protection, or helping those who are disadvantaged or threatened by conflict.
The inaugural winner of the Socrates Award in 2022 was a former Liverpool forward and current Bayern Munich player, who received the award in honor of his humanitarian work in his native Senegal. He built a public hospital and funded schools and families in his home village of Bambali, and also donated to the Senegalese National Committee to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Who Was Socrates And Why Is He Important In Football?
Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, commonly known as Socrates, was a Brazilian football player and doctor who played for the Brazilian national team. He was born on February 19, 1954, in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and passed away on December 4, 2011, in São Paulo. Socrates was known for his exceptional skills on the field, but he was also a political activist and a champion of social justice.
Socrates was one of the most influential footballers of his time, not only for his skill as a player but also for his political activism. He was a vocal opponent of the military dictatorship in Brazil during the 1980s and co-founded the Corinthians Democratic Movement to oppose the government. He believed that football could be used as a tool for social change and worked tirelessly to promote this idea.
Socrates was also a medical doctor and used his knowledge to help his fellow players. He was known for his unconventional approach to training and fitness, which focused on holistic health rather than just physical fitness. He believed that footballers should be treated as complete human beings and not just as athletes.
Socrates’ legacy has had a profound impact on football and beyond. His commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of football to effect change inspired many players who followed in his footsteps. The Socrates Award is named after him to honor his legacy and to recognize the important role that footballers can play in society.
The History And Significance Of The Socrates Award
The Socrates Award has a rich history that spans various fields beyond football. For instance, the AHEPA Socratic Award was first presented in 1972 to recognize the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Greek communities in the United States and abroad. The award has since honored members of the clergy for their work in promoting Greek culture and heritage.
Another iteration of the Socrates Award is presented by the Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation to individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries but have demonstrated a commitment to living according to the Socrates creed, which emphasizes the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body. This award recognizes individuals who have faced adversity and challenges but have persevered in their pursuit of physical and mental health.
In football, the Socrates Award has become a symbol of excellence both on and off the field. It recognizes footballers who use their platform to make a positive impact on society and promote social change. The award serves as an inspiration to future generations of footballers who aspire to use their platform for good.
Criteria For Winning The Socrates Award
To be eligible for the Socrates Award, a footballer must have demonstrated outstanding humanitarian work off the field. The award is presented to a champion footballer who has used their platform to make a positive impact on society. The recipient must have shown dedication and commitment to social initiatives that promote positive change and have made a significant contribution to improving the lives of others.
The Socrates Award is not limited to any specific type of humanitarian work, but rather recognizes a range of initiatives that promote social justice, equality, and inclusion. Footballers who have championed environmental causes, supported education, or helped disadvantaged communities are all eligible for the award.
The recipient of the Socrates Award is chosen based on their exceptional humanitarian work, as well as their commitment to excellence in football. The award is presented to a footballer who has demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship on the field, as well as a dedication to promoting positive change off the field.
Nominees for the Socrates Award are evaluated by selection committees from each of the five established colleges: Arts and Letters, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Business, and Education Library. The committees consider each nominee’s academic advising, research, creative activities, and student-teacher evaluations before making their final recommendations.
The Socrates Award is a prestigious honor that acknowledges the power of footballers to create positive change in the world. By recognizing footballers who use their platform for good, the award inspires others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in their communities.
Past Winners And Their Impact On Football And Society
Since its inception in 2022, the Socrates Award has recognized several footballers who have made significant contributions to society. The winners of this award have used their platform to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.
The inaugural winner of the Socrates Award, the former Liverpool forward and current Bayern Munich player, set a high standard for future winners. His work in his native Senegal has had a profound impact on the lives of many people. He has not only provided healthcare and education but also acted as a role model for young people in his community.
The following year, the award was presented to a female footballer who has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. She has used her success on the field to promote equal opportunities for women and girls in football and beyond. Her efforts have helped to break down barriers and inspire a new generation of female athletes.
In 2024, the Socrates Award was given to a footballer who has been actively involved in environmental causes. He has used his platform to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices in the world of sports. His commitment to protecting the environment has inspired others to take action and make a difference.
The winners of the Socrates Award have not only made an impact on society but also on the world of football. They have shown that football can be more than just a game and that athletes can use their platform to create positive change. Their actions have inspired others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in their own communities.
The Future Of The Socrates Award And Its Role In Promoting Social Change.
The Socrates Award is a powerful tool for promoting social change and encouraging footballers to use their platform for good. As more and more athletes become aware of their social responsibility, the Socrates Award is likely to become an even more prestigious honor in the world of football.
The Socrates Award recognizes the importance of using sport to mobilize and transform society, and it encourages footballers to take an active role in promoting positive change. By recognizing the best social initiatives by committed champions, it inspires others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in their communities.
As the world faces new challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and social inequality, the role of sports in promoting positive change has become increasingly important. The Socrates Award is an excellent example of how sports can be used to drive social change and inspire others to make a difference.
In the future, we can expect to see more footballers using their platform to promote social change, and we can also expect to see more organizations recognizing the importance of this work. The Socrates Award has already set a high standard for what it means to be a champion on and off the field, and we can expect it to continue to inspire future generations of footballers to use their platform for good.
