Tall, with a mop of curly hair and a beard, Socrates didn’t really look much like a footballer – and as a heavy smoking qualified doctor, you wouldn’t think he was a footballer, but he was one of the best in the world in the 1980s. 
As Brazil’s number 8 in Espana 82, Socrates pulled the strings in one of the best sides to not win the World Cup. His strikes against Russia and Italy showed his skills to a tee. Calm, composed, yet with a deadly finish, Socrates was lethal if given a shot at goal. He was the player to make famous the blind backheel pass, which so often wrong-footed opposition defences. His imperious performance in the World Cup of 1982 was eclipsed only by that of his midfield teammate Zico (more about him later in this series).
Socrates returned to the big stage in 1986 as Brazil’s captain – and despite his age (32), he was able to roll back the years and lead Brazil to the quarter finals. Here he showed his unique, nonchalant method of taking penalties in the second round match against Poland, taking a one-step run-up and pulling his kicking foot back as slowly as possible before slamming the ball into the top corner of the net.
However, in the quarter finals, France proved Brazil’s equals and when it came down to the penalty shootout, French keeper Joel Bats had Socrates’ penalty technique well scouted and saved spectacularly to help his side to a dramatic win in a classic match.
It was a sad way for Socrates to bow out, but as Brazil’s captain and the leader of the samba stars of the 80s, Socrates will be forever remembered for his beard, his fags and his amazing ability with a football.