CORINTHIANS SOCCER FANS hold a sign in honor of the late former player Socrates during a match against Palmeiras in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sunday. Socrates, who died Sunday at age 57, was mostly known for captaining Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, regarded by many as the best team ever not to win football’s showcase tournament. The match ended 0-0, and Corinthians became the 2011 Brazilian soccer champions.
Known for his elegant style on the field and his deep involvement with Brazilian politics, Socrates died of septic shock resulting from an intestinal infection, according to a statement by the Albert Einstein hospital.
He had been rushed to the hospital on Saturday — the third time in four months — and had been in critical condition in an intensive care unit, breathing with the help of a ventilator.
The hospital said Socrates died at 4: 30 a. m. Brazilian time.
Socrates was twice hospitalized and placed in intensive care in the last few months, most recently in September. Both times he was admitted for a hemorrhage caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.
Socrates acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even when he starred as a player in the 1980s, but said he stopped drinking earlier this year after his stints in the hospital.
Dozens of Brazilian footballers expressed their sadness on Twitter moments after Socrates’ death was announced.
“ Sad start to the day,” retired Brazil striker Ronaldo wrote. “ Rest in peace Dr. Socrates.”
Former Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo added on his Twitter page: “Sad to wake up and find out that Socrates has died.”
Reaction came from those outside of football, too, including three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten and three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
“Great guy,” Castroneves tweeted. “A Brazilian who will be greatly missed.”
The Brazilian football federation said the final round of the Brazilian league on Sunday will be played in Socrates’ honor. All matches will be preceded by a minute of silence. Corinthians, the team that featured Socrates at the height of his career, needs a draw against rival Palmeiras to win the title. Corinthians’ main fan group said it will honor its former star throughout the day.
Fiorentina, another of Socrates’ former clubs, said it would hold a minute of silence and wear black armbands in his honor for Sunday’s Italian league match with Roma.
“ He was a very dynamic player with a sublime foot but most of all great intelligence,” said former Italy forward Paolo Rossi, who scored a memorable hat trick against Brazil and Socrates at the 1982 World Cup. “Along with Zico and Falcao he was the symbol of that Brazil squad.
“ Socrates seemed like a player from another era,” added Rossi, according to the ANSA news agency. “ You couldn’t place him in any category — on the pitch and even more so off it. Everyone knew about his degree in medicine and he had a lot of cultural and social interests as well. He was unique from every point of view.”
Indeed, Socrates stood out on and off the field. He became a doctor after retiring from football and later became a popular TV commentator and columnist, always with unique and controversial opinions. He never denied his fondness for drinking, from the time he was a player until his death.
He is survived by his wife and six children.
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