8 ‘footballers’ who have earned PhDs – Nigerian included

While football is often associated with physical ability, fame and trophies, some players have also pursued academic excellence, earning PhDs and other doctoral degrees alongside or after their football careers. While professional football requires years of training and travel, a number of players have gone on to earn doctoral degrees, with some completing their research while still playing professionally. From former internationals to players who later moved into academia, here are footballers who have earned doctorates: 1.

Turid Knaak — Germany Former Germany international Turid Knaak combined a professional football career with academic work before earning a doctorate in Special Needs Education from the University of Cologne. Knaak completed her studies while playing professional football and worked as a research assistant and university lecturer. Her doctoral research focused on the development of writing skills among students with learning difficulties.

She represented Germany at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and made 16 appearances for the national team. She also played for clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, SGS Essen, Arsenal and Wolfsburg. João Tomás — Portugal Former Portugal international striker João Tomás became a doctor in Sports Sciences in January 2026 after successfully defending his doctoral thesis at the University of Coimbra.

His research examined the difficulties young footballers face when making the transition from junior to senior football. Tomás, who played for clubs including Benfica, Braga, Boavista, Rio Ave and Real Betis, spent about four years working on the doctorate after ending his playing career. His thesis was approved with distinction and praise.

He has since combined his academic work with football commentary and teaching. Tarantini — Portugal Former Portuguese professional footballer Tarantini became the first professional athlete in Portugal to obtain a doctorate, according to João Tomás and Portuguese academic sources. The former Rio Ave midfielder completed his doctorate in Sports Sciences in 2022, adding an academic achievement to a playing career that included more than a decade in Portugal’s top flight.

His doctorate helped reinforce his interest in the transition between professional sport and life after retirement. Felix Owolabi — Nigeria Former Nigeria international Felix Owolabi, popularly known as “Owo Bl…