Romelu Lukaku
Napoli's Romelu Lukaku speaks a number of languages. (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Despite the countless hours spent training on the pitch, it's a misconception that footballers don't excel academically. In fact, there are numerous examples of those who have excelled both on and off the field.
Given that a professional football career isn't everlasting, players often need to have a backup plan for when they retire or in case of an injury that sidelines them from the game.
With A-level results day now upon us once more, Express Sport take a look at some footballers who not only performed exceptionally well in their exams, but have also achieved great things beyond the pitch.
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Romelu Lukaku
First on our list is the formidable Belgian striker. Lukaku is not just unique on the pitch, but he's also a polyglot off it. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and French fluently. It's also believed that he has a good command of German and Swahili.
In addition to his linguistic prowess, he holds a degree in Public Relations and Tourism. So, if you're staying in a hotel in the future, keep an eye out for Lukaku - he might be running the show!
Leah Williamson.
Leah led England's Lionesses to victory at the Euros this summer, but she's also a star off the pitch.
The Arsenal centre back joined the Arsenal Ladies Centre of Excellence in 2006, and the club turned professional the year she finished sixth form.Leah is currently undertaking a part-time accountancy course through the Football Association, preparing for life after her playing days.
"You should dedicate your life to football – I have to, I'm an athlete – but it shouldn't be everything, the be-all and end-all," she told City AM last year.
Reading v Arsenal - Capital One Cup Fourth Round
Andrey Arshavin is best remembered for his time at Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
"So I do it to keep some sort of balance, always doing something outside of football. But also I'm under no illusions that I'm not going to be able to retire at the end of my career and be fine for the rest of my life. I will have to work again and maybe that's where I have come in [to the sport] just a little too early, in terms of hopefully one day these girls will earn enough that they are set for life.
"If a boy signs for an academy aged 16 he is generally set for life. It's a massive contrast in our game and I'm aware of that. It's ridiculous to think that once your career finishes you are going to be fine and set."
Andrey Arshavin
The ex-Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg midfielder currently serves as a consultant for Zenit's youth squads, though his expertise extends far beyond the pitch as Arshavin boasts credentials in the fashion world.
At just 17 years old, he pursued a clothing technology qualification at St Petersburg State University of Technology and Design. Arshavin even runs his own fashion label in Russia, so should you require any style guidance whilst visiting the country, keep an eye out for the former footballer.
Beth England
Away from the football pitch, Lioness Beth England has been pursuing studies in family law. The Chelsea striker pursued part-time studies after securing a scholarship to the private BPP University whilst playing for Doncaster Belles.
Prior to that, teenage Beth completed a 12-week pathway course to a higher education certificate in legal studies at a college - and travelled to London from her home in Barnsley. She revealed: "I started studying social work, but it wasn't for me. I've always been interested in law – I used to watch CSI, Criminal Minds and Law and Order with my mum! But I'm really interested in the family side of things and I would eventually like to work in family law.
"I never thought football would be a full-time job, so I always knew education would have to come into it. After football you need to make sure you have something set up, ready for that transition."
Liverpool v Manchester City - FA Community Shield
Simon Mignolet has done a degree since leaving Liverpool. (Image: Getty)
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian goalkeeper has enjoyed quite the career both for Liverpool and now back in his homeland for Club Brugge, but away from the pitch Mignolet is quite the academic.
When he hangs up his boots, the keeper will have numerous options to pursue as he operates a coffee shop back home or he could utilise his degree in Law and Political Science. The future appears promising for the international goalkeeper.
Gerard Pique
Despite being one of the finest defenders on the planet, Barcelona native Gerard Pique has excelled in his studies and has even succeeded in obtaining a Master's degree in Business from Harvard University in USA. Shakira's ex-husband, Pique, hails from a lineage of business success, with his grandfather even serving on the board of Barcelona FC.
With an impressive track record in both education and football, there's no telling where Pique might end up next.
Juan Mata
Next up is former Spain international and Manchester United stalwart Juan Mata, who could potentially swap the pitch for the press room.
Mata holds a degree in Journalism from Universidad Politecnica e Madrid, but that's not all - he also pursued a second degree in Finance while playing at Old Trafford, giving him plenty of options post-football.
Mary Earps
England's goalkeeper Mary Earps is not just adept at blocking goals, she's also been scoring her own off the field.
While playing for clubs like Birmingham, Bristol City and Reading, Earps was simultaneously earning a degree in Information Management and Business Studies at Loughborough. Determined to meet the entry grades, Earps put in an extra year at school and emerged with a 2:1.
Posting a graduation snap on Instagram, she wrote: "From the moment I first stepped onto the Loughborough University grounds about ten years ago, there was only ever one university that I was interested in going to - more than that, it instantly became an immensely important and personal ambition that I was determined to achieve; a life goal.
Olympique Lyonnais v Paris Saint-Germain - Arkema Premiere Ligue Feminine 2024/2025, Final
It's not just in goal where Mary Earps is adept. (Image: Getty)
"I did an extra year at school to make sure that I met the required entry grades, and though I always advocate doing your research before making an important decision, it was the only university open day that I attended. There was something about Loughborough.
"Today I graduated from one of the top universities in the country, the university that I've always dreamed of attending, with a 2:1 degree in Business... and it's safe to say that the stress, sweat, tears and sleep deprivation were all worth it. Thank you for a challenging and unforgettable four years."
Clarke Carlisle
Back in 2002, Carlisle was crowned Britain's Brainiest Footballer after securing a degree in Sports Writing and Broadcasting from Staffordshire University whilst also undertaking extensive charity campaign work.
This has resulted in quite the impressive CV for the man who has also appeared on television favourites Question Time and Countdown.
Leeds United v AC Milan, pre-season friendly match, Dublin.
Fikayo Tomori has a diploma in business management. (Image: Getty)
Duncan Watmore
The Sunderland midfielder stands as one of the few Premier League footballers to have achieved a First Class degree after completing his Economics and Business Management qualification at Newcastle University. He juggled his academic responsibilities, completing essays and attending lectures, while also vying for a place in the first team.
Socrates
Socrates, one of Brazil's most celebrated captains, was not only a force to be reckoned with on the pitch but also off it. He earned a medical degree and practised medicine after hanging up his boots.
The late football icon, who clinched two World Cup titles, also made his mark as a writer and journalist in his homeland, penning columns on politics and economics for local newspapers.
Fikayo Tomori
AC Milan's centre-back Fikayo Tomori, who also represents England internationally, has had an impressive journey off the field. He is another footballer with a business acumen, having pursued a diploma in business management.
Once his playing days are over, don't be taken aback if the Chelsea loanee makes a splash in the business world, armed with his qualifications.