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...