Football Pink

  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

Sibling Rivalry, part 14: The legacies of Socrates and Rai

Pink by Pink
October 24, 2018
in Features

exc-5bd0c7c80d9297905f448d84

We’re reaching the end of our Sibling Rivalry series with a look back at two brothers with World Cup glory and glorious failure at the heart of their stories. By TOM KERR.

Sócrates is regarded as one of football’s greats, named in Pelé’s FIFA 100. In many ways he was the complete footballer. Socrates left a mark on the game through his class on and off the pitch in equal measure. Whilst their careers only briefly overlapped, a history is shared with his younger brother, Rai. Therefore, it’s not on the field where the pair’s rivalry could be said to have played out, rather the legacies they left behind.

Rai achieved what his brother couldn’t – winning the World Cup in the USA in 1994. Following a recent high profile move to Paris St. Germain, Rai’s personal campaign dwindled as the tournament continued. Captain in Brazil’s opening group stage game, Rai would ultimately watch the final from the subs bench, having handed the armband to Dunga. Although a World Cup winner, Rai wasn’t crucial to Brazil’s success. This was particularly disappointing considering 1994 was set up to be Rai’s 1982 – the World Cup finals here Socrates became such a central and iconic figure.

Despite this, Rai still has a claim to a great legacy. Whilst Socrates’ reputation is primarily built upon international football, Rai excelled in club competition. From 1993 to 1998 Rai played a prominent role for PSG, and is regarded as a club legend from before the time of Neymar, Ibrahimovic and all that Qatari investment. Prior to this Rai was instrumental in the early 90s for Tele Santana’s Sao Paulo, captaining the side to the Brazilian league title in 1991 and Copa Libertadores victory the following year which saw his career arguably reach its pinnacle. Continental and global success was achieved in 1992: Sao Paulo defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Tokyo to win the Intercontinental Cup to add to their Copa Libertadores success. Rai was named Man of the Match, scoring both of Sao Paulo’s goals. During his spell in France, Rai won the French first division and enjoyed continental success – this time in Europe – in 1996 as PSG won the Cup Winners’ Cup. Undoubtedly Rai’s club career eclipses Socrates based on club honours. This is not to say Socrates had a poor club career by any means; after all, almost 300 goals from midfield is hardly a failure. Arguably, Socrates simply never had the platform to achieve like his brother, who played in a more multinational club football period.

Socrates’ reputation is coated by the romanticism of the World Cup and Brazil as a footballing nation. The 1980s was a time when Brazilian football was still a rare four-year export, and Socrates’ side played with greater freedom of expression than Rai’s 1994 side. While in 1994 Brazil adopted a pragmatic approach, Socrates’ followed the Brazilian ideology of beautiful samba football, which captured the hearts of fans worldwide. They were the people’s champions, playing some of the most joyous football ever seen by a Brazilian team or any other for that matter.

Socrates had a brief and unsuccessful spell at Fiorentina, perhaps exposing his flawed club career. Yet it is undisputed that Socrates was a sensational footballer, with intelligence, technique and physical prowess that exceeded most of those around him. Socrates was remarkable to watch, and although his brother was also a superb footballer, very few players had the impact that Socrates had. Pivotal in the exhilarating 1982 Brazil side, regarded by many as the best not to win a World Cup, Socrates was even able to eclipse the likes of teammates Zico, Falcao and Eder. Despite Rai’s considerable talents, Socrates was superior and certainly more iconic.

Off the pitch Socrates was also a hugely significant and charismatic figure. With a degree in medicine and a huge political thinker, Socrates was more than a footballer. He was an intellectual, a drinker and a heavy smoker – “I smoke, I drink, I think”. In comparison, Rai is far less surrounded by the almost mythical aura that built up around his brother.

Legacies are built upon performance on the greatest stage. When Rai’s opportunity came, he shrank. Whilst Socrates wasn’t ultimately a winner, he stuck to an ideology that captivated a generation of fans; he was the conductor of the last ‘true’ Brazilian side. Socrates’ recent passing emphasised his impact on the game as the world mourned. Without doubt Rai remains a club hero at PSG, but his personal failure at the World Cup taints his contribution, especially considering his flair was unable to shine through such a pragmatic approach. With Russia 2018 on the horizon, the comparison of Socrates and Rai demonstrates the power that World Cups possess to make or break a player’s sporting legacy.

FOLLOW TOM ON TWITTER @clockendtomblog

Related Posts

1998: When the World Cup and EA Sports combined to create computer game heaven
Features

1998: When the World Cup and EA Sports combined to create computer game heaven

The FIFA computer game series has now grown to an incredibly lucrative and, for some, time-consuming franchise. The days...

by Liam Togher
March 11, 2022
0
The Physio : Life in the Camp
European

The Physio : Life in the Camp

During a tournament, the presenter will often say we will be going live to the England camp, or any...

by Gavin Blackwell
June 22, 2021
0
The Physio: Running repairs
Current

The physio: The more things change, the more they stay the same

It wasn't all that long ago when the medical team in all the 92 professional clubs consisted of one...

by Gavin Blackwell
March 8, 2021
0
Diary of a refugee football club secretary (Part Four)
Current

Diary of a refugee football club secretary (Part 13)

In January 2018, Ullet Road Church Rebels were formed in Liverpool. The Rebels are the first club to field...

by Chris Allen
March 6, 2021
0
Load More
Next Post

The Dreams of Youth

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers
Latest

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers

by Gareth Thomas
April 8, 2022
0
0

Wednesday 16th December 1987 FA Cup Second Round (Third Replay) Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers Programme Price: 50p It's Friday,...

Read more
Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

April 5, 2022
0
Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

April 4, 2022
0
‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

April 2, 2022
0
Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

March 31, 2022
0

© 2020 footballpink.net

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr