Giant Puffball Mushrooms and Memories of Socrates, Genius of Soccer

1 Jun 1986: Socrates of Brazil lines up before the World Cup match against Spain at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Brazil won the match 1-0. Photo Credit: David Cannon/Allsport

As a child growing up in Egypt, I was a big soccer fan and loved watching the Brazilian team play in the World Cup. One of my favorite players was Socrates, whom I admired greatly. Socrates was a legendary Brazilian soccer player who played as a midfielder for the national team in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He was known for his elegant playing style and was considered one of the greatest soccer players of his time. He was tall for a Brazilian, at 6’4″, but played with ease, making each goal with finesse.

In addition to his soccer career, Socrates was also a medical doctor, and he used his platform as a soccer player to advocate for social causes and political change in Brazil. He passed away in 2011. Socrates inspired me in his dedication to social causes and became a role model for me. His legacy continues to inspire people to this day, and his impact on the sport of soccer and society as a whole will not be forgotten.

As I grew older, I developed a fascination with mushrooms, particularly the puffball variety, which reminded me of soccer in some way and of my childhood memories of this big Brazilian idol.

These are puffball mushrooms! Learn more about them here: Mushroom Appreciation   There are lots of photos and interesting info.

Giant puffball mushrooms

It’s funny how 20 years later, I found something that resembled the lost soccer ball of my childhood…  I lost it in a field and was punished for it. But, my memories of soccer remain good ones and in my mind, I dedicate the Puffball Mushrooms to my hero, Socrates.

Giant Puffball Mushrooms by Courtney Celley-USFWS