I was 10 years old, and like every good Brazilian, I loved soccer. Whenever I had a chance—at school, in my backyard, on the street — there I was kicking a football with my brother and friends. One of the slickest moves in soccer was, and still is, the back-heel pass—a sign of a player’s skill, boldness, and game vision. Whenever one of us did it, teammates and observers alike would shout, “Wow!”, “Olé!” or simply “Socrates!”

The back-heel pass was the signature of “Doctor” Socrates, Brazil’s 1982 World Cup captain. Who can forget the elimination match against Italy? Who doesn’t remember the joy of certain victory drowned by the tears of unexpected defeat? Yes, I cried too. One hundred and twenty million Brazilians did.

Socrates scored a brilliant goal in that game, but couldn’t win it. This past Sunday, exactly 29 years, 4 months, and 29 days later, at only 57 years old, the Doctor would lose the most important game of his life. His adversaries: alcohol and tobacco.

It’s easier to understand how a less educated man would slip into the trap of addiction. But Doctor Socrates? Not only was he an excellent player of respectable physical build, but also a medical doctor. If anyone knew of the effects of those substances on the human body, he did.

His premature death raises the question: Why a lot of talented, intelligent people, can’t control themselves? How come an athlete can discipline his body for certain things but not for others?

Answer: Because the only power that is stronger than human intelligence and capable of mastering the body, is the spirit. Your spirit, connected to the Spirit of God, gives you unequalled and unbeatable strength. The person who has forged this connection can never be destroyed by anyone, except himself.

If you:

• Are strong, but have been weak in the face of a particular situation
• Are intelligent, but sometimes do very stupid things
• Are strong-minded, but have struggled with many doubts
• Are successful in business, but a failure in love
• Have everything you need to be happy, but feel deeply depressed
• Know that your addictions are killing you, but can’t abandon them

…then, know that the solution to all of the above and more is to strengthen your spirit by bonding with the Spirit of the Creator.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16.32

The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14.38

Socrates, I am deeply saddened for you. But I am consoled by the fact that what led you to your death can encourage many people to change direction in life, once and for all. Thus, strangely enough, the lessons of such tragedy could result in reformed men and happier families. For sure, a back-heel goal.