A study by Professor Leonardo Bonetti argues that elite footballers are often misunderstood as simple-minded due to their focus on sports over academics. This stereotype is perpetuated by their lack of higher education and quotable blunders in interviews. For instance, David Beckham and Michael Owen are among those whose comments have contributed to this image. However, Bonetti emphasizes that a lack of formal education does not equate to a lack of intelligence, challenging prevailing perceptions of footballers.
"While this may mean they are less knowledgeable in certain academic areas, it does not reflect a lack of intelligence. Unfortunately, people often confuse being less formally educated with being less clever, which perpetuates this unfair stereotype."
"Footballers often do not pursue higher education...primarily in their sport; this does not reflect a lack of intelligence."
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