In the current cultural climate, it feels wrong to objectify handsome young men (er, apart from you Poldark – don’t suppose you’re free this week to scythe my garden?) We’re better than that, no? So here’s the Muddy round-up of the intellectually hottest players in the World Cup. I have to be honest, it’s taken a while to find them! Anyway, eyes off the legs ladies, and cop a load of these deep-thinking brainiacs.

Simon Mignolet (Belgium)

Fluent in French, German, Dutch, English as well as his native Flemish, the Belgian bombshell of a goalkeeper has a degree in political science, juggling Euro 2012 games with his finals. He apparently plans to do his Masters when he retires from football.

Hannes Thor Halldórsson (Iceland)

Photo: @hanneshalldors

The Icelandic goalkeeper doesn’t spend his down time gambling or going to strip clubs I’ll have you know – he moonlights as an award-winning movie director and is a mainstay of his country’s film industry. We’d can’t think of anyone else with whom we’d rather discuss Scandi arthouse.

Harry Kane (England)

The England captain and top goalscorer is a world away from your classic footy dimwit. “A lot of footballers get stereotyped now,” he says, “They get tattoos and dodgy haircuts. The fact that I was a clean-cut Englishman with slicked-back hair who was just going out and working hard? I think people could appreciate it.” He once designed a range of toys to help children improve their ball skills and apologises for his typos on Twitter. What’s not to like?

Federico Fazio (Argentina)

The doctor will see you now! The 31-year-old Argentine defender was studying at medical school for 18 months before he swapped his stethoscope for shin-pads and turned professional. Actually while you’re here, I’ve got a blister that needs looking at if you’d be so kind, Federico?

Olivier Giroud (France)

The French David Beckham, this Chelsea striker was once voted Hottest Player in the premiership. But we like him because, er, he did well in his Baccalauréat and, as is often the case with French men, he knows lots about philosophy and literature. Possibly. Here’s a photo of him pondering existentialism.

Words @Kerry_Potter

World Cup Wonders

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