he played top level since very young, was world player of the year 3 times, twice as a teen, he's been breathing, sleeping and eating soccer for maybe 20 yrs, world cup winner, champions league winner, played in holland, spain, italy for huge clubs, went back home to finish playing, and after more knee surgeries than one can count, retired.
most players wouldve retired after the terrible first knee injury he had, which was recurring, never mind both legs numerous times, so all things considered, playing in pain for 15 yrs at the top level, no doubt full of pain-killers & ergogenics not too bad.
better examples of a footballing genius that are lazy and went to shit after living the good life at a young age, are Maradonna, Ronaldinho & Best.
footballing geniuses, but not too much brain power