Nicknames for football players range from generic rubbish (just a “y” added to the end of the player’s real name) to completely inspired nicknames.
Here, we’ve picked out some of our favorite heroes, including the game’s cult heroes and true superstars.
What’s in a football nickname? You’re about to find out…
“Dave” – Cesar Azpilicueta
When Cesar Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2012, his new teammates reportedly found the Spanish defender’s surname a bit difficult to pronounce.
So instead of learning it, they took the easy option and started calling him “Dave” – from Trigger Only fools and horses.
“The Holy Ponytail” – Roberto Baggio
Italian icon Roberto Baggio was one of the best players in the world during the 1990s and was known as “Il Divin Codino” (“The Divine Ponytail”).
The name is self-explanatory, but it’s still an absolutely brilliant and perfect nickname for such an utterly magical footballer as the 1993 Ballon d’Or winner.
“The Flightless Dutchman” – Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp often tears things up in the Premier League, but things get a little trickier for him when Arsenal play European competition on the continent.
The Gunner and Netherlands legend’s fear of flying means he travels to such matches by road and rail instead – or, if logistics don’t allow, not at all. Hence his nickname “The Flying Dutchman”
“The Closet” – Bubba Diop’s Dad
The late Papa Bouba Diop brought an impressive impact to the midfield, performing well in Senegal’s famous 2002 World Cup quarter-finals and later in the Playing for teams such as Fulham and Portsmouth in the Premier League.
His tall frame of six feet five inches earned him the nickname “The Wardrobe.”
“Peter Pan” – Antonio Cassano
Whether it was his antics or his lengthy retirement and (ultimately unsuccessful) return to the pitch, former Roma, Milan, Inter Milan and Italy striker Antonio Cassano never seemed to want to grow up.
Mind you, “Peter Pan” wasn’t too old when he finally hung up his boots – he was only 36!
“Duncan Chaos” – Duncan Ferguson
Duncan Ferguson’s appropriate Nicknamed “Big Dunk”, the no-nonsense Scotland striker eventually became known as “Chaos Duncan”.
Ferguson was the first footballer to be plagued by cards. jail Offensively, he attacked Les Wanderers’ John McStay while playing for Rangers in 1994, but in his first Merseyside derby for Everton On the eve of the incident, he failed a breathalyzer test.
“One Size” – Fitzhall
Everyone loves a pun (don’t they?), and Fitzhall’s nickname is an absolutely stunning example of art.
The towering former Crystal Palace and QPR defender – who won the title with the latter in 2009/10 and was loaned out again to Newcastle the following season – even launched a nickname after his memorable Named clothing line.
“The Waiter” – Tony Cross
German superstar Toni Kroos is known for his extremely accurate passing ability, earning him the nickname “The Waiter”.
The six-time Champions League-winning midfield maestro has been nicknamed “Garçom” (“waiter” in Portuguese) by the Brazilian media after he won glory at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with his perfect passes.
“The Magic Dwarf” – Philipp Lahm
Did you know that Germany’s captain at the 2014 World Cup was a “magical dwarf”…?
Philipp Lahm was nicknamed for: a) being a fantastic player, one of the best full-backs of all time and b) daring to stand at 5ft 7in (which isn’t even That Very short, right? ! )
“Boardhead” – Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s massive skull has long seen the centre-back affectionately known as ‘Boardhead’.
England’s 2018 World Cup semi-finalist and Euro 2020 runner-up regularly puts this part of his physicality to good use, whether stealing the ball at one end or powerfully heading home a goal at the other.
“Choccy” – Brian McClair
Manchester United legend Brian McClair helped the Red Devils win four Premier League titles and other honours, making nearly 500 appearances and scoring over 100 goals for the club.
During his time at Old Trafford, the versatile Scotland international was affectionately known as ‘Choccy’ – as his surname rhymes with the creamy chocolate eclair.
“Flea” – Lionel Messi
You might call him “The Goat,” but Lionel Messi’s nickname is “La Pulga” (Spanish for “The Flea”).
Why? It’s simple, actually: the eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning Barcelona and Argentina icon is diminutive and an absolutely unpleasant opponent (well, that’s an understatement).
“Small Plane” – Vincenzo Montella
Vincenzo Montella scored over 200 goals in his career and his favorite celebration was to stretch his arms like an airplane.
As a result, the diminutive Italian was nicknamed “L’Aeroplanino” (“The Little Plane”) after scoring more than 100 goals for Roma alone and making 20 appearances for his country.
“Chris” – Kiki Musampa
From 2005 to 2006, winger Chichi Musampa was loaned to Manchester City from Atletico Madrid for 18 months and scored the winning goal against Liverpool.
Former Netherlands U21 international Musampa was nicknamed “Chris” during his time in north-west England. Think about it…
“Wash” – David Ngog
For those of you who don’t know, Wash & Go is an established two-in-one shampoo and conditioner brand.
For Liverpool fans in the late 00s, the temptation to make puns seemed irresistible, leading to the nickname given to French striker David Ngog. Not leaving) ‘wash’. marvelous!
“The Blind Venetian” – Massimo Taibbi
Injury-plagued former Manchester United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi was born in Sicily – the farthest point in Italy from Venice.
But the fact that he joined the Red Devils from Sicily was enough to earn him the inspired (if jarring) nickname “The Blind Venetian”.
