The Greatest Nicknames in Football
Not only in a Football World but in every other sport, players have some distinctive names for their identity. These names are given either because of their expertise in the game or physical attributes. So, without any further ado take a look at some of the Greatest Nicknames in Football.
10. El Nino
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid legend Fernando Torres is known as El Nino. He was given this name that means Kid due to his early arrival in Atletico’s first team when he was just 16. Moreover, this became a permanent identity when he also captained the team at the age of 19.
9. Hulk
Even football fans don’t know his real name. Givanildo Vieira De Souza is the man called Hulk. In fact, his nickname became so popular that the majority of people refer to it as his real name. The Brazilian looks alike a fictional character because of his strong physique and muscular build.
8. Der Bomber
The German Legend Gerd Müller is given the name Der Bomber. The footballing great was named The Nation’s Bomber because of his phenomenal goalscoring qualities. He was the main persona for Germany’s 1974 World Cup glory where he scored the decisive Goal.
7. Der Kaiser
Another terrific German Legend Franz Beckenbauer has been given the name Der Kaiser. He was a true Football icon and the most worthy example of a solid defender. Der Kaiser which means The Emperor is the only player in Football history to win The World Cup both as a player and manager.
6. The Wardrobe
The Wardrobe was the nickname of the recognized defender of the Premier League Papa Bouba Diop. Senegalese defender was an excellent individual in his position. He was popular with this sophisticated name due to his eye-catching technique of stopping attackers.
5. La Pulga
The Argentine maestro and 6 Times Golden Boot Winner has got the name La Pulga. Lionel Messi The Flea called by his brothers which later becomes part of his personality. Actually, it suits his little structure that enables him to dribble past opponents in a flash. La Pulga is the only football player to have scored more than 500 Goals and 300 Assists.
4. The Baby-Faced Assassin
The name sounds a bit complicated but it has reflected the right one. Manchester United legend has received the tricky name The Baby Faced Assassin. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gained this name for his face, similar to a baby that can heartlessly destroy the opposition through the amazing instinct of goalscoring.
3. The Butcher of Bilbao
It seems more of a terrifying identity rather than an honour. Yes, it is a reality that the Athletic Bilbao centre-back Andoni Goikoetxea was called The Butcher of Bilbao. Due to his ruthless style of defending, he is memorized with such a different name. None can forget his ankle-breaking tackle on a lovely player like Diego Maradona.
2. II Fenomeno
Ronaldo Luis Nazario is The Phenomenon due to his unique capability of goalscoring. No doubt, he is one of the finest striker in Football history. The Brazilian is the youngest player ever (21) to win Ballon d'Or. His 2002 World Cup journey is unmatched where he netted 8 Goals and clinched The World Cup for his Nation.
1. The Divine Ponytail
The Divine Ponytail, provided to Roberto Baggio, is arguably the greatest nickname in football history. Italian great was renowned for his gentle nature and elegant playing approach. Nobody can question the Italian talisman's curling freekicks, which were analogous to his ponytail.
Final Thought
In sports, players come and perform their part and later left the place. But their contribution to the game and unique identity always keeps them alive. The Greatest Nicknames in football history is like a designation provided by fans or commentators for special characteristics that other players miss.
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