100 Classic and Famous Soccer Nicknames 2020 Update.

100 Classic and Famous Soccer Nicknames 2020 Update.

Classic and Famous Soccer Nicknames 2020 Update: Yes, I may be right by mentioning that it is very difficult to make the list of catchy, classic, and famous nicknames of the best football or soccer players.

However, in this article, we are going to try to make a list of catchy classic and famous great football players.

It seems these days that the majority of players and managers alike have been given one kind of nickname or other, however, some are most definitely more classic and famous than others.

Some of the spectators are believing that the nicknames are the real ones because they have always heard the nicknames taken for players and maybe they don’t know the real names.

However, it is surprising that some players are so famous with their nicknames that fans are not aware of their real names while some players are having nicknames but are known by their real names.

As a football fan, I will be picking nicknames which are famous and are given to the most renowned players only and I will try to explain all of these nicknames as well.

Hence, these nicknames would be of different players from various countries and the nicknames would be as a matter of fact words of different languages.

Famous Nicknames for Soccer Players and Story Behind

Sicknote: Darren Anderton is also known by the nickname.

The Gentle Giant: This is the nickname of great John Charles who was tall, respectful, and powerful and was never having any controversy throughout his career.

Black Panther: Black Panther is the nickname of soviet soccer player who was also awarded the golden boot and his name is lev Yashin.

The Black Spider: Lev Yashin is also known as the Black spider.

Bomber: Gerd Muller who is the greatest German soccer player is known as a bomber because of his technique to shot goals.

The fat one: Gerd Muller also earned the nickname.

The Galloping Major: Ferenc Puskas is famous for scoring goals for his national team Hungary and scored 83 goals in 84 matches.

The big baby: Francesco Totti who is a famous Rome player is named as the big baby because of the provocation which cost him a ban of three matches when he spat on the opponent player.

O Robo: O Robo is also nickname of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Robot: Cristiano Ronaldo is also known by the nickname the robot.

El pibe de Oro: The nickname means the golden boy and is the nickname of Diego Maradona who was brilliant in the ground and is Argentina’s football legend.

Hand of God: Diego Maradona is also given the name hand of God.

Shaggy: Shaggy is the nickname of Darren Anderton which he earned because of his appearance. He used to be injured always before he played any match.

Chicharito: Chicharito is the name of the famous footballer Javier Hernandez. Javier is Mexican and has made a mark in Europe as well.

He is short as 5 feet and 7 inches and is given the nickname Chicharito which means little pea. Short height is not the actual reason behind his nickname. He is given the name because his father also looked like him.

Hulk: Givanildo Vieira de Sousa is given the nickname of hulk because he is big and powerful. He was given the nickname because his father called him with the name starting from his childhood as he was powerful, huge, and strong.

Baby Horse: Alex Morgan is given the nickname of baby horse because of his long legs the way she runs in the field of football. She was also the youngest player of the U.S national team who made it to the finals.

A-Rod: Amy Rodriguez is given the nickname because Amy is coming from the family of A-names. Her family members are having names such as Alisa, Adam, Ashley, Alex, and Amanda, etc. She was given the name when she became 16 years old and her coaches and staff used to call her by the nickname.

Dave: Cesar Azpilicueta is having the nickname of Dave because of the difficulty in pronouncing his sir name. Cesar accidentally answered to one of his teammates when he was calling for the bus driver, whose name was Dave.

Chelsea fans picked up on the mishap rather quickly, seeing as they couldn’t pronounce his name either, so Dave stuck.

The Divine Ponytail: This is the nickname of Roberto Baggio II who was a famous Italian attacker and was known for his goal-scoring capabilities.

The Baby Faced Assassin: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known for the nickname who was a former player of Manchester and played international matches for Manchester. He was having a baby face but was killed in the ground and scored goals distinctly.

The Flea: Lionel Messi is given the nickname who is an Argentinian footballer and plays for FC Barcelona. He is always playing with the nerves of the opponent team and defines his strength by scoring goals at a crucial time.

O.A.T: This is also the nickname of Lionel Messi.

La Pulga: Messi is known for the nickname as La Pulga in his own country Argentina.

Three Lungs: Ji sung Park is given the nickname who is a Korean national and is describing the first-ever nuclear powered south Korean having extreme endurance on the ground.

The Bank of Naples: Hans Jeppson is a Swedish player known for the nickname who was also one of the most expensive transfers in the history of football.

Dave: Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu is also known for the nickname as Dave like Cesar Azpilicueta. Guylain is a Congolese player and well known for his football skills.

The Butcher of Bilbao: Andoni Goikoetxea is a Spanish footballer known as the buthler of Bilbao who attempted to assassinate the career of Diego Maradona.

One Size: Fitz hall was a one size fits all English defender who was best known for his football career.

Tarzan: Carles Puyol is a Spanish player known as Tarzan and he is a legend.

Braveheart: Braveheart is also another nickname of Carles Puyol.

Caveman: is also another nickname of Carles Puyol.

Rhino: Keith Stevens has earned the nicknames because of his fearless tackling and the nose size.

The Architect: Andrea Pirlo has the nickname who was the Italian mid-fielder and has always set a rhythm for his team.

Maestro: Because of his unmatched skills Andrea Pirlo was given the nickname.

Mozart: This is also Andrea Pirlo’s nickname.

The Professor: Andrea Pirlo was also known as the professor.

The Metronome: This is also the nickname of Andrea Pirlo.

Fenomeno: Fenomeno means then a phenomenon and was the nickname of a Brazilian forward player who is a legend and famous for his score impeccable playing style.

Real Ronaldo: As the name suggests, the nickname is Ronaldo.

The Kaiser: German player Franz Beckenbauer was known as the Kaiser because of his inspirational leadership.

The Emperor: Franx Beckenbauer was also known with the name of Emperor because of his leadership skills and figure like statesman.

The King: Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the living Brazilian football legend who was the all-time best player.

Pele: Pele was also nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

The King: Edson Arantes do Nascimento is also known by the name.

The Invincible Wall: Gilberto Silva was the invincible wall because he was unbeaten in the ground.

The Lazy Wizard: Juan Riquelme was labeled with the name who was un-athletic, moody, and lazy footballer.

The one-man show: As no introduction required Ronaldinho was named with the nickname who was magical on the ground and has entertained the audience with his Steller performances.

Cashley: Ashley cole was given the nickname which is not a good nickname to be called a footballer. The English left-back got this nickname because he said he was insulted by the meager 55 grand per week salary that Arsenal offered him. He eventually joined Arsenal’s newly-rich arch-rivals, Chelsea

El Nino: El nino means the kid and was the nickname of Fernando Jose Torres Sanz who is the Spanish footballer and became the captain of Atletico Madrid at a very young age.

CR7: Cristiano Ronaldo is known by the nickname CR7 because he plays stiffy.

Catchy and Classic

Hernán Crespo – El Polaco (The Pole), Valdanito

The Argentine striker received these nickname because of Jorge Valdano, and because his grandmother was Polish.

Pavel Nedvěd – Czech Fury, The Czech Cannon

Italian fans named Pavel the Blind Fury as well because of his accurate set pieces delivery and excellent penalty kicks.

Patrick Vieira – Paddy, Le Long (The Long One), La Grande Saucisse (The Big Sausage), Paddy Long Legs

Arsenal midfielder and former player from Senegal known for his huge physique, yet fantastic footballing abilities.

Juan Sebastián Verón – La Brujita (The Little Witch)

The Argentine player took the nickname from his father, Juan Ramon (The Witch).

Philipp Lahm – Magic Dwarf

The retired German defender stands 5 ft 7 in tall, he was known for his intelligence on the pitch.

George Best – The Fifth Beatle

The Northern Irish Winger was named so because he was stylish, handsome and one of the only men at the time to rival the fame of the music group.

Ron Harris – Chopper

The ex-Chelsea player was known for his aggressive tackle that you could see coming from 5 meters out.

Paolo Rossi – Pablito, El Torero (The Bull Fighter)

Italian national icon, thanks to his 1982 World Cup goalscoring exploits.

Zbigniew Boniek – Zibi, Bello di Notte (Beauty at Night)

Polish player who, when playing in Italy European club tournament matches, which took place in the evening, was a creative warlord on the ball.

Jack Charleton – The Giraffe

The ex-Leeds United defender was known for his long neck and legs.

Edgar Davids – Piranha, Pitbull, Shark, Mayor of the Street

The former Juventus and Tottenham midfielder was renowned for his fierce style of play. He was from Suriname, a tiny state in South Africa.

Marcello Gallardo – El Muñeco (The Doll)

An Argentine former player, who is now a football coach stands at 5 ft 7 in. (168 cm.)

Jimmy Johnstone – Jinky, The Flying Flea

A Scottish winger played with trickery and was most known for his time at Celtic.

Wilhelmus van de Kerkhof – Willy, Stofzuiger (The Vacuum Cleaner)

Dutch midfielder known for his incredible defensive attributes.

Velimir Zajec – Zeko (Rabbit)

Panathinaikos fans dubbed the Croatian player Rabbit because of his small physique.

Iván Zamorano – Bam Bam, Ivan el Terrible (Ivan the Terrible)

Chile’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, known for his extreme commitment to the number 9. He even wore jersey number 18, as a reference to 9 (1+8).

Manoel Francisco dos Santos (Garrincha) – Passaro (Bird), Alegria do Povo (The People’s Joy), Garrincha, Anjo de Pernas Tortas (Bent-Legged Angel)

The Brazilian winger is one of the best dribblers in the history of soccer; many young footballers still struggle to replicate some of his incredible moves.

Ivan de la Peña – Pequeño Buda (Little Buddha)

Former Spanish central midfielder and his famous bald head, which was said to be great at “summoning miracles.”

Fabien Barthez – Le Divin Chauve (The Baldheaded God)

The ex-french international goalkeeper got this name because of the famous ritual by him and his teammate Laurent Blanc, who always kissed Barthez‘s bald head before matches.

Zico – The White Pelé

A great free-kick taker and midfielder for Brazil, who also served as the country‘s national team coach.

Oliver Kahn – Der Ausserirdische – The Extraterrestrial, Der Titan (The Titan), Volcano

German goalkeeper, one of the most successful German players of all times.

Emilio Butragueño – El Buitre (The Vulture)

The legendary Spanish striker had an excellent partnership in Real Madrid with legendary with Hugo Sánchez.

Kevin Keegan – Mächtig Maus (The Mighty Mouse)

HSV fans christened him the nickname to the English striker and also released a single, “Head Over Heels in Love.”

Eusébio – The Black Panther, Magagaga (The Guy Who Climbed)

The legendary Portuguese player was known for his strength and speed.

Mario Kempes – El Matador, El Toro

Argentine forward, winner of the Golden Ball and Golden Boot in the 1978 World Cup.

Prince Opoku – Prince Polley

The Ghanian striker who was famous for his exploits at FC Twente.

Julio Cruz – Jardinero (Gardener), Poncharello

An Argentine forward who received his nickname because he was working as a groundskeeper for a team in Banfield when he was called to fill in for a missing player.

Daniel Bravo – Petit Prince (Little Prince)

French midfielder began his career at 19 and scored two goals on his national debut.

Mario Basler – Super Mario

German Winger was famous for his excellent set-pieces and creativity.

Tony Adams – Donkey, Mr. Arsenal

England captain and center back known for captaining a title-winning in three different decades and even has a statue outside the Emirates Stadium.

 Alessandro Altobelli – Spillo (Needle)

Former Italian forward, 1982 World Cup Winner and given his nickname because of his slender build.

Adriano Leite Ribeiro – Adriano, Imperatore (Emperor)

An inconsistent, yet deadly, powerful Brazilian striker who played in Brazil and Italy, and most recently in Miami.

Marcel Desailly – The Rock, Beast

French center-back and defensive midfielder, known for his consistency, strength and hard-tackling style.

Stan Collymore – Stan the Man

English former striker who was at the time the most expensive player in England; he was signed for £8.5 million.

Eduardo Hurtado – El Tanque (The Tank)

The Ecuadorian striker was known for his massive, towering frame.

Gunnar Gren – Profesore (Professor)

Swedish football player, known for his superb tactical awareness and high school professor look. Part of the trio GRE-NO-LI.

Ruud Gullit – Tulipano Nero (Black Tulip)

Dutch captain midfielder named for his sleekness and elegance on the field.

Julen Guerrero – La Perla (The Pearl)

The Spanish attacking midfielder was known for his ambidexterity.

Richard Wright – Richard Wrong

England goalkeeper famous for his blunders and playing 0 games for Man City despite making £350,000 a year.

Massimo Taibi – The Blind Venetian

Another goalkeeper known for his poor performances, Taibi played for Man United.

Cristián González – Speedy Gonzalez, Killy

Argentine left winger known for his speed and part of the 2002 World Cup team.

Éric Gerets – Leeuw (Lion), Lion de Rekem

The Belgian defender was famous for a combination of his warrior heart, beard, and dark, long hair.

Carlos Bilardo – El Narizón (The Big Nose)

The Argentine player, with an abnormally large nose.

Marco Van Basten – The Swan of Utrecht

The legendary Dutch striker was strong in the air, tall, flexible, and he was a maestro on the ball.

Paulo Futre – La Joya (The Jewel)

Portuguese left-winger, World Cup appearance, and played for numerous clubs in Spain, France, Italy, Japan, and Portugal.

Marco Etcheverry – Diablo (Devil)

Retired Bolivian player considered one of the greatest national players in his country of all time. Led the way by heading to the U.S. to play for D.C. United.

Giorgos Donis – The Train

Former Greek midfielder, known for his astounding acceleration.

Dmitrij Alenichev – Olen (Deer)

Former player, politician and Russian football coach, played in Russia, Portugal, and Italy.

Sonny Anderson – Pistolero (Gunslinger)

Brazilian striker dubbed the nickname during his time at Barcelona.

Said Al-Owaeran – Desert Maradona

Saudi Arabian player, known to have scored one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time.

Alessandro Costacurta – Billy

Italian international defender, known for possibly his love of old Westerns or his support of the Olympia Milano basketball team.