Nicknames are part of football folklore. They can elevate a player’s brand like “CR7,” become part of fan culture like “R9,” or sometimes… just be straight-up bizarre.
From being named after vegetables to borrowing superhero names, here are 8 of the cheekiest and most questionable football nicknames you’ll hear right now.
1. Cole Palmer – “Beans”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge, but off the pitch, he’s earned a nickname that fans are still trying to understand. While “Cold Palmer” is already a fan-favorite play on his name, it turns out goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović gave him a new one: Beans.
Why? According to Petrović, Palmer eats a lot of beans – a typically English habit. After Palmer called Petrović Beetroot Man, the keeper clapped back with Beans. Imagine scoring a goal and hearing “Beans!” shouted across the pitch. Unbelievable.
2. Bruno Fernandes – “Little Onion” (Cebolinha)
At Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes is known as the Portuguese Magnifico. But inside football circles, he’s reportedly nicknamed Cebolinha, which means little onion in Portuguese.
The nickname supposedly references his short stature and lean build. Honestly, we’re not sure what onions have to do with elite playmaking, but Bruno doesn’t seem to mind as long as he keeps racking up assists and goals.
3. Harry Maguire – “Harrydinho”
Former United captain Harry Maguire has had his fair share of banter online, but during a Europa League match at San Mamés, he dribbled past defenders like a Brazilian playmaker. The result? His teammates dubbed him Harrydinho.
The name is a clear nod to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, with the suffix “-dinho” used in many famous Brazilian names. Whether you think it’s ironic or justified, the nickname has stuck.
4. Endrick – “Bobby”
Real Madrid-bound Endrick tried a little too hard to pay tribute after scoring against England at Wembley. He dedicated his goal to the late Sir Bobby Charlton—fair enough. But then in an interview, the 17-year-old listed Charlton as one of his idols, despite being born in 2006—long after Charlton retired.
The internet quickly dubbed him Bobby, and the name has lingered ever since. A bold move for someone trying to channel footballing royalty!
5. Darwin Núñez – “El Pichón” (The Pigeon)
Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez is known as El Matador to fans, but his friends call him El Pichón, meaning The Pigeon.
Why the bird name? He’s from Artigas, Uruguay, an area known for its bird population. Despite the odd nickname, Núñez has embraced it fully—even wearing merch with El Pichón printed on it.
6. Jamal Musiala – “Bambi”
FC Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala has one of the softest nicknames in football: Bambi. Given to him by Leroy Sané during a German national team camp, it’s inspired by Musiala’s elegant, deer-like movement and control.
It’s sweet, sure—but also surreal, considering this “Bambi” terrorizes defenses in the Bundesliga.
7. Virgil van Dijk – “Aquaman”
To most, he’s Big Virg, Liverpool’s defensive rock. But Gini Wijnaldum and a few others once dubbed Virgil van Dijk Aquaman—not for his underwater skills, but because he only drinks water.
No fizzy drinks in his house, not even for his kids. If hydration had a superhero, it’d be Van Dijk.
8. Lamine Yamal – “Ryan”
Barcelona’s teenage phenom Lamine Yamal may be one of the most exciting prospects in the world, but his nickname? That came from a random moment with two tourists.
They didn’t recognize him and asked for a photo. When they asked his name, he cheekily said Ryan. It’s since become a meme—complete with Yamal referencing it on Instagram and Barça using it in matchday captions.
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