20 Worst Player Nicknames in World Football History

Thomas AtzenhofferApr 9, 2012

From the funny to the tasteless, the nicknames of World football players are all over the map from creative to absurd.

Without a doubt there is at least one in here that has caught your ear in the past and has made you sit back and either laugh or shake your head in amazement.

With anticipation of your enjoyment, here are 20 of the worst nicknames in world football history.

Aljosa Asanovic

1 of 20

Retired Croatian international and former Derby County midfielder Aljosa Asanovic was called the "Fiery Elbow," for the strange way he ran with his elbows pointed out.

Carlos Bilardo

2 of 20

Former Estudiantes midfielder and Argentina national team coach, Carlos Bilardo was called "Big Nose," for his massive honker nonetheless.

Gennaro Gattuso

3 of 20

AC Milan midfielder, Gennaro Gattuso earned the nickname, "Gruntler," I am guessing for noises he makes running up and down the pitch.

Tony Adams

4 of 20

Former Arsenal and England international, Tony Adams has the lovable nickname of "Donkey."

I really don't think I would enjoy that one if it were mine. But, I guess you could have some fun with it, he-haw.

Jack Charlton

5 of 20

Another great animal nickname for an English player is "Giraffe," which was handed out to Jack Charlton.

Dennis Bergkamp

6 of 20

Former Ajax and Arsenal hitman, Dennis Bergkamp was called the "non-flying Dutchman."

As a player from the Netherlands, of total football that seems like the ultimate insult.

Gerd Müller

7 of 20

Gerd Müller is one of the most prolific international goal scorers of all time having scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany.

Müller was nicknamed Bomber for his scoring ability, but also was nicknamed "Fat One," which isn't endearing for anyone.

Ariel Ortega

8 of 20

Argentine born Ariel Ortega is called "El Burrito," or "The Little Donkey."

While the donkey has been a great working creature over the course of history, it is still hard to see how that is a compliment.

Jesper Olsen

9 of 20

Former Manchester United midfielder, Jesper Olsen earned the nickname "Flea," during his career.

The Danish international probably had hoped for something other than an irritating insect to be named after.

David Beckham

10 of 20

David Beckham has a handful of terrible nicknames.

"Golden Balls," for example.

Miguel Pardeza

11 of 20

Retired Real Madrid and Zaragoza forward Miguel Pardeza was nicknamed the "Little Rat."

Another name many just probably would never want to be known by.

Salvatore Schillaci

12 of 20

No, he is not and never was in Kansas, but Salvatore Schillaci did make a name for himself going by "Toto" throughout his career.

Anyinho

13 of 20

It seems like one out of every two players from Brazil have a name that ends with "inho."

That's terrible in many ways because after awhile they all start to just run together.

Ernest Faber

14 of 20

Dutchman Ernest Faber went by "Paper Clip."

How that is even related to football is a loss to many.

Tim Cahill

15 of 20

Everton's fiery Australian is any thing but tiny. However, the nickname "Tiny Tim," is still one that draws mixed reaction's when it is taken out of the bag.

Ronaldinho

16 of 20

Yes, I know I commented before on the annoyance of "inho" appearing at the end of so many Brazilian nicknames.

However, Ronaldinho got a rough card dealt to him when he picked up the nickname "Jar Jar Binks," after the Star Wars character of the same name.

Thomas Gravesen

17 of 20

Anyone that played a version of EA Sports FIFA series in the mid 2000s will appreciate the term,"all-action Thomas Gravesen," however; that was much nicer than being nicknamed "Shrek."