Football is a beautiful game that attracts millions of fans around the world. But sometimes, the beauty of the game is overshadowed by the humor of the names of some of the players. Whether they are intentionally funny, accidentally funny, or just plain weird, these names can make anyone chuckle or cringe. Here is a list of 22 footballers with funny names, along with some facts and trivia about them.
Sotiris Ninis
Sotiris Ninis is a Greek midfielder who currently plays for Volos in the Super League Greece. His name sounds like a combination of the words “sour” and “penis”, which is not very flattering. However, he is a talented player who has represented Greece at various levels, including the senior national team. He was once considered one of the most promising young players in Europe, but his career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency.
Destiny Ashadi
Destiny Ashadi is a Nigerian midfielder who currently plays for Katsina United in the Nigeria Professional Football League. His name sounds like a character from a fantasy novel or a video game, and it also implies that he has a predetermined fate. He is a skillful player who can create chances and score goals from midfield. He has been capped by Nigeria at the under-20 level, and he hopes to play for the senior national team someday.
Al Bangura
Al Bangura is a Sierra Leonean midfielder who currently plays for Wealdstone in the National League South. His name sounds like a slang term for having sex, which is probably not what his parents intended. He is a hard-working player who can play in various positions. He has had a difficult life, as he fled from civil war in his homeland and was trafficked to England as a teenager. He has played for several clubs in England, and he has also represented Sierra Leone at the international level.
Ars Bandeet
Ars Bandeet is an Indonesian defender who currently plays for Persiraja in the Liga 1. His name sounds like a vulgar insult, as it resembles the words “arse” and “bandit”. He is a solid defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder. He has played for several clubs in Indonesia, and he has also been capped by Indonesia at the under-23 level.
Max Power
Max Power is an English midfielder who currently plays for Sunderland in League One. His name sounds like a superhero name, or a name that someone would choose for themselves. He is a versatile player who can play in various roles in midfield. He has played for several clubs in England, and he has also captained Sunderland on several occasions. He was once named in the Football League Team of the Week for his performance against Portsmouth.
Fábio Paim
Fábio Paim is a Portuguese winger who is currently a free agent. His name sounds like a misspelling of the word “fame”, which is ironic, as he never achieved the fame that he was expected to. He was once hailed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo, as he was a prodigy who joined Sporting CP at the age of seven. However, he failed to live up to his potential, and he has played for over 20 clubs in various countries, without making a significant impact. He has also struggled with personal problems, such as drug addiction and financial difficulties.
Jack Cork
Jack Cork is an English midfielder who currently plays for Burnley in the Premier League. His name sounds like a common household item, or a nickname for someone who is boring. He is a reliable player who can play in central or defensive midfield. He has played for several clubs in England, and he has also represented England at various levels, including the senior national team. He is the son of former footballer Alan Cork, who also had a funny name.
Danny Invincibile
Danny Invincibile is an Australian forward who retired in 2012. His name sounds like a boastful claim, or a superhero name. He is a speedy player who can play as a striker or a winger. He has played for several clubs in Australia, Scotland, and England, and he has also represented Australia at the international level. He is best known for his spell at Kilmarnock, where he scored 37 goals in 224 appearances.
Bongo Christ
Bongo Christ is a Congolese defender who currently plays for AS Vita Club in the Linafoot. His name sounds like a religious figure who plays percussion instruments, or a cult leader. He is a strong and tall defender who can play as a centre-back or a right-back. He has played for several clubs in Congo, and he has also been capped by Congo at the international level.
Jack Butland
Jack Butland is an English goalkeeper who currently plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. His name sounds like a combination of the words “butt” and “land”, which is not very flattering for a goalkeeper. He is a talented keeper who can make spectacular saves and command his area. He has played for several clubs in England, and he has also represented England at various levels, including the senior national team. He was the youngest goalkeeper to play for England, when he made his debut at the age of 19.
Harry Winks
Harry Winks is an English midfielder who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. His name sounds like a verb that describes a flirtatious gesture, or a nickname for someone who is cheeky. He is a creative player who can play as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder. He has played for Tottenham Hotspur since he was a child, and he has also represented England at various levels, including the senior national team. He scored his first international goal with a long-range strike against Kosovo.
Dick Advocaat
Dick Advocaat is a Dutch manager who currently manages Iraq. His name sounds like a rude word and a profession, which is a funny combination. He is a successful manager who has won several trophies and managed several clubs and national teams, including the Netherlands, Russia, and South Korea. He is known for his tactical acumen and his fiery temper. He is nicknamed “The Little General”, as he is short and authoritative.
Eric Djemba-Djemba
Eric Djemba-Djemba is a Cameroonian midfielder who retired in 2018. His name sounds like a repetition of the same word, or a musical instrument. He is a combative player who can play as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder. He has played for several clubs in various countries, and he has also represented Cameroon at the international level. He is best known for his spell at Manchester United, where he failed to impress and was dubbed “so bad they named him twice”.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is a Belgian winger who currently plays for Real Madrid in La Liga. His name sounds like a contradiction, as it combines the words “eden” and “hazard”, which have opposite meanings. He is a skillful player who can play as a left winger, a right winger, or a playmaker. He has played for several clubs in Belgium, France, and Spain, and he has also represented Belgium at the international level. He is regarded as one of the best players in the world, when he is fit and in form.
Chris Wood
Chris Wood is a New Zealand striker who currently plays for Burnley in the Premier League. His name sounds like a common name, or a slang term for an erection. He is a powerful and prolific striker who can score goals with his head or his feet. He has played for several clubs in England and New Zealand, and he has also represented New Zealand at the international level. He is the all-time top scorer for New Zealand, with 24 goals in 57 appearances.
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb is a Welsh defender who currently plays for Wrexham in the National League. His name sounds like a jazz musician, or a character from a children’s book. He is a versatile defender who can play as a right-back, a left-back, or a centre-back. He has played for several clubs in England and Wales, and he has also represented Wales at the under-21 level.
Danger Fourpence
Danger Fourpence is a Zimbabwean midfielder who currently plays for Triangle United in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. His name sounds like a warning and a small amount of money, which is a funny combination. He is a dynamic player who can play as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder. He has played for several clubs in Zimbabwe, and he has also been capped by Zimbabwe at the international level.
Gernot Sick
Gernot Sick is an Austrian manager who currently manages Nigeria. His name sounds like a description of his health condition, or a slang term for being cool. He is an experienced manager who has managed several clubs and national teams, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon. He is known for his tactical flexibility and his ability to improve the performance of his teams.
Yaya Banana
Yaya Banana is a Cameroonian defender who currently plays for Sochaux in Ligue 2. His name sounds like a repetition of the same word, or a fruit. He is a tall and strong defender who can play as a centre-back or a left-back. He has played for several clubs in Cameroon, France, and Spain, and he has also represented Cameroon at the international level. He scored his first international goal with a header against Guinea-Bissau.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice is an English midfielder who currently plays for West Ham United in the Premier League. His name sounds like a type of food, or a nickname for someone who is bland. He is a composed and intelligent player who can play as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back. He has played for West Ham United since he was a child, and he has also represented England at various levels, including the senior national team. He was born in London, but he has Irish ancestry, and he initially played for the Republic of Ireland before switching to England.
Steve Cook
Steve Cook is an English defender who currently plays for Bournemouth in the Championship. His name sounds like a common name, or a profession. He is a reliable and consistent defender who can play as a centre-back or a right-back. He has played for several clubs in England, and he has also captained Bournemouth on several occasions. He is one of the longest-serving players at Bournemouth, having joined the club in 2012.
Răzvan Rat
Răzvan Rat is a Romanian defender who retired in 2019. His name sounds like an animal, or a derogatory term. He is a versatile and experienced defender who can play as a left-back, a centre-back, or a defensive midfielder. He has played for several clubs in Romania, Ukraine, England, Spain, and Greece, and he has also represented Romania at the international level. He is the most capped player in the history of Romania, with 113 appearances.
These are some of the footballers with funny names, who have amused and entertained fans with their skills and their monikers. There are many more players with hilarious and unusual names, who deserve a mention, such as:
- Stefan Kuntz
- Norman Conquest
- Rod Fanni
- Danny Shittu
- Wolfgang Wolf
- Fabian Assmann
- Andre Muff
- Mark de Man
- Creedence Clearwater Couto
- Have-a-Look Dube