Nicknames are commonplace in football. Whether it’s a likeness in look, compliment of talent, or tongue-in-cheek reference to a past player or physique, football has delivered some classic nicknames over the years.
Chelsea went viral on social media earlier this summer after footage emerged of the club’s new nickname for teenager Tyrqiue George.
The senior squad have affectionately labelled the 19-year-old as ‘Evil Saka’, a humorous nod to his rather sullen similarity to Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
No way Chelsea players are calling Tyrique George ‘Evil Saka’ in training. 🤣
Mandem FC don’t miss a trick! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/fJuDoWkNNw
— SPORF (@Sporf) June 27, 2025
George’s new nickname had us thinking about some of the very best football nicknames.
Dion Dublin – The Shower Clearer
Long before his time walking us through homes on daytime television, Dion Dublin was a battering-ram of a forward and the envy of the changing rooms.
His nickname, The Shower Clearer, came as a result of a manhood Sir Alex Ferguson once allegedly dubbed ‘magnificent’.
According to ex-Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson, the former Manchester United boss said: “Big? It isn’t big. It’s magnificent. I’ve seen some whoppers in my time, but Dion’s is something else.”
Duncan Ferguson – Duncan Disorderly
Duncan Ferguson might just be the numero uno when it comes to Premier League hard men.
The Scottish striker was a fearsome presence on the pitch and holds the record for the most red cards (8) in Premier League history. Ferguson’s red mist even earned him jail-time in 1994, following a head-butt on Raith Rovers defender John McStay whilst playing for Rangers.
“I got them both times, unfortunately for them…” 👀
Duncan Ferguson recalls the moment he confronted two burglars in his home. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/08aUiSjDKE
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) April 17, 2025
Ferguson’s antics saw him nicknamed ‘Duncan Disorderly’.
Kiki Musampa – Chris
The Dutch winger picked up the nickname ‘Chris’ during his 18-month loan spell at Manchester City.
Chris Musampa. Simple, but brilliant.
Fitz Hall – One Size
Probably our favourite of the lot.
One Size Fitz Hall.
Whoever came up with that for the former Crystal Palace centre-back is a genius.
Harry Maguire – Slabhead
Some nicknames don’t need explaining and this is one of them.
Harry Maguire can often resemble a magnet in the box, with the Manchester United defender willing to head any loose ball away from danger.
He’s been a meme machine since first being tagged with the nickname in 2018.
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