Nicknames in soccer are a strange and fascinating part of the sport’s culture.
For some players, a nickname is a sign of greatness—something earned through incredible performances, iconic moments or a larger-than-life personality. For others, it can come from the complete opposite, usually after a mistake or incident that refuses to be forgotten. Of course, there are exceptions, and perhaps no nation embraces nicknames quite like Brazil, where they are almost a tradition in themselves.
