Though Football is sport filled with drama, skill and passion, there are lots of funny named football players as it also has it’s fair share of humor.
Some footballers have names that bring a smile to our faces, whether due to their quirkiness, pun potential or simply how unusual they sound.
Funny named football players
This article by Sports Buddy celebrates top 10 funny named football players giving bit of background on their careers and why their names stand out.
10. Wolfgang Wolf (Germany)
The first player on our funny named football players is Wolfgang Wolf who is a retired German footballer and manager who played primarily as defender. His career spanned from the late 1970s to early 1990s. He played for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Stuttgarter Kickers. Wolf later transitioned into management where he led several clubs in the Bundesliga.
This included Wolfsburg which amusingly translates to “Wolf’s Castle” in German. The pun potential of his name, especially when he was manager of Wolfsburg made Wolfgang Wolf memorable figure in football.
9. Danny Drinkwater (England)
Danny Drinkwater who is an English midfielder whose career has seen him play for clubs like Manchester United, Leicester City and Chelsea is another name on our funny named football players list. Drinkwater rose to prominence during Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League title win in the 2015-2016 season. His name is often a source of amusement.
It sounds like reminder from concerned parent. Despite humor surrounding his name Drinkwater has had solid career. Though injuries have hampered his progress in recent years which majorly led to his retirement.
8. Creedence Clearwater Couto (Brazil)
Named after American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, Creedence Clearwater Couto is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as striker. His career took him across various clubs in Brazil and Europe but he never reached the highest echelons of sport.
Unique and musical nature of his name has always drawn attention and laughter making him a memorable character in football history which earned him a spot on funny named football players.
7. Norman Conquest (Australia)
Norman Conquest was Australian goalkeeper who played during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his time with national team and various Australian clubs.
His name which sounds like a reference to the historic Norman Conquest of England in 1066 often sparked interest and amusement. Despite the funny name, Conquest was dedicated and talented goalkeeper in his era.
6. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Netherlands)
is retired Dutch striker who had successful career with clubs like FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Celtic and Hull City. His has an unusually long surname which he chose to honor both his parents’ family names. Often, this led to humorous situations for commentators and jersey printers alike.
Vennegoor of Hesselink was known for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability. He made significant contributions to every team he played for.
5. Razor Ruddock (England)
Neil “Razor” Ruddock who is a former English defender known for his tough-tackling style and larger-than-life personality is another name on funny named football players. He played for several English clubs which include Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and West Ham United.
The nickname “Razor” adds comedic edge to his persona as ut conjures images of sharpness and danger. These were fitting given his on-field reputation. Off the field, Ruddock has remained in public eye through various media appearances and reality TV shows.
4. Fabian Assman (Argentina)
Fabian Assman is an Argentine goalkeeper whose name inevitably causes laughter due to its similarity to certain English word. Despite the giggles his name might provoke, Assman has had respectable career.
Primarily playing in the Argentine Primera División, his performances have been solid. He remains notable figure in Argentine football.
3. Mark de Man (Belgium)
Mark de Man is a Belgian former footballer who primarily played as defender. He spent much of his career at Anderlecht one of Belgium’s top clubs.
His name which translates to “Mark the Man,” sounds like an instruction from a coach. This makes it particularly amusing in football context. De Man’s career was solid but he didn’t achieve widespread fame beyond Belgium.
2. Stefan Kuntz (Germany)
Stefan Kuntz is a retired German striker who had successful career playing for clubs like Kaiserslautern and Besiktas. He was also part of German national team and they won UEFA European Championship in 1996.
Kuntz’s surname sounds inappropriate to English speakers and it has often been a source of humor. Despite this, Kuntz’s contributions on the field were significant as he has transitioned into a successful coaching career.
1. Argelico Fucks (Brazil)
The number one on our list of funny named football players is Argelico Fucks often simply known as Argel, who is a retired Brazilian defender who played for several clubs in Brazil and Europe which include Benfica and Internacional. He later became a football manager.
His surname which sounds amusing to English speakers, has often led to double takes and laughter. Despite the humorous nature of his name, Argel has been respected for his tough defensive style and coaching acumen.
