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Some footballers have adapted nicknames in and off the pitch they use, others also use those nicknames printed behind their jerseys rather than publishing their original names. Footballers acquire those nicknames because either you are good or bad, respbet has listed the top 15 footballers’ nicknames of all time.

Sergio Aguero –KUN

Sergio came up with this nickname from his favourite cartoon as a child and decided to print his shirt and use the image of Kun Aguero on the pitch.

Thomas Muller –Radio Muller

The nickname arises from the fact that the footballer had unrelenting on-field communication with team mates. He also communicated with referees and opponents as well.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – THE BABY-FACED ASSASSIN

The former Manchester United forward had a baby face but was lethal when on the pitch and when it mattered especially when his team was trailing.

Fernando Torres – EL NINO

The Liverpool legend was referred to as El Nino which translates to “the kid” in that he signed as a professional footballer at age 15 and became a captain for a club at age 19.

Ricardo Izecson –KAKA

The Brazilian World Cup winner in 2002 acquired his nickname from his younger brother Rodrigo who could not pronounce his name Ricardo and instead called him Caca, which eventually evolved to become the famous Kaka.

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento –PELE

The nickname came from his favourite player who was a goalkeeper.

Papa Bouba Diop – THE WARDROBE

The Senegalese and former Fulham midfielder had an eye-catching dress sense hence nicknamed the wardrobe.

Edinson Cavani – EL MATADOR

The Uruguayan arrow celebration after scoring is so cool, he earned the nickname during his time in Napoli due to his composure in front of the goal.

Givanildo Vieira de Sousa –HULK

The fictional character Hulk how huge and strong, and so is Givanildo is on the pitch on somehow he resembles the Hulk.

Adriano – L’IMPERATORE

Having a strong shot power, pace and incredible football skills made him known as the ‘Emperor’.

Javier Hernandez – CHICHARITO

Man United fans probably remember the Mexican super sub from the reign of Sir. Alex Ferguson, the English translation of Chicharito is ‘little pea’

Andoni Goikoetxea – THE BUTCHER OF BILBAO

The centre-back spent most of his career playing for Athletic Bilbao and earned himself the nickname following the most infamous tackles in his football career.

Borja Iglesias – THE PANDA

Borja is a big fan of hip-hop music and after discovering the song Panda by Desiigner he liked and fell in love with it and his teammates decided to nickname him Panda.

Nicolas Anelka – LE SULK

The fact that he played for 12 different clubs, he suffered a difficult time at Arsenal and fans quickly turned against him and demanded to move to Real Madrid where he did not last longer there either, and the nickname Le Sulk was given to him for a wonderful but troubled striker.

Lionel Messi – LA PULGA

La Pulga is an Argentina native say that translates to ‘the flea’ which well describes the world’s best player.

Cristiano Ronaldo –CR7

The nickname was simply formed from the letters of his first two names and the number which he wore on his jersey.

There are many other nicknames out there for other outstanding footballers, who is your favourite footballer nickname?