Sport
15 best sport nicknames of all time
Sport stars have been giving some fantastic nicknames over the years, ranging from the cruel, the funny to the clever. We decided to put together a list of our favourites. Here are our 15 best sport nicknames of all time
Jason McAteer – Trigger
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder was cruelly named ‘Trigger’ after the Only Fools and Horses character due to him not being the sharpest knife in the drawer. According to legend, McAteer was once asked how many slices he wanted his pizza to be cut into. He replied; “Cut it into four please, I’m not hungry enough to eat eight slices”.
Harbhajan Singh – The Turbanator
Indian spin bowler Harbhajan Singh was dubbed ‘The Turbanator’ due to the ruthless manner in which he could terminate the innings of his opponents. And because he wore a turban. Obviously.
Fitz Hall – One Size
Definitely one of the best sport nicknames of all time. The former Oldham, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Wigan defender was christened ‘One Size’ during his stint at Boundary Park because, you know, One Size Fitz Hall.
Mark Waugh – Afghanistan
A political entry to the list. A war took place in Afghanistan throughout the 1980s which was largely ignored by the global media. Meanwhile, Australian batsman Mark Waugh was struggling to win selection to the nation’s test side, a problem not faced by his more talented twin brother, Steve. As such, Mark Waugh was cruelly dubbed ‘Afghanistan’, as he was the forgotten Waugh.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Dave
In 2013 Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta revealed that his team-mates, frustrated by their inability to pronounce his name, had given up and decided to simply call him ‘Dave’.
Martin Offiah – Chariots
One of the best sport nicknames of all time and one that doesn’t require a great deal of explanation. Former rugby league and rugby union winger Martin Offiah became known as ‘Chariots’ Offiah due to his impressive running speed.
Ashley Giles – The King of Spain
When merchandise goes wrong. England spinner Ashley Giles ordered a set of mugs printed with his nickname in 2000 to celebrate his testimonial year. Unfortunately, due to a printing error ‘The King of Spin’ became ‘The King of Spain’, a nickname that never left him.
Christian Dailly – Parish Newsletter
Another fairly straightforward entry. Former West Ham and Scotland defender Christian Dailly was labelled ‘Parish Newsletter’ after teammates realised that his name sounded like, er, a parish newsletter.
Chris Smalling – Mike
Louis van Gaal’s tenure as Manchester United manager was incredibly entertaining if not productive. Perhaps his greatest legacy on the English game was he inability to remember Chris Smalling’s actual name. Repeatedly referring to him as ‘Mike’, he actually called him that during a press conference. Fans lapped it up and, to his annoyance, have called him Mike ever since.
Kiki Musampa – Chris
While on loan at Manchester City, Kiki Musampa was nickamed Chris, after a gift you receive at the most festive time of year. Chris Musampa… get it?
Colin Montgomerie – Mrs Doubtfire
Poor old Monty wouldn’t be happy to see himself feature of a list of the best sport nicknames of all time. Receiving a nickname based on wordplay relating to your name or something you’ve done it one thing. Being repeatedly subjected to taunts of ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ because you phsyically resemble Robin Williams portrayal of an elderly nanny in drag is quite another.
Anthony Hamilton – The Sheriff of Pottingham
Who doesn’t love a good pun? Snooker player Anthony Hamilton is from Nottingham. So is The Sheriff of Nottingham. He pots balls. Therefore he’s the Sheriff of Pottingham.
Mark Frost – Frosty The Throwman
Darts player Mark Frost has done very little of note in the professional game. He did, however, qualify for the 2017 World Championships where he was whitewashed in the first round by Gary Anderson. However, he became something of a cult icon in that match after fans discovered his clever nickname; Frosty the Throwman. If he never accomplishes anything else, he can at least be proud to own one of the best sport nicknames of all time.
Dennis Bergkamp – Non-Flying Dutchman
Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp was terrified of air travel and had a clause in his Arsenal contract stipilating that he would not need to travel to any away fixtures if it required him to fly. As such, Arsenal fans were left with little choice but to dub him the Non-Flying Dutchman.
Kevin Pieterson – FIGJAM
Former England cricket all-rounder Kevin Pieterson had substantial talent that was only matched by the size of his ego. As such he became known as FIGJAM. What did it stand for? F*** I’m Good, Just Ask Me. FIGJAM.
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