For a variety of reasons, the real names of many footballers are very different from the stage names they actually use in their careers.
Many people even choose to use relatively short names so that people around the world can remember them more easily.
For example, Van Gaal's real name is Alois Paulus Maria van Gaal. Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho was originally named Ronaldo de Assis Moreira.
For others, it could even be a nickname that grew up with them, making their teammates and supporters alike love it. Atletico captain Corker's real name is Melodio. "Cork" was just a nickname his older brother gave him when he was younger, a name that has accompanied him throughout his career.
Similarly, there are some popular football figures who are known through their aliases, and to some extent, some don't even recognize their names when they were born.
At this point, let's take a look at five famous players who don't use their real names.
5. Hulk – formerly known as Givanildo Vieira de Sousa
Arguably one of the most interesting nicknames for footballers today, Hulk is known as the "Hulk" so few people recognize him by his real name.
There are many theories about the reasons behind his choice of this name. The truth, however, is that Hulk's father, Djovin, is allegedly a fan of a 1978 TV series about the Hulk.
Hulk stars former American bodybuilder and actor Lu Fellinho, whose dad is a fan of his, which led him to give his son the most iconic nickname.
4. Pepe – formerly known as Kepler Laviran Delima Ferreira
Former Real Madrid star Pepe is widely regarded as one of the best and most aggressive defenders of his time, and the 38-year-old is still playing European football and excelling in the Champions League in 2020-21. Pepe kicked compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus out of the Champions League with an astonishing performance.
The brilliant defender always referred to him by his nickname Pepe, which was not part of his official name. There isn't much of a story behind his name, as Pepe himself revealed a few years ago.
"My name is hard to pronounce, and my coach and father call me Pepe because it's easier, so I've always called it," he explains. ”
The 38-year-old has won three La Liga titles and three Champions League titles while playing for Real Madrid. He also helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 League of Nations.
3. Ribery – formerly known as Bilal Yusuf Mohammed
Ribery won many titles, winning 20 trophies during his time at Bayern Munich, including 9 Bundesliga titles and 1 UEFA Champions League title. He and Robben formed the most memorable Ribero duo at Bayern, the world of Shock.
When the winger told the story of his past facial scars, something related to his name was known to the public.
Although his real name is Frank Henri Pierre Ribery, after converting to Islam, the 38-year-old's current official name is Bilal Yusuf Muhammad.
In 2002, he changed his religion on the grounds that his Algerian wife, Wahiba Belhami, had changed his religion.
The Florentine star explains: "Religion is my private business, I am a believer, since I converted to Islam, I have become stronger, my spirit and body have become stronger, religion has not changed my character, nor has it changed my view of the world. I pray five times a day, and I do it because it allows me to be released and I feel better afterwards. ”
2. Kaka – original name: Ricardo Isxon Dos Santos Wright
Kaka is arguably one of the most iconic footballers of his generation, with the Brazilian being the last player to win the Ballon d'Or before Messi and Cristiano's decade-long duo of supremacy.
Kaka holds a number of important accolades, including the World Cup, the Champions League, and numerous individual awards.
Interestingly, his nickname "Kaka" is not part of his real name. The Brazilian's famous nickname comes from his younger brother, who when he was young and couldn't even pronounce the name "Ricardo" and could only call him "caca".
It eventually evolved into "Kaka", one of the most recognizable nicknames of the 21st century, and he is often referred to as Ricardo Kaka.
1. Bailey – formerly known as Edson Alantes do Nacimento
Although some of the other players on the list are considered the best players of their generation, there is no doubt that Pele is one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The Brazilian legend is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time in football, along with Maradona. The three-time World Cup winner is the holder of several records in football.
Pele's name comes from the pronunciation of his favorite young footballer, the late Vasco San Lorenzo legend Bille, whose real name was José Lino.
Pele's pronunciation was once the object of ridicule by classmates, but it gradually became one of the most famous names in football history. Although he did not know it at the time, "Bailey" also means "miracle" in Hebrew.
During his career, Bailey was known to his family as "Dicko". The Santos is known as "Gasolina", which is the name of a famous Brazilian singer.