Famous Soccer Players and Their Nicknames!

Perhaps the most popular of all football monikers is Pele or the Black Pearl, as the greatest footballer of all times, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is known. Winner of three FIFA World Cups, he was latter dubbed O Rei (The King) for this outstanding achievements. Pele was a name the legend picked up in school, though even he wasn't too clear as to how he got the name! Whatever you call him, he will always be remembered as the ultimate when it comes to football.

If Pele was The King, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer was The Emperor (Der Kaiser). He dominated world football wearing the number 5 soccer shirt in 1974 and later went on to become the national team's coach. His teammate was another legend, Gerd Muller, who gained a formidable reputation as The Bomber for his goal scoring capacity - 365 in 427 Bundesliga matches and 68 in 62 international matches!

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Carrying on with titles both royal and military, Hungarian Ferenc Puskas, was referred to as The Galloping Major! It was the player's actual rank as well as his nickname in the Hungarian army team. This three time UEFA Cup winner with Real Madrid was also dubbed the Cañoncito (Little Cannon) by adoring fans. And then, of course, there was Eric 'The King' Cantona and 'Guv'nor' Paul Ince, who became the first black player to captain England's national team. Brazilian Adriano Leite Ribeiro, was fondly called L'Imperatore (The Emperor) and even 'The Bulldozer' at different points of his prolific career!

Moving on to names more 'beastly', who can forget Brazil's Edmundo, who came to be known as 'O Animal' after his exploits on the pitch! Years before him, the dazzling dribbler Garrincha was dubbed Little Bird, and ended his career as The Joy of the People or Alegria do Povo.

Argentinean legend, Maradona, who made the number 10 soccer shirt a much sought after inheritance, began with the nickname Fluffy due to his untidy mop! Thankfully, he didn't get stuck with the sobriquet, and moved on to an extremely flattering one - The Golden Child or El Pibe de Oro. But when it comes to Diego Maradona can that be enough! He became the only player in the world whose body part has been given a nickname - The Hand of God - after his infamous goal during the 1986 FIFA World Cup!

One of the most interesting pet names by far has to be The Baby Faced Assassin! Norwegian footballer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, spent his best years at Manchester United, where he scored 126 goals, earning him a reputation as The Baby Faced Assassin for his lethal goal scoring skills, matched with his misleading 'babe in the woods' look!

These diminutives have become so popular, that most fans don't even know their favorite players actual names! Actually, their real names are nothing short of confusing. As a diehard football fan would you know Ricardo Leite is our very own Kaka? Didn't think so! Guess that's why these nicknames have stuck on the players soccer team shirts... Thank God for that!

Famous Soccer Players and Their Nicknames!

A Short Biography of Famous Soccer Player - Frank Lampard

His complete name is Frank James Lampard. He was born in Romford, London, England on 20 June 1978. He is an English soccer player who now plays for Chelsea. His playing in the field is as Midfielder. For his club and national side, Lampard holds the role as vice-captain.

He is regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world. He has got the Chelsea Player of the Year award three times. In Premier League history, he is also is the highest goal scoring midfielder with 129 league goals. With seniors clubs, Lampard experienced playing soccer for West Ham United (1995-2001), Swansea City (1995-1996 as a loan), Chelsea (2001-).

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Frank Lampard spent the majority of his early years playing soccer in his local park with the rest of his family. He has constantly been observed as a very determined individual, and that quality was linked with him from an early age.

He was first marked by England U-21 manager Peter Taylor, and his under-21 first appearance came on 13 November 1997 in a competition against Greece. In international career, since making his first appearance in October 1999Lampard has been played 82 times by England, and has made 20 goals. For two successive years in 2004 and 2005, he was selected as England player of the year.

As a professional soccer player, Lampard has won many honors with his clubs. With West Ham United, he won UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999. and with Chelsea, he got UEFA Champions League (Runner-up: 2008), Premier League (Champion: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, and Runner-up: 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08), FA Cup (Winner: 2007, 2009, 2010, and Runner-up: 2002), Football League Cup (Winner: 2005, 2007, and Runner-up: 2008), FA Community Shield (Winner: 2005, 2009, and Runner-up: 2006, 2007).

In addition, Lampard also won many individual honors. Some of them are 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year (Silver Award), 2005 Ballon d'Or (Silver Award), FWA Footballer of the Year (2005), UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year (2008), World XI (2005), PFA Fans' Player of the Year (2005), England Player of the Year (2004, 2005), Euro 2004 (Team of the Tournament), Premier League Player of the Month (2003, 2005, 2008), Barclays Player Of The Season (2005, 2006), Chelsea Player of the Year (2004, 2005, 2009), PFA Premier League Team of the Year (2004, 2005, 2006), Premier League's Player of the Decade, (2000-2009), ESM Team of the Year (2005, 2006), and FWA Tribute Award (2010).

A Short Biography of Famous Soccer Player - Frank Lampard

Famous Brands of UK That Are Now Owned by Foreigners

A brand is strongly linked with its country of origin. As more logo designs are being produced for corporate entities, people are becoming nationalistic when it comes to selecting products and services. The people in UK are particularly brand conscious and usually favor British brands over their overseas counterparts.

If we take a look at fashion brands, the people in UK still fancy wearing British brands to display a sense of patriotism. This is why many businesses have modified their brand package design to be in harmony with the country they work in. There have been several amalgamations, acquisition and takeovers of British brands that were severely criticized and are still detested by the people of UK. The most recent was the Cadbury takeover by Kraft.

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Following are 15 UK brands that are now under foreign ownership:

Bentley
It was established in 18 January 1919 and founded by Walter Owen Bentley. It was taken over in1998 and its current owner is Volkswagen Group.

Harrods
It was established in 1834 and founded by Charles Henry Harrod. It was taken over in 8 May 2010 and its current owner is Qatar Holdings

Lotus cars
It was established in1952 and founded by Colin Chapman. It was taken over in 1994 and its current owner is Proton.

Chelsea FC
It was established in 10 March 1905 and founded by Ken Bates. It was taken over in June 2003 and its current owner is Roman Abramovich (Russian billionaire).

Cadbury
It was established in 1824 and founded by John Cadbury. It was taken over in January 2010 and its current owner is Kraft Foods.

Famous Brands of UK That Are Now Owned by Foreigners

Barcelona FC - the Most Famous Football Team on the Planet?

With its avid fan base - known as the culés - and a motto that declares, "El Barca es mes que un club," the Barcelona FC would appear to have a lot to live up to when it comes to its reputation. It is safe to say, though, that Barca - as it is typically referred to by football fans - is the most successful football team on the planet today. With a rich history spanning back to the year 1899, and strings of successes that leave many other clubs in the dust, Barcelona FC offers football adherents a roster of the top stars in the game, consistent excellence and a level of excitement that is unmatched by virtually any other major sports team in the world.

A Tradition Of Excellence

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The Barcelona football club was founded in the year 1899 by Joan Gamper and a group of Spanish, Swiss and English men. Almost immediately, the Barcelona FC emerged as one of the top football clubs in Spain; it was off to a marvelous start, to say the least. Despite this early success, though, the club nearly folded early on; Gamper took over as president in 1908 and helped steer the club back towards success. Under his leadership, Barcelona FC secured its first stadium and started accumulating a number of impressive victories.

Surviving Through Thick And Thin

The twentieth century was a tumultuous one, and between many key victories the Barcelona FC had to grapple with the Spanish Civil War as well as two World Wars. Despite it all, though, Barcelona FC came out on the other side with a truly phenomenal team. With the signing up of Dutch phenom Johan Cruyff in 1973, Barcelona FC rocketed to unprecedented heights. Since that time, the club has essentially been unstoppable. Star players - including Maradona, Lineker, Figo, Stoitchkov and Rivaldo - have all done their part to create some of the most passionate fans in the world of football.

Strong Evidence Of Success

Beyond their many electrifying victories and long lines of top rates players, Barcelona FC has enjoyed more accolades than seemingly any other football club in the world. Hotels in Barcelona book up quick when the team plays at the 98,000-person capacity Camp Nou. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics named the club the most consistently successful one since statistics have been kept. It's little wonder that Barcelona hotels fill up when the team plays, considering its first place UEFA ranking and many other key achievements.

Immerse Yourself In Barcelona FC Pride Firsthand

Ardent fans of the Barcelona FC - and there are millions of them - can revel in the club's glory by visiting Club Nou and touring the premises. By booking hotels in Barcelona, visitors can head over to Europe's largest stadium and enjoy one of two different self-guided tours. There is also a fascinating museum on the premises, where fans can observe the club's many trophies up close and personal. If you want to see all of this for yourself, book Barcelona hotels and plan a trip to the home of football's most successful team.

Barcelona FC - the Most Famous Football Team on the Planet?

Famous Spanish Soccer Players

Who are the famous Spanish soccer players of all times? For which team had they played for?

Numerous Hispanic soccer players have gained the limelight in the soccer field. They have proven their worth with regard to the game. They were able to reach to peak of their careers. It did took a while for them to reach it but what matters most is that they were able to make it and gained the trust and admiration by sports enthusiasts.

Some of these players are:

Diego Maradona - Diego Maradona lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He had successfully enthralled both the sports enthusiasts and critics as well. He started playing the game in 1975 and ended his career in November 2001. All throughout his soccer career he has influenced a lot of people including his colleagues. He is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time despite his addiction to cocaine. He has played with six teams, namely: Boca Juniors, Argentinos, Barcelona, Seville, Napoli and Newell's Old Boys. Various names had been called out to him such as Pibe De Oro, The King and Golden Boy.

Raul Blanco - Raul Gonzalez Blanco was born in Madrid, Spain on June 27, 1977. He is a product of Atletico Madrid's youth system. The coach of team Real, Jorge Valdano, started his soccer career at age 17. He idolizes Diego Maradona. Blaco played for Atletico and Real teams. His nicknames were el Pichichidel Madrid (Madrid's Striker), Babysitter and Raulito.

Nicolas Hernandez - Just like Maradona, Hernandez was from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has been playing since 1999 and still counting. He played with the Colorado Rapids. In 2002, he played with an Italian team but that was just for a short time.

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento - Nicked as Pele; he has been one of the famous Spanish soccer players of all time. Pele was born in Tres coracoes, Brazil on October 23, 1940. He played as goalie for Santos and the New York Cosmos. He had been called as The King.

Famous Football Fathers and Sons

Paolo and Cesare Maldini
Cesare Maldini is a former Italian centre half and captain of AC Milan. He later went on to coach the national U-21 team. Prior to that, he proudly wore the national soccer uniform for 14 years, making his debut in the year 1988. Cesare retired in 2002 with 126 caps and 7 goals to his credit. His son, Paolo Maldini, was one of the best defenders of all time. He shares the record for most caps in the Italian national team. Paolo spent 25 seasons of his career playing for AC Milan, during which he won seven Italian Serie A championships, five UEFA Champions League Cups and one FIFA World Cup. He is remembered for his lightning pace, precise tackling and strong influence, both on and off the pitch. Paolo captained Milan to the 2003 Champions League Title, a feat achieved by his father forty years ago...

Franz and Stephan Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer or The Emperor, helped Germany win the World Cup back in 1974. Regarded as the greatest German footballer ever and one of the best footballers in the world, he was known for his precise passes and coolheaded playmaking. Beckenbauer's pet name recalls the way he dominated the football pitch, much like an Emperor! After retiring, he took on the job of coaching the German national team, which went on to win the 1990 World Cup. Beckenbauer is said to have invented the role of the modern sweeper or libero. Having made 103 appearances for West Germany, he won the World Cup as captain in 1974, and again as manager in 1990! Beckenbauer found a place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and was voted second, behind Johan Cruyff, in the European Player of the Century election in 1999. Beckenbauer continues to be an influential figure in German and international football. His son, Stephan Beckenbauer, began his career with Bayern Munich, before transferring to TSV 1860 Munich. He is now back with Bayern Munich, this time as coach, and that's his soccer uniform.

Frank Lampard, Senior and Junior
Frank Lampard Senior played left back at West Ham United for eighteen years. Thereafter, he became the assistant coach of the Hammers, while his son, Frank Lampard Junior, began playing for Upton Park. Frank Junior currently plays for the Premier League club Chelsea and the England national team. He is Chelsea's top goal scorer with 130 goals, the most by any midfielder in the club's history! With more than 190 goals scored to date, Frank Lampard Junior is the highest scoring midfielder in Europe, and continues to make his mark...

Wlodzimierz and Ebi Smolarek
Wlodzimierz Smolarek, Poland's greatest striker, played a key role in his country's third place slot in the 1982 World Cup. His son, Euzebiusz aka Ebi, named after the great Portuguese soccer star Eusebio, trained under his father as coach. A regular in the Polish national team, Ebi has already played one World Cup. During the UEFA Euro Cup 2008, he rose to become Poland's top scorer, as well as Group A's, with nine goals to his credit, beating Cristiano Ronaldo! Ebi happens to be the first Pole to have scored a goal against Portugal in 20 years, the previous goal being scored by his father!

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Famous European Soccer Clubs

European soccer is one of the first groups of organization who joined the World Cup. They have the most popular clubs and players and they are the 2nd most watched in Europe and the world. Here are the four teams who have the most wins.

Manchester United - This club is one of the most successful in the Premiere League. They won the title 10 times. They have also the most number of great players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and many others.

AC Milan - AC Milan is definitely one of the best; they have also won various titles in the European Super Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and have reached the UEFA Cup finals. Popular players include Kaka, Dida, Cafu, Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso.

Chelsea - Chelsea is the strongest team in the Premiere League. They have the best line-up of players and they have also won various titles in leagues and made it to the World Cup UEFA Champions League finals.

Real Madrid - It is known to be the richest club in the world. They are very well-known and they also have a strong line-up of players which includes Casillas, Raul, Robinho, Van Nestilroy and many more. They have 31 league titles and have gain big number of fans all over the world.

Indeed European soccer is at its best. They have gained so much popularity and they are very successful. Clubs under them are very successful as well and keep rising to the top.

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