An interesting article I found via Kottke that talks about how Brazilian players dont have last names (Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cafu, Fred..) and why that is. [Link]
Players with the same first name often change their moniker to differentiate themselves. In recent decades, there have been several Ronaldos at the national level. One became known as Ronaldao, meaning “big Ronaldo.” Another became Ronaldinho, meaning “little Ronaldo.” When another Ronaldinho came along in the late 1990s, he was called Ronaldinho Gaucho—that is, “little Ronaldo from Rio Grande do Sul.” Eventually, the first Ronaldo left the Brazilian national squad, so Ronaldinho became Ronaldo. Ronaldinho Gaucho became Ronaldinho.
7 replies on “How Brazilian soccer players get their names”
Hmmm … Interesting
Netherland Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuules
fuck brazil.
Brazil ROCKS HOLLA! Though it’s pretty weird, When these guys get out, there will still be Ronaldinho and Ronaldo!
fuck brazil and the stupid Ronaldinho
i second holla and unknown
Les Bleus!!!!!!!!
Brasil will woop everyones ass’s!!! yes yes!!
So, people, but Brazil still the best one !