Question about one-name players (Kaka, Ronaldinho, etc)

[yellowbismark]

Is it a prerequisite that these names only be used for the Portuguese-speaking peoples? (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc). Can you be non Portuguese or Spanish to have a one-name name? Does FIFA have rules about this? I know they are used to shorten the full names of the players, but...In 1998, when the US had Preki in their team, he was officially referred to by his whole name Predrag Radosavljevic (even though he is widely known as Preki).

Can some random player declare himself to have a one-name name and have it be accepted? Can an American or any other player do it just for farts and giggles?

[GRBomber]

I think there is no rule about that.
It's just a cultural thing.
Brazilian players like to be called by their first names (like Lucio) or nicknames (like Kaka).

[playasolmar]

Its cultural...in South America EVERYONE has a nickname, "el rifle", "manteca", "malaka" etc. The Brazilians just wear it on their jerseys.

[gaijin]

Vampeta at PSG was my favourite which was a 'vampire devil.'

In Spain you have nicknames or first name players too. Like Raul, who uses his first name.

Anyone can have them, its just a cultural thing to be refered to one in Brazil. Just image the England team with Robbo, Roon, Becks, Stevie G, Lamps, JT etc. Same deal.

I like the obscure ones like Mozart and Socrates myself. But Vagner Love is the best. So called after being caught with his pants down with a lady after missing training.

[jedimike]

I like "He Hate Me"

:)

[LordR]

Most turkish players also have their first name on the back of their shirt, altough their real names are not longer than average european names. It's because in Turkey footballers are only called by their first name.

[JAIME CHILE]

What about "Matuzalem"?:eek: :D (brazilian player)

I like Dedé, Didí, Dida, Dodó, Dudú, Duda and all that funny nicks:D

In Mexico is "Zinha" also.

In Spain "Cesc" (Francesc Fábregas), Joaquín, Pablo, etc.

P.S: I remember a brazilian player called "Creedence Clearwater"...(it's true!)