This would be the ideal XI if we focus on footballers whose names evoke some legend of the sport for some reason, either because their parents named them after great stars, because they share the surname with iconic figures or because they chose a stage name inspired by their greatest references.
According to information from Transfermarkt, the first case would be that of Rayane Messi. A young 17-year-old talent is already beginning to stand out in France. The winger made his professional debut with Strasbourg in the French Cup in January, where he scored two goals in an exciting penalty shootout victory (7-5) against Thaon, a fifth-tier team.
Now we go to the Egyptian Premier League, where a player known as Beckham stands out, although his real name is Ahmed Ramadan and he is on the books of Cleopatra FC. Among other players with names inspired by legends is Colombian striker Klinsman Calderon, currently playing for Jaguares de Mexico.
A goalkeeper could not be missing, in this case it is the Brazilian Dasaev, who currently does not have a team, but bears the surname of the iconic goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev. To continue the list, the Egyptian midfielder Karim Nedved, who adopted the name of the former footballer Pavel Nedved.
Another player who makes this particular eleven is Mahmoud Trezeguet, currently at Al-Rayyan. He is joined by Brazilian Muller, who is possibly one of the most successful players with a name inspired by a footballing legend
Also noteworthy is the Spanish striker Stoichkov, whose real name is Juan Diego Molina Martinez, but he adopted his nickname in homage to Hristo Stoichkov, a Barcelona legend. In January, Alaves transferred him to Granada for 2.5 million euros, and he has already managed to score as a goalscorer in the Spanish Segunda Division.
Another one to mention is the Peruvian right-back Kluiverth Aguilar, who pays homage to the star Patrick Kluivert. In the summer of 2021, Manchester City paid 2.5 million euros for his signing. Although he never made his debut for the English side, he is still part of the City Football Group and is currently showing his potential at Lommel SK.
In addition, in this eleven we find the Indonesian central defender Kanavaro Burere, who plays for Malut United FC, and Saviola Mourinho Simons, a young prospect from the AZ Alkmaar youth academy. The latter is named after two footballing figures: Javier Saviola, Jose Mourinho and Xavi Simons.
Finally, in midfield, the Brazilian Yago Del Piero, currently with AC Noventa in Italy, and the Colombian winger Beckham Castro, a player with La Equidad. All these players complete this unique IX with great names of soccer figures.
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