Premier League Names: Get Them Right!
The Premier League boasts a diverse cast of footballers from 123 different nationalities since its inception in 1992. This global melting pot brings with it a myriad of languages and pronunciations, leaving many fans and commentators bewildered about how to correctly say some players' names.
To help clear up the confusion, Sky Sports has produced a comprehensive video featuring every Premier League player pronouncing their own name. Here, we highlight some of the most surprising revelations.
Sean Dyche (Sh-awn Die-ch)
The Everton manager's name, frequently mispronounced, is revealed to be "die-ch", not "die-sh". This correction could prove particularly valuable for Dyche, as his £9 million signing Tim Iroegbunam, whose name is pronounced "Iro-boo-nam", also features in the video.
Bruno Fernandes (Bru-no Fer-nange)
Many commentators and fans might be shocked to learn that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' name is pronounced "fer-nange", not "fer-nan-dez". This revelation could be seen as a bit of a blow to United supporters who may have been directing chants and insults at Fernandes, only to discover they were mispronouncing his name all along. It's worth noting that commentator Martin Tyler has previously admitted to deliberately mispronouncing Fernandes' name, fearing ridicule for saying it in the Portuguese way.
Other Notable Corrections
The video also reveals other intriguing pronunciation adjustments. Liverpool's Luis Diaz, for instance, confirms his name is pronounced "Loo-ees Dee-az", while Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes' name is "Gwee-ma-rays".
A Valuable Resource
Sky Sports' pronunciation guide provides a valuable resource for fans, commentators, and anyone who wants to ensure they are addressing Premier League players with the correct pronunciation. The video is a testament to the importance of respect and cultural sensitivity in football, encouraging everyone to engage with the sport in a more inclusive and informed way.
