After the first part of the Pun series, I had a few more jokes in line. But life happened, and I had to take a long break from personal projects.
It has taken me a whole year to complete what I planned to do in ten days. Better late than never, I guess.
I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the creative process.
Well, after a long pause here's the second part of the Football Pun Series.
1. Gandalf
N'Golo Kanté
In his prime, Kante was arguably the best midfielder, touted for his tackles and ball-recovery prowess. The connection with Gandalf references the scene in the Lord of the Rings, where the wizard, while confronting a Balrog, an evil monster they encounter on their journey.
In the scene, Gandalf stands between the Balrog and his comrades, effectively shielding them from the monster, a somewhat parallel to what N'Golo Kanté does in the midfield.
2. Pirates of The Bavarian: Toni's Cruise
Toni Kroos
Bavaria, or Buundesland, the old kingdom of Germany, boasts a rich history dating back to the early Middle Ages, marked by cultural prominence and resilience.
The pun plays on the old kingdom's name, and the popular movie series, "Pirates of the Caribbean". Even in his late 30s, Toni Kroos is still regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
His ability to dictate the pace and control games through sublime skill and pinpoint passes has earned him the phrase "Kroos control"
3. Partey After Partey
Thomas Partey
This pun plays on the rhyme between the player's last name and a popular song "Parte after Parte".
"Parte After Parte" is a song by BigTril, a Ugandan musician. The song gained international popularity, especially in African countries, and became a viral anthem known for its catchy beat and lyrics. BigTril released the song in 2019, and it quickly became a party and club favourite.
Thomas Partey, a midfielder, is known for his box-to-box play often dominating the midfield with a shockingly high rate of ball recovery and tackles. His ability to read the game and break opposition transitions and counter-attacks has earned him a place on the list of top midfielders in the world.
4. The Wizard of Özil
Mesut Özil
At his peak, he was the best attacking midfielder. Mesut Özi was the perfect definition of what a modern-day "10" should be. From vision and passing to delivery in setpieces, Özi was the perfect addition to any team. During his active days, he picked up a lot of nicknames, but one of the most prominent ones was "Mago" by Madrid fans, meaning Wizard. His number of assists is a testament to this.
5. Super Mario
Mario Balotelli
Probably the most controversial player on the list, Mario Balotelli is a Ghanaian-born Italian striker. Known for his cheeky flicks and occasional wonder goals, Balotelli earned the nickname "Super Mario" because of his club and country feats.
The joke here plays on Nintendo's bestselling franchise of the same name, the Super Mario Brothers.
6. Obi Wan Iwobi
A winger and midfielder with blistering pace, Iwobi has made his mark in the English Premier League, for Arsenal, and now Everton. The link here, is the similarity of his last name, with the famous Starwars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Both men, draw parallels from the fact that they're usually the underdogs in duels, until they somehow overturn the advantage, helping their respective teams to victory.
7. The Dukes of Hazzard
Eden and thorgan Hazard
Eden and Thorgan Hazard, distinguished Belgian footballers, share both blood and talent. Eden, a prolific forward, graced the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid, showcasing unparalleled skill. His dynamic style and goal-scoring prowess have marked him as one of the sport's elite. Meanwhile, Thorgan, a versatile midfielder, plies his trade with Borussia Dortmund, dazzling with precise passes and tactical acumen. Both brothers have significantly contributed to Belgium's national team, adding flair and finesse to their campaigns in international competitions.
Together, the Hazards embody a footballing legacy, enthralling fans worldwide with their prowess on the pitch and familial connection.
Like the duo whom the inspiration for the piece is drawn from, Bo and Luke Duke, the protagonists of "The Dukes of Hazzard," are charismatic and rebellious cousins living in Hazzard County. Known for their orange Dodge Charger, they navigate through adventures, outsmarting the corrupt Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco.
This draws a parallel to the Hhazard brothers, known for causing defenders problems.
8. Piqué-a-boo
Gerard Piqué
The Spanish defender is renowned for his defensive prowess. A key figure in FC Barcelona's golden era, Piqué has won numerous domestic and international titles. Off the field, he is involved in business ventures and philanthropy.
The similarity of his last name with the popular children's game "peek-a-boo" is literally a low-hanging foot. would have kicked myself if I didn't jump at it.
9. Pastor Fred
Fred Rodrigues
Fred Rodrigues, is a Brazilian midfielder known for his tenacity and passing ability. While playing for Manchester United, he contributed to their midfield strength and success, showcasing skill and versatility on the pitch.
A fan's favourite, he earned the nickname "Pastor Fred" because of his midfield displays, which some fans fondly called "midfield ministrations".
10. Cesc and the city
Cesc Fàbregas
The Spanish football maestro has had a distinguished career. Renowned for his vision and precise passing, he earned the nickname "Fabre-pass" from fans in Delta State, Nigeria. Fàbregas has played for top clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
A World Cup and Euro champion, he's celebrated for orchestrating midfields. Off the pitch, Fàbregas is recognized for his philanthropy and insightful football analysis.
The piece draws from the popular 2000's movie "Sex and the City".
This series has been fun to work on, and I enjoyed working on every piece.
Thank you!!!
