Revealed: Cristiano Ronaldo’s new nickname
FT Desk
- 20 Sep 2022 14:20 CDT
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lisandro Martinez have already struck up a budding partnership at Manchester United, with the Argentine revealing his favourite nickname for the veteran striker.
Ronaldo has found himself in uncharted territory so far in 2022-23.
Following his efforts to find a new club over the summer transfer window and late arrival to pre-season training, the striker made his first Premier League start of the season during United's disastrous 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Brentford.
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That result convinced manager Erik ten Hag to make the unprecedented decision to return Ronaldo to the bench.
Ten Hag's gamble has so far paid off, with four consecutive wins sending United flying up the Premier League following their disastrous start.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has only appeared as a substitute during that run and is still waiting for his first league goal, though he did open his 2022-23 account in the Europa League in Thursday's victory over Sheriff in Moldova.
Despite that lack of action he has still made a big impression on Martinez, who replied to one of Cristiano's Instagram posts with the comment, "Let's go Bicho!"
What does Bicho mean?
Bicho, which means bug in Spanish, is not exactly a new nickname for the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus ace.
It was first coined during his time in La Liga and is widely used in the Spanish-speaking world as a term of affection.
COPE commentator Manolo Lama is credited with the name, which has less to do with any insect resemblance but rather is a tribute to his physical presence, perseverance, strength and leadership on the field.
What are Ronaldo's other nicknames?
Ronaldo, especially in the commercial realm, has also often been known by the contraction CR7, a combination of his initials and shirt number.
The Portuguese's exploits in the Champions League have also led him to be dubbed Mr Champions League, though this season he has had to settle for terrorising defences in the secondary Europa League competition.
But his favoured nickname is El Comandante (The Commander), a moniker that curiously enough was first handed to him somewhat in jest by ex-FIFA chief Sepp Blatter.
"I like that word, it means a leader, power and I like that nickname," he said on one occasion.
"I like to lead and set an example."
