One of the most infuriating things in football is when you hear a commentator say a footballer’s name completely differently from how you think it should be said or how you may pronounce it.
We’ve all sat there and questioned commentators, pundits, or those watching along with us. But you’ll be surprised to know we are quite often the ones who are actually saying names wrong all along.
This is especially the case for Premier League footballers and managers, including some of the most world-class names in the division. From Aston Villa stars to Manchester United and Wolves men, there are plenty.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 13 names in the Premier League that you’ve probably been saying wrong all this time - along with the correct pronunciations.
1. Bruno Fernandes (Broo-no Fur-nand-sh)
Heard the commentary on FIFA 23 from Derek Rae? We’ve always doubted him but he’s been right all along. It is indeed Fur-nand-sh rather than Fur-nan-des.
2. Granit Xhaka (Grah-nit Sha-ka)
Part of a title-challenging team? It doesn’t matter, we’ve still had struggles with the midfielder’s name but now we know we’ve been saying his surname too harshly. It’s a soft start with a ‘Sha’ not a ‘Ja’.
3. N’Golo Kanté (Nn-goal-oh Con-Tay)
Such a legend of the Premier League that surely we should be saying his name right by now, but many still get caught out. Lots say ‘Can-tay’ rather than ‘Con-tay’.
4. Donny van de Beek (Donny fun-der Bake)
We’re not sure about you, but we’ve certainly been saying this one wrong. Understandably, we were pronouncing it ‘van-der Beek’ instead. Just imagine you’re having a great time making a cake.