Origins of Football Club Nicknames Explored

This week, The Athletic explores the origins of football club nicknames across various countries, focusing on both France and England. In France, clubs often derive their nicknames from their colors, as seen with Angers SCO (Les Scoistes, Les Noirs et Blancs) and AJ Auxerre (Les Ajaistes, Les Bleus et Blancs), with unique historical ties influencing their identities. Meanwhile, English football showcases a diverse array of nicknames, such as Arsenal's 'Gunners', which predates the club's name, and Newcastle's 'Magpies', linked to their black and white kits. The term 'Gooners' for Arsenal fans is debated, while Newcastle supporters proudly call themselves the 'Toon Army', a nod to regional dialect. Leicester City's nickname evolved from their emblem featuring a fox, reflecting local traditions. Overall, the article highlights how nicknames encapsulate clubs' histories and regional cultures.