The 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship held in Indonesia has created more surprises and excitement than ever. Not only in terms of expertise, the tournament also featured a series of players with names similar to world- famous players such as Nunez, Hakimi or Buffon.
Previously, Southeast Asian fans have enjoyed names like Indonesia's Beckham Putra, inspired by the legendary David Beckham, or Timor Leste's Luis Figo Pereira Ribeiro and Luis Figo Pinto, whose names somewhat resemble the former Portuguese football star.
According to Indonesian media site FaktaBola , this phenomenon is reflecting the love of football of Southeast Asian parents, who entrust their dreams to their children's names, with the hope of them shining in the future.
Southeast Asian faces named after world stars and legends
In this year's tournament, the list of "unique" and interesting players continues to come to fans. Notably, Harry Nunez (20 years old), playing for the Philippines, had a surprising 2-0 victory with his teammates over Malaysia in the opening match of Group A.
In addition, the Philippines also owns Joshua Merino (name reminiscent of midfielder Mikel Merino) or goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes (similar to Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle).
Not only that, Timor Leste also contributed a special "spice" with Luis Figo (20 years old), a different face from the two previous players of the same name. In addition, this team also has Vabio Canavaro (legendary center back Fabio Cannavaro), the brothers Nicholas and Jackson Fowler (reminiscent of striker Robbie Fowler), Jorge Casemiro (Casemiro of Man United), Sandro Rivaldo (former Brazilian player, Rivaldo).
As for Malaysia, they have two players named Hakimi - Aiman Hakimi and Danish Hakimi, similar to PSG defender Achraf Hakimi. Meanwhile, Indonesia was also "shocked" by the face of Alfharezzi Buffon, bearing the surname of the legendary Gianluigi Buffon.
Whether coincidental or intentional, these names have added a unique, interesting and colorful touch to the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/u23-dong-nam-a-sau-beckham-them-nunez-hakimi-va-buffon-xuat-hien-196250716133801281.htm
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