Sports Nicknames - The Tarantula

Dani Alves is one of the most tattooed defenders of all time, but he's also one of the most successful. Because of his physical strength, Alves earned the nickname of the Tarantula (The Tarantula) in his native Brazil. He also happens to be one of the most decorated players of all time, equal with the legendary Paolo Maldini.



After an initial season of Bahia in Brazil, Alves was sent to Sevilla in Spain. He would play there for 6 years, winning the UEFA Cup and Copa del Rey while there. However, he wouldn't become world renowned until his €32.5 million transfer to FC Barcelona.

In Alves' first season at the Catalan club, he helped them win the treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. They won the league 3 times in the next 4 seasons, with another Champions League in there. In 2014-15, he won another treble with the club. The following season, Alves was released for free and joined Italian giants Juventus.

During his 1 year stay in Turin, he helped the club to a Serie A title and a Coppa Italia, though left by mutual consent at the end of the season. He then signed for French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he would win Ligue 1 twice, the Coupe de France once and a few other lesser trophies during his two years at the club. In 2019, Alves signed on to play Sao Paulo, the club he had supported throughout his life.

Clearly Alves was a great player, as it wasn't a coincidence that he received so much silverware. The Tarantula knew how to defend and attack, all while helping his teams to victory.

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