Why has Savinho changed his name?

SPURS have completed the £85million signing of Brazil winger Savio, and fans were quick to spot something odd about the announcement. The player Manchester City signed as Savinho two years ago has arrived in north London with a different name. Spurs have splashed a massive £85million to sign Savio Credit: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC The exciting winger will wear the number 17 shirt Credit: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC Why has Savinho changed his name to Savio? Neither Tottenham nor Savio has given a reason for the switch, and no explanation appeared in the club’s announcement. What is clear is that he has gone back to the name he used before joining City. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! His full name is Savio Moreira de Oliveira, and Savinho is simply the Portuguese diminutive of that, roughly translating to “little Savio”. He wore Savio on his shirt at Troyes and during his breakout loan spell at Girona, where he made his name in La Liga. The switch to Savinho came when he joined City in July 2024, and he did explain that one at the time. Brazil put Savinho on his shirt for his first senior call-up in March of that year. Speaking to the Man City website, he said he hoped “the Savinho name brings me some good luck”. Brazilian players commonly go by nicknames on their shirts, but whether the return to Savio reflects superstition, personal preference or simply a fresh start remains a mystery at this time. Most read in Football Savio was named by his dad after former Brazil and Real Madrid winger Savio Bortolini. Why has Savio joined Tottenham? City boss Enzo Maresca said Savio made it clear he wanted to leave the club. Spurs will pay an initial £75million with a further £10million in add-ons, of which around £5million is effectively guaranteed, according to Sky Sports. Savio has signed a five-year deal and will wear the number 17 shirt. That makes it a club record sale for City, beating the £82million Atletico Madrid paid for Julian Alvarez in 2024. City paid Troyes £30.8million for Savio in 2024. Savio said: “It’s taken a while, but I’m very happy to be here. “It’s a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world. “As soon as I spoke to the head coach I knew I had to come. “He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level. And I believe we can do that together, as a team.” Roberto De Zerbi said: “Savio is a player who brings energy, imagination and quality in wide positions. “He has the courage to attack defenders and the ability to change a game with his creativity. We’re very pleased to have him with us. “And I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him continue to grow and seeing him bring his personality to the team.” Savio leaves the Etihad with seven goals and 16 assists in 84 games, though he started just seven of his 24 league appearances last season. Spurs chased him last summer without success, and his arrival takes the club’s spending past £300million this window. Comment now