Mahatma Gandhi is ALIVE and PLAYS FOOTBALL in Brazil

Mahatma Gandhi happens to be a footballer playing for Brazilian club Atlético Clube Goianiense.

Mahatma Gandhi is ALIVE and PLAYS FOOTBALL in Brazil

M.K. Gandhi and Gandhi Heberpio (Via X/@DrAshishPradhan)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, one of the most influential freedom fighters in India’s freedom struggle has been etched in the history of the nation. Despite his assassination by Nathuram Godse in 1948, news of Mahatma Gandhi’s football career took the world by surprise. Yes, you read that right. Mahatma Gandhi plays for Brazilian club Goiânia Esporte Clube and is on loan at Iporà.

The 31-year-old Brazilian is a professional footballer and has been in the game for more than 11 years. His full name is Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires, but goes by the name of Mahatma Gandhi or just Mahatma. The player made his debut back in 2011 for Atletico Clube Goianiense. He has also featured in Brazil’s premier competition – Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, making seven appearances before being loaned out to other clubs.

The uncanny similarity in his name to the Indian freedom fighter has called for worldwide attention, especially from India. Despite a relatively silent career, Mahatma won the Campeonato Goiano league back in 2014, making a total of 5 appearances for the eventual champions.

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Even though the player’s name comes off as a surprise, there are several other players with uncanny names in the league. Players such as Pikachu, John Lennon, and Mosquito have also become famous for their names.

The Internet reacts to ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ playing football in Brazil

The name ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ rings a bell in the minds of Indians. Mahatma Gandhi playing football for Goiânia has called for some wild reactions from fans on Twitter. Netizens are forced to see the funny side of the news, with many commenting on made-up football quotes as if Karamchand Gandhi would have said. “Do not kick the football to play football?” said a fan.

Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi (Via X@vinit_shenoy)

“It’ll be fun watching Gandhi get a red card,” said another. “He’s back”, and “Never saw this coming” were some of the other humorous comments made after the news went viral. “He better stay non-violent on the pitch” was another comment that called for many laughs. “Germany‘s Mario Gotze watching this!!” said another, pointing to M.K. Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse.

https://twitter.com/Mourinhian_v2/status/1724312979100111132?s=20
https://twitter.com/AmolKu1karni/status/1724340988490236083?s=20

“If the opposition scores, let them score another – Gandhi,” posted a gimmick account. The player recently went viral for his name rather than his exploits on the football pitch. The news has also brought to light several other names that have uncanny resemblance to renowned personalities and television characters.

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