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Savinho has asked to be referred to as ‘Savio’ going forward after completing his move from Manchester City to Tottenham, reverting to the name he used earlier in his career before his switch to the Etihad two years ago.
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The origin of the ‘Savinho’ name traces back to a Brazil national team call-up in March 2024, when the shirt printer used that version instead of Savio, the name he had always gone by at previous clubs such as Girona, PSV, Troyes and Atletico Mineiro.
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Neither Savio nor Tottenham have offered any explanation as to why he has chosen to revert to his original name now that he has completed his switch to north London.
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Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Johan Lange have both spoken glowingly about the winger’s qualities since completing the deal.
August 25, (THEWILL) — Savinho wants a fresh start in more ways than one. Having completed his £75m move from Manchester City to Tottenham, the Brazilian winger has asked to be known simply as ‘Savio’ going forward, reverting to the name he carried for most of his career before arriving in the Premier League.
Throughout his two years at City, the 22-year-old was known as Savinho, a name that featured on the back of his No. 26 shirt across all 84 of his appearances for the club.
His real name is Savio Moreira de Oliveira, and the ‘inho’ suffix is a common Portuguese affectionate variation, loosely translating to “little” Savio.
The story behind the switch actually goes back to March 2024, before he’d even signed for City.
Speaking to the club’s official website that July, he explained how the change came about during international duty with Brazil.
“My name change is because in the national team, the first call-up they put Savinho on the shirt,” he said at the time.
“People in Girona knew me more as Savinho, it was just written Savio on the shirt, you know? So I told Manchester City to put Savinho on the shirt. I hope it brings me luck too, this name Savinho.”
That explanation made sense at the time, given he’d gone by Savio at every previous stop in his career — Atletico Mineiro, Troyes, PSV and Girona. Now, having left City behind, he appears ready to drop the nickname and go back to his original name.
Neither the player nor Tottenham have given a reason for the reversal, leaving it something of a mystery for now. He’ll wear the number 17 shirt in north London.
The name change comes alongside a big-money switch that Savio described as well worth the wait. “It’s taken a while but I’m very happy to be here,” he said.
“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 was equally enthusiastic about the deal, praising the qualities Savio brings to the final third.
“He brings energy, imagination and quality in wide areas,” the Italian coach said.
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“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.”
Tottenham’s sporting director Johan Lange also weighed in on the signing, revealing the club had been tracking the winger for some time before finally getting the deal over the line.
“He has already shown his quality at the highest level, and we believe his ability, style and mentality will be a great fit for the squad we are building here,” Lange said.
“I know he will excite our supporters every time he gets on the ball and I’m looking forward to watching his development under Roberto’s coaching.”
Savio could make his first appearance for the club as soon as Wednesday, when Tottenham face Charlton in the Carabao Cup.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
