Javier Mascherano’s ‘Pony Brother’ nickname shows Chinese fans see him as more stable than ‘homesick boy’ Carlos Tevez

Disgusted Chinese football fans branded Carlos Tevez “Very Homesick Boy” but they have an altogether fonder nickname for his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, “Pony Brother”.

Tevez’s unflattering nickname was a play on how his surname is pronounced in Chinese and a nod to his problems settling for long periods anywhere in his career.

But defender Mascherano, who played with Tevez at Corinthians and West Ham United early in their careers, makes the move to the CSL with a far better reputation.

That is reflected in his “Pony Brother” moniker – the “Ma” in Mascherano sounds similar to the word in Chinese for pony.

Hebei, in China’s north, referenced Mascherano’s nickname in announcing his signature on Wednesday, saying in a club statement: “He is famed for his iron-blood style and his forever tireless running.