Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has revealed that he legally changed his name to avoid being called an unwanted nickname while growing up. The 33-year-old is not the only Premier League star and England international to have altered their birth name, with Jordan Pickford, Dele Alli and Joe Hart all doing so.
Maguire is universally known as Harry in the football world, but very few United fans are aware that the name on his birth certificate was originally listed as Jacob. His mother affectionately called him 'Jakey'. However, Maguire disclosed that his dislike of the nickname was key in his decision to pursue a name change.
Mother's Decision to Swap Names
"My mum decided to call me Jacob Harry (Maguire) when I was born," he explained. "Then, after three months, people started calling me Jakey. She didn't like it so she swapped it around to Harry Jacob (Maguire) but she couldn't change it by passport until I was 18. As soon as I was 18, I changed it around, so it's actually officially Harry Jacob now."
The official name change coincided with the launch of his professional career, with Maguire making his Sheffield United debut just a month after turning 18 in a Championship fixture against Middlesbrough.
Career Rise and Record Transfer
Maguire went on to thrive at the heart of the Blades' backline and earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year for League One in back-to-back seasons as Hull and Wolves competed for his signature. The former proved to be his next destination as his outstanding displays continued, helping Steve Bruce's side secure an immediate Premier League return before completing a switch to Leicester City that summer. His career truly took off in the East Midlands as he developed from strength to strength.
Establishing himself as a regular fixture in the England setup, Maguire became the most expensive British player in history in 2019 when United splashed out £80million to secure his services. He has since gone on to make over 250 appearances at Old Trafford and started the 2026/27 season as first choice. He is in line for another start against Ipswich on Sunday as he attempts to build upon a third-placed finish and return to Champions League football last season.
