England star Jordan Pickford’s father has changed his surname to avoid being mocked

Jordan Pickford’s England shirt could have featured a different surname if his father had not opted for a deeded name change during his school days. Lee Pickford, Jordan’s father, was unfortunately nicknamed that by his peers while growing up in the North East.

Everton’s number one goalkeeper and England’s Euro 2024 goalkeeper is a seasoned player with over 60 international caps to his name. Since his first-team debut with Sunderland in 2016 and his subsequent move to Everton in 2017, he has become a household name in English football.

Yet if his father’s childhood had been slightly different, we might have known him as Jordan Pigford. To avoid teasing from his classmates, Pickford’s father felt the need to legally change his name, replacing the “g” with a “ck”, a move that likely spared young Jordan from similar teasing.

The family’s support for the talented goalkeeper is unwavering, and in 2018, Jordan’s grandfather expressed immense pride in his grandson’s achievements to the Daily Mail: “I’m over the moon for him, I am. I never thought he’d play for England,” he said. “It’s the best thing he’s done leaving Sunderland. Going to Everton was a good thing for him.”

“He’s doing well, I’m happy for him. He’s six foot four, so he’s a big boy, but he’s quiet. He doesn’t brag or anything. When he comes home he’s like d He’s usually a calm child.

Jordan was recruited by Sunderland as a youth player, where he spent 15 years. He made just 35 senior appearances for the Black Cats, most of them in his final season before moving to Goodison Park.

His spell at non-league clubs Darlington and Alfreton Town helped make Pickford the Premier League star we know today.

He also had temporary spells with Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End while rising up the divisions.

His wife Megan was seen supporting him at Euro 2024 after giving birth to their second child, a baby girl, in September last year. Prince William was also seen supporting the England team.