Jordan Pickford’s father ‘changed his name’ to stop Everton star ‘being teased’

Everton’s Jordan Pickford’s shirt might have adorned a different surname if his father hadn’t deed-polled him as a schoolboy.

Pickford’s name might have had a different sound if his father’s childhood had taken a slightly different path, with the Everton goalkeeper being named Jordan Pigford. Classmates initially gave his father, Lee, the not-so-kind Northeastern nickname.

To dodge the ‘pig’ taunts from his peers, according to the Express, Pickford’s father made the early decision to change his name by poll, replacing the ‘g’ with ‘ck’. Family support for the shot stopper has always been unwavering and, reflecting on the goalkeeper’s career in 2018, Pickford’s grandfather could not hide his pride.

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“I’m delighted for him, I am,” he told the Daily Mail back in 2018. “I never thought he’d play for England. It’s the best thing he’s done since leaving Sunderland – to go at Everton was a good thing for him.”

“He’s doing well, I’m happy for him. He’s two foot four, so he’s a big boy, but he’s quiet. He doesn’t brag or anything. When he comes home, he’s the same as usual. He’s a quiet kid. -really, I think his world.”

Pickford won his 21st appearance at a major tournament on Thursday night as England drew 1-1 with Denmark. Following the appearance, the former Sunderland man overtook Peter Shilton (20) for the most games played by an England goalkeeper.