10 fun facts about Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire is an English professional footballer, is currently a centre back for Manchester United in the Premier League and represents the England national team. Maguire began his football journey at Sheffield United, progressing through their youth system and eventually making his debut for the first team in 2011.

During his time at Sheffield United, he showcased his talent and made a total of 166 appearances for the club. Maguire’s exceptional performances earned him the prestigious Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons, as well as multiple appearances in the PFA Team of the Year for League One.

In 2014, Maguire made a move to Hull City for a transfer fee of £2.5 million. However, he was later loaned to Wigan Athletic in 2015. His impressive skills and contributions on the field caught the attention of Leicester City, who signed him in 2017 for an initial fee of £12 million.

During the 2017-2018 season, Maguire showcased his defensive prowess by playing every minute of the season and was rightfully named the Player of the Season.

In 2019, Maguire made a significant transfer to Manchester United for a staggering fee of £80 million, setting a world-record amount for a defender. Within just six months of joining the club, he was appointed as the captain, a testament to his leadership qualities and impact on the team.

Maguire held the captaincy role until 2023, demonstrating his ability to inspire and lead his teammates. Maguire’s international career began in 2012 when he represented the England national under-21 team in a single match. He made his senior debut for England in 2017 and has since been selected for the England squads in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as the UEFA Euro 2020.

His exceptional performances during the latter tournament earned him a well-deserved place in the Team of the Tournament, further solidifying his reputation as a top-class def ender. Here are some fun facts about him.

1. An excellent student

Maguire’s excellence wasn’t limited to the field – he also shone in the classroom. His former deputy headteacher fondly remembers him as a top-notch student, especially when it came to academics.

2. His siblings are footballers too

In addition to Maguire, there are two other footballers in his family. Both his brothers, Joe and Laurence, are actively involved in the sport. Laurence currently represents Chesterfield in the National League, whereas Joe plays for Gainsborough Trinity in the Northern Premier League.

Laurence’s exceptional skills earned him a spot in the England C side, a team specifically for under-23 players who are not part of the football league.

3. Used to be a midfielder

1. Maguire currently plays as a central defender. He started his career as a midfielder until the age of 16. Credit for his transition to a centre-back goes to Sheffield United academy manager John Pemberton.

4. Nicknamed “Slabhead”

Following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Maguire’s ex-Leicester teammate, Jamie Vardy, bestowed upon him an uncomplimentary nickname due to the disparity in size between his head and body.

This moniker gained popularity when Maguire scored a goal against Sweden during the World Cup. Subsequently, Vardy playfully interrupted a press conference after the match and jokingly asked his fellow player,” “Hi, this is Jamie Vardy from Vardy News – what is the diameter of your head?”

5. Idolises Rio Ferdinand and John Terry

During his formative years, Maguire admired English icons Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, considering them his footballing idols, and emulated their style of play.

He said, “The two greatest centre-halves when I was growing up were John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. I really looked up to them, especially Rio Ferdinand, because he brought the ball out of defence really well. Very comfortable on the ball and he had a bit of everything in his prime. A great centre-half in his time.”

6. Most expensive defender in the history

After showcasing his remarkable skills at Leicester City in the Premier League, Maguire garnered attention from numerous top-tier clubs. Eventually, Manchester United secured his services for a then-unprecedented fee of £80 million, setting a new world record for a defender.

This surpassed Liverpool’s previous record-breaking £75 million transfer for Virgil van Dijk, which had taken place just over a year earlier. Maguire committed to a six-year contract with Manchester United and swiftly established himself as a vital asset to the team, earning the prestigious title of club captain.

7. Played every single minute for United in 2019-20 season

Upon joining the United squad in 2019, Maguire swiftly made his mark as one of the team’s key players. Recognizing his exceptional leadership abilities, then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promptly appointed him as the club’s captain.

In the 2019-20 season, Maguire showcased his unwavering commitment by playing every minute of United’s 38-game campaign, a feat not achieved by an outfield player since 1995.

8. Most consecutive games played without being substituted

Maguire has consistently proven his reliability since joining the Theater of Dreams. On 25 April 2021, he matched Gary Pallister’s club record for the most league games played without being substituted.

He achieved this milestone by completing the full 90 minutes for the 71st consecutive Premier League game, during a goalless draw against Leeds United. Unfortunately, he was unable to surpass the record as he had to be substituted in his 72nd game against Aston Villa.

9. Has won Player of the season awards three times in a row

Maguire’s exceptional skills were evident from his time as a young player at Sheffield United. Following his senior debut for the Blades in 2011, he was honored with both the “Player of the Year” and “Young Player of the Year” awards by the club in his debut season, contributing to their promotion push.

He was also named in League One’s Team of The Year for 2011–12 by BBC Match of the Day magazine. Over the following two seasons, Maguire continued to excel. The talented center-back, known for his ability on the ball, was once again recognized as the club’s Player of the Season for the subsequent two seasons.

10. Loves to play golf

Maguire has been spotted playing in a round of golf alongside his fellow teammates, namely Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw. It is widely believed that golf serves as a means for Maguire to unwind and find solace away from the demanding nature of his career in professional football.

Moreover, he takes pleasure in the endeavor of honing his skills and conquering the challenges presented by this sport.