7 Well-Known Football Clubs That Changed Their Names


7 Well-Known Football Clubs That Changed Their Names
By Sholy | May 19, 2025

In football, a club’s name holds deep meaning — symbolizing history, culture, and a bond with fans. Yet, even some of the sport’s most celebrated teams started out with entirely different names. Whether due to political changes, rebranding, or new ownership, many clubs have undergone transformations over the years. Here are seven famous football clubs that changed their names, along with the stories behind those changes.

7. Everton
Founded in 1878 as St. Domingo FC by members of a Liverpool church group, the club was created to keep cricket players active during winter. A year later, they adopted the name Everton, after the surrounding area. Interestingly, their stadium, Goodison Park, isn’t located in Everton, but the name endured — launching the legacy of the Toffees.

6. AC Milan
Established in 1899 by English expatriates in Italy, the club was initially called Milan Football and Cricket Club. The English spelling of “Milan” honored its founders’ origins. During Mussolini’s regime in 1938, the club’s name was Italianized to Associazione Calcio Milano but returned to its English-style name after World War II.

5. Manchester City
What is now Manchester City began in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), a church team aimed at promoting unity and reducing violence. It became Gorton AFC in 1884, then Ardwick AFC in 1887. Financial issues led to a reformation in 1894, resulting in the modern name — Manchester City FC.

4. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham was formed in 1882 by schoolboys from the Hotspur Cricket Club, initially called Hotspur FC. To avoid confusion with another team, they changed their name in 1884 to Tottenham Hotspur FC. The club has since become iconic, especially for their flair and fierce North London rivalries.

3. Arsenal
Arsenal’s origins date to 1886 when armory workers in Woolwich founded Dial Square FC. It was soon renamed Royal Arsenal, and later, Woolwich Arsenal. In 1910, financial trouble led to a relocation to Highbury under new owners. In 1915, the club became simply Arsenal FC — a name now known worldwide.

2. Manchester United
Formed in 1878 by railway workers, the club was originally Newton Heath. Financial struggles in the early 1900s nearly ended the team, but a group of investors saved it. On April 24, 1902, the club was renamed Manchester United — marking the beginning of its rise to global fame.

1. Real Madrid
Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, the team gained royal patronage in 1920 when King Alfonso XIII granted them the title “Real,” meaning “Royal.” With the crown added to their crest, they became Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. The name change marked the start of their transformation into a global football powerhouse.

Conclusion
These name changes weren’t just branding decisions — they often signaled major shifts in a club’s journey. While the names evolved, the loyalty of fans and the clubs’ core identities remained strong.


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