Chelsea fans are no strangers to multiple monikers, given their recent history of Brazilian talents, but it’s not often that an established Stamford Bridge star makes an official name change midway through a career.
Mikel was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (the son of Michael Obi) in 1987, but a mistake in 2003 changed things for the midfielder.
During the registration process for the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Championships, the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) mistakenly submitted ‘Michael’ as ‘Mikel’ for the tournament in Finland.
The competition ended in disappointment as Nigeria failed to qualify from their group, despite Mikel scoring during a win against Australia, but the midfielder decided to keep his new name.
The Chelsea midfielder says the mistake had a “special ring to it,” and from joining Chelsea in 2006 he went by ‘Mikel John Obi’ instead of ‘John Obi Mikel.’
And the midfielder has now decided to officially change his name to Mikel John Obi.
But Chelsea fans need not worry about a new 2016/17 replica shirts as ‘Mikel/12’ will stay on the jersey.
Mikel will miss the start of the new Premier League season, instead representing Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics as one of the Super Eagles’ three designated over-23 players.
The midfielder has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League and four FA Cups at Stamford Bridge, as well as lifting the Africa Cup of Nations in his 75-cap Nigerian career.
John Obi Mikel has quashed reports he is to leave Chelsea, insisting he will stay and fight for his place, and a new contract.
The Nigerian international was reported to be subject of interest from a number of Chinese clubs, but has said he will continue his career at Stamford Bridge next season.
“I want to help the team fight for every point, every win and to win trophies. I also want to help the team qualify for the Champions League again as soon as possible,” Mikel said in an interview with the Evening Standard.
“For 10 years, I have been going to the same training ground, the same locker room. It is an amazing club, with an amazing owner. They are like a family to me. It is a place that has become a part of me.”
Mikel is one of the longest serving players at Chelsea – making over 240 appearances across 10 seasons – and as he enters the last 12 months of his contract, the midfielder is keen to prove his worth to new manager Antonio Conte.
“I have a year left and then we will see what happens. If I play well this season, it will help me earn a new contract,” he said.
“I will give 120 per cent every time I’m on the pitch or come off the bench. I will always give my best.”
