Neal Maupay reveals why he named his son after Ollie Watkins as Everton striker raves about England hero and former Brentford teammate ahead of Euro 2024 final

Neal Maupay says he named his son Ollie after meeting the England striker at Brentford eight years ago.

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• Maupay played with Watkins at Brentford
• Formed a good relationship
• Frenchman named son after England star

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Maupay and Watkins formed a connection at Brentford and the Frenchman promised to name his son after the striker when the time came. He recently had a child and made sure to call the England international up to let him know the good news.

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• WHAT MAUPAY SAID

  Speaking to talkSPORT, Maupay said: "I played with him, Ollie's my friend. Honestly, top goal from him [against the Netherlands], a proper striker's goal. Touch and finish. So I'm very happy for him. I have a story for you. I named my son after Ollie Watkins. When I first met him about eight years ago at Brentford, I loved the name and I said if I have a son one day, I'll call him Ollie and I called him Ollie. Actually I spoke with him last week to let him know."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maupay naming his child after Watkins is a testament to the impact he has had on people. Others have spoken about what an inspiration the 28-year-old is to the younger generation. He is now getting recognition on the world stage after scoring the winner for England against the Netherlands in Euro 2024.

• WHAT NEXT FOR MAUPAY AND WATKINS?

  There is little chance that Maupay and Watkins will be lining up as team-mates again any time soon. The former has returned to Everton following the conclusion of his loan in West London, while the latter is looking forward to a season in the Champions League with Aston Villa.