Maria Sharapova's name change brings back memories of other sportstars doing the same

3) Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali

The sportsmen who have appeared on our list so far changed their names for a variety of reasons; some to make a quick buck, others because they were bored with what they had.

Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali because he joined the Nation of Islam in 1964, so in that respect this is perhaps the most high profile name change in sport history. A number of broadcasters refused to accept Clay’s change of name and religion, but who’s to say Ali’s new name did not help him in becoming one of the most iconic sportsmen of all time?

Cassius Clay is pretty solid name for a boxer, but Muhammad Ali is just that bit better.