- Harry Cooksley currently plays for Farnham Town FC in the Southern League.
- Nicknamed “The Surrey Zidane” for his midfield skills.
- Former Reading academy player with stints in Austria and Spain.
- Works as Declan Rice’s body double for photoshoots.
- Helped Farnham Town secure back-to-back promotions.
Harry Cooksley isn’t just making waves in the Love Island villa—he’s been turning heads with his football career long before stepping onto ITV2’s sunny stage.
This 30-year-old from Surrey juggles life as a semi-professional midfielder, Declan Rice’s body double, and now, a reality TV heartthrob. Here’s everything you need to know about his journey both on and off the pitch.
Meet Harry Cooksley: The Surrey Zidane Making Waves
At 6’3”, Harry doesn’t just tower over his Love Island competitors—he’s picked up the nickname “The Surrey Zidane” for his slick skills in midfield. Fans of Farnham Town FC, his current team, came up with this name thanks to his flair for dead-ball deliveries and sharp penalty-box precision.
So, how did he get here? Before his reality TV fame, Harry played for clubs including AFC Wimbledon, Farnborough, and even had a stint with Austrian side FC Pinzgau. His LinkedIn shows a quick detour into finance and recruitment, but football (and now gold trading) took the spotlight for him.
“Harry’s got the full package—a great, athletic bod and a charming personality. The ladies in Love Island can’t resist a footballer.”
A source close to the show.
Farnham Town FC: Harry’s Home Turf
Since May 2023, Harry has been a key player for Farnham Town, a team in the Southern League Premier Division. Club TikTok videos capture his fun side—think wild goal celebrations and clips from his pre-Love Island transformation.
His manager, Paul Johnson, wasn’t shocked when Harry joined the villa:
“Who’s most likely to go on Love Island? Harry Cooksley. No doubt about it.”
Teammates joked that he’d only remain single “if he didn’t have a girlfriend”—a prediction that’s played out dramatically on screen.
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The Declan Rice Connection: Harry’s Unexpected Side Hustle
On top of his semi-pro football, Harry also has a unique gig as a body double for Arsenal and England star Declan Rice.
“When [Declan] does a shoot, if there are any body close-ups, it will actually be me. You might catch my shoulder or chest never my face,”
Harry shares.
This role matches his athletic physique, though some fans speculate that Harry’s Love Island tan might now even outshine Rice’s flawless complexion.
Glow-Up Gossip: From Pitch to Villa Glam
Harry’s transformation—including a hair transplant, rumored jaw fillers, and a sun-kissed glow—has sparked plenty of chatter. Old TikToks from his time at Farnham Town show a huge difference from his current look, with fans joking, “He went from 45 to 44.”
“Think Harry’s been to Turkey,”
remarked a fan about his rumored procedures.
What’s Next for Harry?
With Love Island still airing, Harry’s football future is uncertain. Farnham Town has stated they’ll welcome him back, but who knows—could a life as an influencer be on the horizon? His Instagram (@harrycooksley8) has already surged past 17,000 followers.
Also Read: Nicolas Hülkenberg Wife And Children: Meet Eglė Ruškytė and Daughter Noemi
Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
