West Ham United FC is one of the oldest and most well-known clubs in English football. The Hammers as they are fondly called are a soccer institution in England famous for their brand of exciting attacking football which they have been playing over the years. Many great players have worn the famous clarinet and light blue jersey of this East London side. Today, we present to you some of the best of the best whose exploits put the Hammers on the world map.
Here are the five greatest West Ham United players of all-time.
1. Bobby Moore
The late England legend and captain played for West Ham for 16 years and was captain for 10 of those years. The 1966 World Cup winner was a colossus in defense for the Hammers, playing an impressive 600 plus games. Sir Bobby Moore helped the Hammers win a domestic cup and European title during his long illustrious career. He is widely regarded as West Ham’s best-ever player. The defender proudly wore the number 6 jersey for West Ham. In 2020, West Ham United retired the number 6 shirt worn by Bobby Moore.
2. Paolo Di Canio
The enigmatic and sometimes troublesome Italian forward was a big hit with the Hammers. Paolo played 5 seasons at Upton Park, scoring 51 goals in 141 appearances across all competitions. Di Canio was known for his flair, guile on the ball, and spectacular goals from long range. Paolo didn’t win any major silverware during his time with West Ham, but he was so loved and respected that he was named the Hammers player of the year for 2000. The talented yet temperamental player won the UEFA Intertoto Cup for West Ham in 1999.
3. Billy Bonds
Another West Ham great featured prominently for them over two decades, from 1967-1988. The defensive stalwart and sometimes midfield enforcer owns the record as the player with the most appearances for the Hammers with about 793 games played. Bonds also scored about 59 goals during his time at Upton Park. Billy Bonds spent 27 years as player and manager for the Hammers.
4. Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor Brooking is one of West Ham’s greatest ever players who featured for the Hammers from 1966-1984. The former England international played 636 times for the East London club scoring a respectable 103 goals. The former Clarinets midfielder helped them win two English FA Cup titles in 1975 and 1980.
5. Geoffrey Hurst
Sir Geoffrey Hurst was one of West Ham’s greatest ever goal scorers. The England 1966 World Cup winner netted an incredible 242 goals in 500 appearances for the Hammers. Sir Geoff also won a domestic FA Cup title and European title during his time at Upton Park from 1958-1972. Individually, he was named Hammers player of the year three times.
