West Ham United is one of the clubs with the richest and proudest history in English football. From the glorious achievements on the pitch to the legendary players who have helped build the club’s name, West Ham is proud of the names that have gone down in history. From international stars to local icons, each player on this list has left an indelible mark. Join Bestsoccertips as we look back at the West Ham best players ever, who have given not only their talent but also their heart and soul to the club.
Top 10 West Ham best players
Below is a list of the top 10 West Ham United best players, the legends who have left a deep impression and contributed to the reputation of the London team.
Top 10: Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen is one of the West Ham best players. Joining the club in 2020 from Hull City, some may have thought it was too soon to bring him in, but his contributions have been undeniable. He played a pivotal role in West Ham’s greatest recent achievement, scoring the decisive goal in the 2023 Conference League final, securing the prestigious trophy for the team.
With 67 goals and 42 assists from 225 appearances for West Ham as of February 25, 2025, Bowen is a name to watch in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot. Currently, he is just 18 goals behind Michail Antonio, aiming to become the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League era. For football betting enthusiasts, Bowen is a promising player who could cause some big surprises in the upcoming season.
Top 9: Mark Noble
Mark Noble, regarded as “Mr. West Ham,” is an irreplaceable legend in the club’s history. To overlook him would be an offense to the supporters of East London. As a product of the Hammers’ renowned academy, Noble made 550 appearances for the club he adored. After two loan spells at Ipswich and Hull, he ended his career as a “one-club man,” a rarity in modern football.
Noble won the Hammer of the Year award twice, and his leadership on and off the pitch was a constant for West Ham. Since his retirement in 2022, the absence of Noble has left a significant void that the club has yet to fill. For football betting enthusiasts, Noble’s lasting influence remains relevant, even though he has stepped away from the field.
Top 8: Alvin Martin
While not as glamorous as some of the other top 10 players, Alvin Martin is one of West Ham’s most underrated players in history. With 596 appearances, he ranks fourth in the club’s all-time list of appearances. A key part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1980, Martin was known for his pragmatic playing style and excellent game reading abilities.
With these qualities, Alvin Martin rightfully earns his place among the club’s finest defenders. Had it not been for the legendary captains of the 1960s, he could have been the greatest centre-back in the club’s history. For football betting enthusiasts, Martin’s steady performances and quiet leadership are key aspects to consider when assessing his contribution to the team.
Top 7: Martin Peters
Though not as celebrated as his World Cup-winning teammates of 1966, Martin Peters remains a key figure in West Ham’s history. Often underrated, especially by those outside of East London, Peters scored 100 goals in 364 appearances for the Hammers, standing out not just for his goal-scoring but also his all-around play.
His versatility, including playing as a goalkeeper in his third appearance for West Ham, showcased his exceptional talent. Legendary manager Alf Ramsey described him as “10 years ahead of his time,” highlighting his outstanding skill. For football betting enthusiasts, Peters’ special qualities make him one of West Ham’s brightest stars, whose influence on the team cannot be overlooked.
Top 6: Declan Rice
Declan Rice’s inclusion in West Ham’s squad may have been controversial for some fans, but there’s no denying that he proved himself deserving. While his departure didn’t bring much sorrow, his time at the club was a major success, contributing significantly to the Hammers’ Conference League victory. He also won the Hammer of the Year award three times, a feat only four players in the club’s history have matched.
The English midfielder maintained a consistent level of performance and rarely had a poor showing in West Ham’s claret and blue colors. With his impressive achievements and stature, Rice will undoubtedly be regarded as a club legend over time. For football betting enthusiasts, Rice’s talent and influence will remain key factors when considering West Ham’s success and future.
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Top 5: Paolo Di Canio
A true icon both on and off the pitch, Paolo Di Canio was the player most likely to make West Ham fans jump out of their seats. With his eccentric yet highly talented playing style, Di Canio wasn’t just an excellent player but also a special symbol in the club’s history. One of his most memorable moments was his legendary scissor-kick goal against Wimbledon, still considered one of the greatest goals in Premier League history.
Paolo Di Canio – Eccentric, Technical and Emotionally Explosive Icon
Though he only played 118 Premier League matches for West Ham, Di Canio scored 47 goals and left a lasting impact on the supporters. His influence, skill, and excellence on the field will never be forgotten. For football betting enthusiasts, Di Canio remains a legendary figure who could turn the game around at any moment.
Top 4: Geoff Hurst
Geoff Hurst, thanks to his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final, is perhaps the most beloved West Ham player among fans of English clubs. However, for Hammers fans, Hurst is revered not just for his international accomplishments but also for his immense contributions to the club. With 248 goals from 500 appearances for West Ham, he remains one of the club’s greatest goal-scorers.
Geoff Hurst – The legend who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final
Hurst was a key figure in West Ham’s success in the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1960s, winning the Hammer of the Year award three times and earning a place in World Soccer’s World XI three times. These achievements have solidified his place in the club’s history, and for football betting enthusiasts, Hurst remains a symbol of greatness and talent.
Top 3: Billy Bonds
No player has made more appearances for West Ham than Billy Bonds, who played 799 matches for the club over 21 seasons. A versatile player, Bonds alternated between defense and midfield, but no matter the position, he always made a strong impact. Throughout his time at the club, Bonds won the Hammer of the Year award four times, showcasing his dedication and outstanding performance.
However, beyond his talent, it was Bonds’ exceptional leadership that made him a beloved legend. As West Ham’s captain for 14 years, he led the team to FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980. In honor of his contributions, a stand at the London Stadium is named after Billy Bonds, cementing his legacy in the hearts of West Ham fans.
Top 2: Trevor Brooking
Trevor Brooking can be considered the most skillful player in West Ham’s history. With his ability to create opportunities from nothing, Brooking became the key to the team’s success throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Loved by West Ham fans, he was not only a standout talent but also the perfect complement to Billy Bonds in midfield. Brooking’s superb passing and creativity balanced Bonds’ solid defensive work, driving the team to crucial successes.
Brooking was an important figure in West Ham’s FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980, scoring the decisive goal in the latter. With 47 appearances for the England national team, Brooking is the only West Ham player to be named Player of the Year five times. His career and impact are celebrated with a stand at the London Stadium bearing his name, demonstrating the immense importance of Brooking to the club and its supporters.
Top 1: Bobby Moore
There can only be one player at the top of this list, and that is Bobby Moore. Not only is he the greatest player in West Ham’s history, but he is also regarded as the greatest English player of all time. As the only captain to lead England to World Cup glory in 1966, Moore left an indelible mark on the history of world football.
Beyond his exceptional game-reading abilities, Moore was known for his intelligent passing and inspirational leadership. He captained West Ham to victory in the 1964 FA Cup and the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup, was named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year in 1964, and finished second in the Ballon d’Or in 1970. Moore is celebrated as the greatest defender Pele ever faced and remains an irreplaceable legend in football history. For football betting enthusiasts, Bobby Moore stands as the ultimate icon of greatness and talent.
To Wrap It Up
This list of West Ham best players is just a small part of a great history, where players like Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, or Billy Bonds have made legendary achievements. Their contributions not only helped West Ham become a football icon in England but also engraved the club’s name in the hearts of fans. Even though time passes, these names will always be a source of pride and inspiration for the next generations of players and fans. With such talents, West Ham is always ready to conquer new challenges, and the legends of the team will forever live in the hearts of those who love the club.
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