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Top 10 Best West Ham United Players of All Time

West Ham United is a professional soccer club that is based out of Stratford, England. The club competes in the Premier League and plays at London Stadium. West Ham was founded in 1895 and was originally known as Thames Ironworks. In 1900, they changed their name to West Ham. Since their founding, West Ham has had a solid foundation in the Premier League due to the club’s history of building strong players. Here are the best West Ham United soccer players of all time.

Who Are the Best West Ham United Soccer Players of All Time?

Bobby Moore
Geoff Hurst
Trevor Brooking
Paolo Di Canio
Billy Bonds
Frank Lampard Sr.
Martin Peters
Scott Parker
Julian Dicks
Joe Cole

1. Bobby Moore

FA Cup Champion (1964)
FA Charity Shield Champion (1964)
European Cup Winners’ Cup Champion (1965)

Bobby Moore is considered not only one of the best defenders in West Ham’s history but also in the history of the game. Moore made a total of 647 appearances for West Ham from 1958 to 1974. Despite being a center-back, Moore was still able to score 24 goals during his career, an impressive accomplishment. Moore led West Ham to several accolades, including winning the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

Moore was not only a solid defender, he was a great leader. He served as captain for 10 years and had a reputation for being professional with a strong sense of integrity. One of the most notable moments in Moore’s career came when Queen Elizabeth presented him with the Jules Rimet trophy. Despite having just played in a game, Moore paused to wipe the dirt off of his hands before shaking her hand. Moore was also a four-time Hammer of the Year, Footballer of the Year, and Sports Personality of the Year.

2. Geoff Hurst

FA Cup Champion (1964)
FA Charity Shield Champion (1964)
European Cup Winners’ Cup Champion (1965)

Another player from West Ham’s golden period, Geoff Hurst is one of the best strikers in the club’s history. Geoff Hurst made 499 appearances for West Ham from 1959 to 1972. Hurst scored 248 goals during his time at West Ham and remains the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. Hurst won several trophies with West Ham United; he helped West Ham win the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

Hurst was known for his goal-scoring ability and he scored more than 100 goals in three seasons for West Ham. He accomplished this during the 1961-62, 1962-63, and 1965-66 seasons. Hurst’s most memorable moment came in the 1966 World Cup final when he became the first and only player to score a hat-trick in the final of a World Cup. Though a feat he didn’t compete with West Ham, he helped England win and remains an icon for not only West Ham fans but for English soccer fans everywhere.

3. Trevor Brooking

Two-time FA Cup Champion
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup runner-up (1976)
Football League Cup runner-up (1981)

One of the best midfielders in West Ham’s history, Trevor Brooking enjoyed a long and accomplished career with the Hammerheads. Trevor Brooking made 647 appearances for West Ham United between 1967 and 1984 and is one of the club’s all-time appearance leaders. Brooking was known as a strong offensive midfielder and often contributed to the attacking play and scored 102 career goals. Brooking played an important role in West Ham United’s two FA Cup victories in 1975 and 1980 as well as bringing them to the finals of the UEFA Cup and the EFL Cup.

Brooking was captain of West Ham United during his later years at the club and was known for being an upbeat presence with strong leadership qualities. One of Brooking’s most memorable moments with West Ham came during the 1980 FA Cup final when he scored the winning goal against Arsenal.

After his playing career, Brooking continued to work with West Ham as a club ambassador and served in some administrative positions. His dedication has made him one of the most respected figures in the history of the club.

4. Paolo Di Canio

UEFA Intertoto Cup Champion (1999)
Hammer of the Year (2000)
BBC Goal of the Season (2000)

No West Ham player played with more flair than Paolo Di Canio. An imposing forward, Di Canio made a total of 141 appearances for West Ham United from 1999 to 2003, scoring 51 goals. Di Canio received the West Ham United Player of the Year award in the 1999-2000 season. Di Canio played a pivotal role in West Ham United’s run to the 2006 FA Cup final.

Di Canio’s goal against Wimbledon in 2000 was voted as the Premier League Goal of the Season. The goal took place near the end and while it didn’t result in West Ham’s victory, it still is one of the most memorable moments in the team’s history. Di Canio also won the Premier League Player of the Month award twice in both March 2000 and February 2002. Di Canio continues to have a legacy of being one of the most stylish players in the club’s history.

5. Billy Bonds

Two-time FA Cup Champion
Football League Second Division Champion (1981)
League Cup runner-up (1981)

Billy Bonds is one of the most iconic players in West Ham’s history. Bonds made 799 appearances for West Ham from 1967 to 1989 and holds the record for most appearances made by a player. He primarily played as a defensive midfielder but still managed to score an impressive 59 goals, demonstrating that he could be a threat both offensively and defensively. Bonds won several trophies with West Ham; he was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980, as well as the Second Division title in 1981.

Bonds spent his entire professional career at West Ham United, showcasing incredible loyalty and commitment to the club. His 21-year career at the club is a testament to his dedication and love for the team. Bonds were also equally important to the team, so much so that Bonds served as the captain of West Ham United for a significant portion of his career. Bonds was rightfully inducted into the West Ham United Hall of Fame in 2017 as a recognition of his contributions to the club.

6. Frank Lampard Sr.

Two-time FA Cup Champion
Second Division Champion (1981)
Scored 22 career goals

Frank Lampard Sr. was one of the best midfield players to ever play for the Hammerheads. Lampard Sr. made 551 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1985. He scored 22 goals during his career and as a midfielder, his goal-scoring ability was highly beneficial for the team’s offense. Lampard Sr. was part of the West Ham team that won the FA Cup in 1975. It was a memorable achievement for the club, and he played a vital role in the team’s success in both years.

Lampard Sr. spent his entire professional career with West Ham, demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to the club. Not only did he spend his professional career with the team, but he also came through the ranks of the West Ham Youth Academy. After retiring as a player, Lampard Sr. remained involved with West Ham. He took up coaching roles within the club’s youth setup and showed that he bleeds claret and blue.

7. Martin Peters

European Cup-Winners’ Cup Champion (1965)
Football League Cup runner-up (1966)
UEFA European Football Championship third place (1968)

Martin Peters is another in a long line of impressive West Ham midfielders. Peters joined West Ham as a youth player and progressed through the club’s academy system. He made his first-team debut at the age of 18. Peters made 364 appearances for West Ham from 1959 to 1970. Peters scored 100 goals during his time at West Ham.

He was a vital member of the West Ham team that won the FA Cup in 1964. He scored a goal in the final against Preston North End which helped the club win its first major trophy. As one of Peters’s most memorable moments, the score was tied 2-2 and Peters scored the winning third goal. Peters also played a significant role in West Ham’s win in the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup. He scored a goal in the final against TSV 1860 Munich and helped West Ham become the first English team to win a major European trophy.

8. Scott Parker

Three-time West Ham Hammer of the Year
Two-time Premier League Player of the Month
FWA Footballer of the Year (2011)

Scott Parker had a short career with West Ham, but he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the team’s history. Parker made 129 appearances for West Ham United in all competitions from 2007 to 2011. Parker scored 12 goals during his career and as a midfielder, he was known to have a good attacking instinct and was able to contribute with goals from his position. He was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for the 2010-2011 season while playing for West Ham.

Parker also served as the captain of West Ham during his time at the club and was revered for his ability to maintain team morale on and off the pitch. Parker was known for his tireless work ethic and his ability to consistently perform at a high level. Parker’s legacy is one of commitment and dedication to the team which is why, despite his short career, he remains one of the most beloved players in the team’s history.

9. Julian Dicks

PFA Team of the Year Second Division (1990)
West Ham’s top 20 goal scorer of all time
West Ham’s top 30 appearances of all time

Julian Dicks was known for two things: his tenacity and his powerful left foot. Dicks made 327 appearances for West Ham during his two runs with the club. His first run was from 1988 to 1993, and he returned for a second run from 1994 to 1999. Dicks scored 64 goals, an impressive number for a defender, and most of his goals came from penalties and free kicks. Dicks played a crucial role in West Ham’s promotion from the Second Division; he helped the club secure promotion in two seasons: 1990-1991 and 1992-1993.

Dicks served as the captain of West Ham United during his second run with the club. Dicks was an aggressive player and was known for his tough tackling. As a result, he received many yellow and red cards throughout his career. Dicks was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in the 1992-1993 season.

10. Joe Cole

UEFA Intertoto Cup Champion (1999)
West Ham United Hammer of the Year (2002–03)
Over 100 career appearances

Joe Cole was a prominent midfielder during his time with West Ham. Cole came through the ranks of West Ham United’s youth system. He made his first team debut at the age of 17. He was known for his incredible talent from an early age. Cole made 187 appearances for West Ham during his two runs with the team. His first run was from 1998 to 2003, and he returned for a second run (though on loan) in the 2012-2013 season. Cole scored 27 goals and was known for assisting his teammates with impressive goals.

One of Cole’s most memorable moments came during a game early in his second run with the team. He netted a second-half equalizer in a 1-1 against Queens Park Rangers and his second goal of that season was against Tottenham Hotspur and despite losing the game, it cemented Cole’s legacy with the team. Cole will forever be remembered for his dedication to the club.