West Ham United have officially confirmed that veteran forward Michail Antonio will not be returning to the first team for the upcoming season, ending a decade-long playing career at the club. Discussions, however, are ongoing regarding a potential off-field role within the club’s academy setup.
The 35-year-old Jamaican international, who joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million, last played for the senior side in December before a horrific car crash nearly cost him his life. Since then, Antonio has focused on rehabilitation and recovery, with West Ham continuing to provide support throughout the process.
In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, the club paid tribute to Antonio’s contribution:
“Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family. As has been the case since December, the club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed.”
Antonio made 323 appearances in claret and blue, scoring 83 goals in all competitions. He is West Ham’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 68 goals in 268 appearances and played a central role in some of the club’s most memorable moments in recent history.
Among those was his start in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final, helping West Ham defeat Fiorentina and lift their first major trophy in 43 years. He also played a key role during the transition to the London Stadium and was named Hammer of the Year in 2016–17, the club’s first season at their new ground.
While he hasn’t featured for the senior team since his accident, Antonio has remained involved with football. This summer, he made three appearances for the Jamaican national team at the Concacaf Gold Cup and featured in a pre-season match for West Ham’s Under-21s against Boreham Wood, showing his continued desire to be part of the game.
Despite being ruled out of Graham Potter’s plans for the upcoming season — as confirmed by the West Ham manager during the club’s recent pre-season tour of Atlanta — the door has not closed on Antonio’s future at West Ham.
It is understood that the club are in talks with the player about a potential coaching and mentoring role within the club’s youth academy, allowing him to continue contributing to the club off the pitch. His leadership, character, and journey from non-league football to top-flight success make him an ideal candidate to inspire and guide the next generation of players.
Antonio’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. From humble beginnings at Tooting & Mitcham United to becoming a fan favourite at the London Stadium, his playing style and larger-than-life personality have left a lasting impression on the club and its supporters.
His legacy also extends to international football. Antonio has earned 24 caps for Jamaica since switching allegiance from England and continues to be involved in the national setup.
The club’s decision to part ways with Antonio as a first-team player is a significant moment in West Ham’s modern history. Few players have embodied the club’s spirit quite like him — hardworking, fearless, and unafraid to be different.
As he considers the next chapter of his career, whether in coaching or elsewhere, one thing remains certain: Michail Antonio will always be welcomed at West Ham United.
For the fans who sang his name and for the teammates who leaned on his strength, Antonio’s contribution goes far beyond goals and appearances — he helped define an era.
