‘I knew I had some responsibility’: Clyde Best on being English football’s first black superstar

The Story So Far

Clyde Best arrived at West Ham United in 1968 at age seventeen from Bermuda. Joining a squad featuring Bobby Moore, Best became one of the first prominent Black players to achieve sustained success in the English game. During his tenure in East London, he navigated significant racial abuse, maintaining a focus on his professional duties despite a hostile climate. He viewed his move as a major opportunity and felt a deep responsibility to perform for the benefit of future generations. Best showed resilience and talent, becoming a pioneering figure within the club’s history and a landmark presence in domestic football.