‘I knew I had some responsibility’: Clyde Best on being English football’s first black superstar
The Guardian · 2026-03-12 · archive
Best left Bermuda at 17 and joined West Ham, with Bobby Moore among his teammates, but he also faced horrendous abuse“I did what I had to do,” Clyde Best says as he recalls leaving Bermuda at the age of 17 and travelling to England for a trial at West Ham. There was no fear, no thought of homesickness. Best saw opportunity. It was 1968 and, before setting off on his journey, the boy who would go on to be hailed as English football’s first black superstar received some unforgettable advice from his father, a naval officer who later worked as...
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.
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