Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story review – fitting tribute to a barnstorming trailblazer
The Guardian · 2026-03-24 · archive
West Ham’s 1970s striker gets due respect with a stellar lineup of talking heads in a film that explores the wider implications of racism in footballIt may seem as, if in the streaming era, every conceivable football story has already been told. But that’s clearly not the case: here is an uplifting film that has important things to say about racism and empowerment in the game via the life story of Clyde Best, the barnstorming West Ham striker from the early 1970s. Best’s pioneering status as one of English elite football’s first black players is reasonably well-known – but not,...
The Story So Far
West Ham United forward Clyde Best is the subject of a new documentary film highlighting his career during the 1970s. As one of the earliest black players in England’s top division, Best’s journey represents a notable period in the sport’s history. The production features various interviews to examine his personal impact and the broader challenges of racism he encountered during that era. By focusing on his professional experiences, the film provides a detailed look at his role as a trailblazer and the empowerment he brought to future generations. This tribute serves as a historical record of a key figure in the club’s heritage.
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