West Ham United Football Club, based in East London, is one of the most historic and well-loved football clubs in England. Founded in 1895, originally as Thames Ironworks, the club was reformed as West Ham United in 1900. They play their home matches at the London Stadium, which they moved into in 2016 after leaving their iconic Upton Park (Boleyn Ground). The club's supporters, known for their passionate and loyal backing, are a key part of West Ham’s identity, and the fanbase has a rich tradition, symbolized by the famous anthem "I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles."
West Ham has a storied history, particularly in domestic cup competitions, having won the FA Cup three times (1964, 1975, and 1980). Their 1980 FA Cup win is especially memorable as they remain the last team from outside the top flight to lift the trophy. The club's most significant recent achievement came in 2023 when West Ham won the UEFA Europa Conference League, their first major European trophy since the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.
West Ham is known for its academy, often referred to as "The Academy of Football," which has produced some of England’s finest talents, including World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters. More recently, the academy has nurtured players like Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, and current captain Declan Rice (before his transfer to Arsenal).