Home / Sports / Clyde Best: Black Football Pioneer Endured Abuse, Inspired Generations
Clyde Best: Black Football Pioneer Endured Abuse, Inspired Generations
12 Mar
Summary
- Best left Bermuda at 17, facing significant racism in English football.
- He was West Ham's first black player to score over 50 goals.
- Bobby Moore and teammates bravely protected Best from threats.
Clyde Best, a pioneering black footballer, emigrated from Bermuda to England at 17, joining West Ham. He navigated the challenges of racism in English football, a significant hurdle for black players during his era. Best quickly rose through the ranks, becoming West Ham's first black player to score more than 50 goals, leaving a lasting impact.
His career at West Ham saw him play alongside legends like Bobby Moore. Best received support from his teammates, who once surrounded him protectively in response to a threat of acid being thrown. Despite facing monkey chants and anonymous warnings, Best's father's advice to 'carry yourself in a certain way' guided his dignified response.
