In the heat of rural Leicestershire, the Samba Stars are chasing their dream. Head coach Freddie Okyere has just finished a shooting exercise and allows the squad to catch their breath. The teenagers from the Ghanaian academy, which is backed by former West Ham and Nottingham Forest forward Michail Antonio, have spent two and a … Read more
Michail Antonio must have thought that international football was just never going to happen for him before he finally got his first cap for Jamaica at the age of 31. The forward had the opportunity to represent the Caribbean nation nearly a decade earlier, but let it slip through his grasp. By the time they … Read more
During David Moyes’ second stint as West Ham boss, the Scot delivered the most successful period in the club’s modern-day history. That culminated in the Hammers winning the Europa Conference League in 2023, during a run of three consecutive European campaigns. But despite delivering silverware and memories that the club’s fans will cherish forever, he … Read more
What’s a footballer to do when he has a great move on the table and his manager won’t let him go? It’s a position that many professional players find themselves in at some stage or another – and for Michail Antonio, it was particularly frustrating given his chairman and manager were at odds as to … Read more
Michail Antonio’s journey to the top of English football was anything but straightforward. The former West Ham forward had to endure rejections, injuries and missed opportunities that threatened to derail his career before it really got going. One of these first setbacks came at the age of just 14, when a young Antonio was offered … Read more
Few players have been able to experience West Ham’s recent run of modern-day landmarks as Michail Antonio. The Hammers forward enjoyed a ten-year spell in east London during which time he was present for the emotional farewell to the Boleyn Ground and subsequent move to the London Stadium, while he was also there as the … Read more
Order the new issue here and postage is included – just select ‘’Season Preview Issue 394’. Subscribe to FourFourTwo today and save! You’ll get this issue FREE plus the next 13 as part of your subscription… First a message from our editor, James Andrew: My mum isn’t a football fan, but when I was growing … Read more
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk kept up his unrelenting social media onslaught on the San Francisco 49ers with an explosive video posted on Instagram this week. Aiyuk, who has been in a standoff with the 49ers during the offseason, declared the Washington Commanders as his preferred destination once he departs coach Kyle Shanahan’s team. Run a … Read more
Baltimore star Zay Flowers had the best season of his NFL career last year, establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. As a result, the Ravens picked up his fifth-year option worth $27.29 million, keeping quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most potent receiving weapon in Baltimore at least until the 2027 season. … Read more
The United States of America is rolling through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After dismantling Paraguay 4-1 in their opener behind a historic brace from Folarin Balogun, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad took on a tougher Australia side in Seattle on Friday afternoon and carried a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime. The first goal came in the … Read more