West Ham’s Michail Antonio in stable condition after serious car crash

West Ham United has requested privacy for Michail Antonio and his family following the announcement that the forward was in a serious car crash on Saturday.

The club released a statement following the appearance of photos on social media showing a wrecked Ferrari in Essex. The car was severely damaged, and there were unverified claims that Antonio was transported to the hospital by air.

A representative from the club stated: “West Ham United can announce that Michail Antonio is in stable condition after being involved in a car accident this afternoon in Essex. He is awake, able to communicate, and is currently being closely monitored at a hospital in central London.”

"During this challenging period, we respectfully request that everyone honors Michail and his family's privacy. The club will refrain from making any additional statements tonight, but will provide more information when appropriate."

Antonio, who hails from Wandsworth in south London, had a chance to try out for Tottenham when he was 14, but his mother turned it down. He started his professional journey in non-league football with his hometown team, Tooting & Mitcham. He then progressed through the ranks, eventually playing for clubs like Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest, while also spending time on loan at Cheltenham, Southampton, and Colchester.

He joined West Ham in 2015 and has been a fan favorite ever since. Initially brought in as a winger, his ability to adapt allowed him to play as an attacking full-back, in midfield, and eventually as a center-forward, where he made the No. 9 jersey his own. In 2023, he played a key role in helping the club secure the Europa Conference League, marking their first major trophy win since 1980. Now at 34, even with several players brought in to challenge his position, Antonio remains the main striker for the team, valued for his passionate play and knack for rising to the occasion. He has netted 83 goals in 323 appearances for the Hammers.

Antonio is a Jamaican international who originally expressed a desire to represent England. He was included in the team choices of both his former West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, and Gareth Southgate but never got to take the field. In 2021, he obtained a Jamaican passport and went on to compete in the 2024 Copa América.

Outside of football, Antonio, who is a father of four, partners with his friend Callum Wilson, the striker for Newcastle, to co-host the Footballer’s Football Podcast, a show produced by the BBC. Together, they provide fans with insights into the game from the players' perspective.

West Ham is set to host Wolves in the Premier League on Monday evening.