Wednesday 24 February 1993. Arguably the saddest day in the history of West Ham United. The day we lost our greatest son, Bobby Moore OBE, at the tragically young age of 51, following a brave battle against bowel cancer.
The Barking-born, blond-haired defender, who rose through the youth ranks at the Boleyn Ground under the direction of the famed Academy figures of the 1950s and went on to reach the very pinnacle of the game, becoming the only Englishman ever to lift the World Cup.
It is for that very reason that his name continues to inspire. A national hero, a global icon, a legend for all time. And yet to Hammers fans everywhere, he remains the local boy who came good from humble beginnings and, despite superstardom, never betrayed his roots.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Bobby’s tragic passing, West Ham United are proud to announce a number of tributes and events to ensure that the memory of the finest player ever to grace the Claret and Blue shirt continues to be honoured.
A giant commemorative mural design has been added to the outer wall of London Stadium on podium level, located between turnstiles G and H. The artwork, depicting images of Bobby alongside quotes from legendary Hammers boss Ron Greenwood and the great Pele, will remain in place for the remainder of the 2017/18 season, accompanied by the commemorative anniversary design currently in place on the mid-tier of the West stand in the stadium arena.
Further to this, we are launching a Bobby Moore memorabilia exhibition on the lower ground floor of the Stadium Store - admission to which is free of charge - giving Hammers fans of all ages the opportunity to gain a close look at some of most prominent and prestigious artefacts and honours from his life and career.
From Saturday, Hammers fans of all ages can enjoy the free display, which also includes a stunning three-foot high bronze statue of Bobby, seen in public for the first time after being commissioned by his daughter Roberta as part of a series of six sculptures to mark the 25th anniversary.
Later in the day, the Club will give the 3,000 travelling Hammers fans making the trip up to Anfield for our Premier League fixture with Liverpool specially-commissioned commemorative t-shirts to wear throughout the game, to play their part in creating a special and unique tribute to Bobby.
The programme of memorial events culminates on Saturday 10 March, when our Premier League home fixture against Burnley – our first home game after the anniversary – will be dedicated to Bobby’s memory, with members of the 1964 and 1965 Cup-winning teams and Bobby’s family joining us at London Stadium to mark the occasion.
Further details of the tributes planned at this fixture will be communicated nearer the time.