Joining West Ham United women’s team was a no-brainer for Wales international Ffion Morgan.
The 25-year-old has penned a two-year contract in east London after departing Bristol City, reuniting with former Wales youth coach Rehanne Skinner and Hammers assistant manager Steve Kirby, who she worked under at the Robins last term.
There’s no surprise Morgan is excited to link up with Kirby again, as he got the best out of her last season, with the No23 scoring six goals and contributing four assists on her way to winning the Robins’ Supporters’ Player of the Year for 2024/25.
He gave her the license to attack, the confidence to perform, and now she is relishing the opportunity to flourish in Skinner’s team in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
It’s safe to say her move to the Club comes after an unforgettable summer with her country.
Morgan featured in every group-stage game with Wales at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, in what was Wales’ first-ever major tournament. And she more than earned her place on the plane to Switzerland, having scored a crucial goal against Slovakia last October to help Cymru on their way to a historic qualification.
Morgan donned Wales kits from the moment she could walk, but never thought she could play for her country until she met her Cymru hero, Loren Dykes. Meeting the 105-times-capped defender fuelled a fire inside Morgan, and her determination was rewarded in 2017 with her first senior appearance coming against Northern Ireland in a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying match.
Roles have reversed, and Morgan is now a modern-day inspiration for children aspiring to be a footballer - but that’s not all because of her work on the pitch.
Having amassed more than 115,000 followers on TikTok, as well as 143,000 on Instagram, Morgan is a breath of fresh air on social media, delivering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look on what it’s like to be a footballer.
And those videos will now see her in Claret and Blue, as she embarks on a new chapter in east London.
Ffion, welcome to West Ham United. How does it feel to be a Hammer?
“I’m really buzzing to be here. I’ve been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks now, and the conversations have gone on for long enough, so I’m excited to be here.”
When did you first hear of West Ham’s interest?
“[It’s been going on] for a while, which has been nice because then when it came to the decision, it was easy [wanting to] be somewhere where I’m going to be valued and where I’m wanted. It was an easy decision.”
There’s been a lot of interest in where you’re moving to this summer. Why West Ham?
“Just the conversations I’ve had with Rehanne, really. The value piece, as a player, and me valuing her as a manager too. And for me, as a player, development is a huge part of my game that I want to improve on, so Rehanne said: ‘Come here, develop, improve.’ It was an easy decision, really.”
You’ve previously worked with Rehanne in Wales youth groups.
“Yeah, I worked with her when I was a lot younger than I am now. I wasn’t that much shorter, though. I’m still short! But we obviously kept in touch, and when she reached out, it was very exciting.”
Your former Bristol City manager Steve Kirby recently joined the Club as Rehanne’s assistant manager. You clearly worked well under him, winning Bristol City's Supporters’ Player of the Year last term.
“For sure. I think Steve knows my strengths, and we played a lot to those strengths last season, which was great for me, obviously. But I really enjoy working with Steve, and equally I’ll enjoy working with Rehanne, so I’m excited.
“He works to my strengths and improves my ability, whether that’s speed, one-versus-ones, or being threatening, he gives me that license and confidence, that confidence in myself. And he allowed me to play with that.”
It’s fair to say you’ve enjoyed a memorable year, helping Wales qualify for their first major tournament and then playing at the Euros. Can you talk through what that experience was like?
“It’s been unreal. I think it’s been like a dream. Being there with the fans was so overwhelming, and the support from family, friends, and Welsh speakers, Welsh people who love Wales as much as we do, was surreal.”
Did you get to have a moment with your family, or to yourself, to appreciate what had been achieved over the summer?
“We got a lot of family time when we were away, they got to come into the team base and have a look around, so I felt like I was experiencing it with them. My parents stayed up the whole time, which was really nice. Walking out onto the pitch and hearing those Welsh fans in the first game against the Netherlands, I won’t forget that, that was amazing.”
You said in an interview recently that when you met Loren Dykes, you thought: ‘I could be like her’. But that’s how young children view you now. How proud are you to be able to inspire the younger generation?
“I didn’t think I could play for Wales until I met Loren, and if I can do that for younger people, whether that’s on social media, meeting them in person, or seeing me play, then I think I’ll do my part as a footballer in inspiring the next generation.”
You’ve moved on quite nicely talking about social media. When did you start making your day-in-the-life videos, and what made you start making them?
“I’ve always been creative, and I’ve always enjoyed making content. My sister is a content creator, and she just said ‘Try it, no one else is doing it. Have a go!’. I did it, it did well, and it’s just been growing since.
“I think it’s good, not only for showing people what it’s like [to be a footballer], but also for inspiring younger children to get involved in sports or be creative with their social media. I’m definitely making a bigger impact than I think I am, which is nice.”
Do you think you’ll be able to get the squad involved in them?
“I don’t know! I’ve seen a lot of TikTok's going around in the changing room, and I didn’t want to bring my social media into the team yet because I need to introduce myself first, because I’m a person before that. But I think once I mingle with the girls and gel with the girls, they’ll hopefully want to get involved with the day-in-the-life videos. We’ll see!”
You started as a defender and have also played in midfield and attack, so versatility is a big part of your game?
“For sure. I like to adapt to different positions. I started as a defender, and as I got quicker, they realised I’m probably better in the top half of the pitch. I’m a threatening player because of my speed, and hopefully I can utilise that this year.”
Finally, how much are you looking forward to getting started in a West Ham shirt?
“Very! I’ve met some of the girls already, and the group seems really great and lovely. I’m looking forward to gelling with them on and off the pitch and start flying.”
