André Dike has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United at the age of 17, marking a major milestone in the career of one of England’s most promising young talents.
The England U17 international, who has been part of the West Ham Academy since the age of 10, put pen to paper on Monday, 7 July 2025.
Surrounded by family and close friends at the club’s Chadwell Heath training ground, Dike described the moment as a lifelong dream realised. “It’s a dream come true for a lot of people,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can say I’ve signed a professional contract, at a club like West Ham United.”
Dike’s journey from grassroots football to the professional ranks has been as inspiring as it has been swift. Born into a modest family, the teenager paid tribute to those who have supported him throughout his rise.
“It means a lot to my family, here and in Nigeria. I want to thank God, my parents, my brothers and sisters, my friends… everyone who supported me in difficult times.”
Having arrived at West Ham’s academy from local side Thurrock District, Dike’s development through the youth ranks has been rapid. A standout performer at U18 level, the versatile winger has become a key figure within the club’s youth setup.
His breakthrough campaign last season included 14 starts, three goals, and a starring role in West Ham’s Premier League Cup-winning U18 team — a competition in which he netted a memorable brace against Tottenham Hotspur.
On the international stage, Dike’s performances have also drawn attention. A regular for the England U17 side, he has already earned 10 caps, contributing three goals in a series of matches that included nine victories and a single draw.
His debut against Mexico saw him win and convert a penalty, and he continued to impress by scoring again in a surprise outing at left-back against Sweden — a display that underlined his tactical flexibility and willingness to embrace new roles.
“In my first match against Mexico, I won a penalty and scored it. Then, against Sweden, I played left-back for the first time… and I scored again,” he recalled. “You learn to take on new challenges as a professional footballer.”
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, Dike remains grounded but ambitious. With a place firmly established in the U18s, and eyes gradually turning toward potential opportunities with the U21s, the teenager is eager to build on last season’s success.
“There were ups and downs last year, but I learned from them. I feel like this season, the team can go far, whether in the league, the FA Youth Cup, or the Premier League Cup.”
Dike’s signing is another feather in the cap for West Ham’s highly regarded academy, which has consistently produced talent for the Premier League and beyond.
For the young forward, the focus now turns to continued development, team success, and fulfilling the potential that has made him one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
