West Ham United have confirmed the death of the club’s longest-serving player Billy Bonds MBE at the age of 79.
The London side shared a statement on Sunday from the family of their former player and manager, who represented the club for 27 years.
The club said he “passed away peacefully”, and a “period of appreciation” for Bonds was held before their Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” the family’s statement read. “He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the club.
“He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
Billy Bonds MBE 1946-2025 pic.twitter.com/5ZIL49OQJL
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) November 30, 2025
Bonds captained West Ham to two FA Cup wins and a Second Division title over 799 appearances after moving from Charlton Athletic in 1967 for £47,000. He also earned an MBE for services to football and had a stand named after him in his honour at the London Stadium.
After retiring at 41, Bonds received a coaching role at West Ham, before then becoming first-team manager in 1990 and securing promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the side’s history in 1993.
“Never one to crave the limelight, he was universally loved, respected and admired by his team-mates, players and supporters, who will forever consider themselves ‘Billy Bonds’s Claret and Blue Army’,” West Ham’s statement continued.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Claire, Katie, Eloise and Elissa as they come to terms with their loss, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this sad and difficult time.”
England also paid their condolences to “one of the greats of our game” on the national team’s social media.
One of the greats of our game. Rest in peace, Billy ❤️
— England (@England) November 30, 2025
A tribute on Sunday was led by captain Jarrod Bowen and black armbands were worn against Liverpool, before a full homage to Bonds is planned against Aston Villa on December 14, West Ham’s next home fixture.
Bowen paid tribute to Bonds before and after Sunday’s game.
“What he meant for this club, what he achieved for this club, it’s a sad day for everyone,” Bowen said.
“He’s probably going to go down as West Ham’s biggest legend and the best club captain they’ve had as well. He achieved so much here and I’ll never emulate that success, but to put on the captain’s armband like he did is a big thing for me.”
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo added: “It’s sad, sad news for all of us at the club. “From what I’ve been told because I didn’t have the chance to meet him, he represents everything that West Ham is all about – the fight, the desire that Billy Bonds had.”
West Ham academy product Freddie Potts paid tribute to Bonds’ impact on the club’s youth system. “Devastating news,” Potts told West Ham’s official club channels. “When we found out before the game, especially for me, as someone that has come through the academy, Billy Bonds was such a role model to everyone involved in West Ham. Everyone in the academy looked up to him as a figure. Just a real upsetting day for the family and everyone involved at West Ham.”