West Ham United paid tribute to Academy of Football goalkeeper Oscar Fairs at Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Oscar was diagnosed with a rare ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and, despite receiving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, passed away with his family at his side on Thursday 12 December. He was just 15 years old.
Oscar’s passing has been felt deeply across the Club, with tributes being paid by his teammates, coaches, supporters, senior players and from across the football world.
Last weekend, all Academy fixtures were postponed as a mark of respect for a popular and talented young footballer who will be missed by everyone at West Ham United.
On Saturday, London Stadium rose as one in support of Oscar, his family – parents Natalie and Russell and brother Harry – and U15s teammates and coaches in a moving pre-match ceremony that saw wreaths laid on the centre spot and a moving minute’s applause.
Prior to that, the men’s first-team squad warmed-up in t-shirts bearing Oscar’s picture and with the message that he will always be ‘One Of Our Own’.
Sporting Director Mark Noble, whose son Lenny was a teammate and friend of Oscar, was present to support Oscar’s family and teammates. He earlier paid tribute and expressed condolences to his loved ones on behalf of the Club.
“On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer,” said the former captain and Academy of Football graduate.
“Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
“I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden - Lenny and his teammates all loved him. He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.
“As a mark of respect, it was only right that all scheduled Academy fixtures last weekend were postponed. In due course, the Club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.
“Rest in peace, brave Oscar.”
