Oscar Fairs (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
West Ham mourns the passing of 15-year-old goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, who tragically lost his battle with cancer. The club pays tribute to his bravery and talent.
English Premier League club West Ham United has announced the devastating news that 15-year-old Oscar Fairs, a promising goalkeeper from the club’s academy, has lost his battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed in August last year, Oscar underwent seven surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in a courageous fight against the disease.
"On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of our U15 Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, after a brave battle with cancer. Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy—not just as a talented goalkeeper but as a true fighter and a fantastic young man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him," read the club’s official statement.
West Ham’s sporting director Mark Noble, himself a club legend, paid an emotional tribute to Oscar:
"I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing football in my garden—Lenny and his teammates all adored him. He was kind, cheerful, well-mannered, and polite—a young man with an incredibly bright future ahead of him. It’s horrifying and unimaginable that at such a young age, he has been taken away from his family and friends."
In Oscar’s honor, West Ham has postponed all youth team matches scheduled for this weekend, a gesture of respect to the young goalkeeper and his family.
"Everyone at the club extends their deepest condolences to Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, as well as his brother Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask that their privacy is respected as they grieve," the statement continued.
Oscar Fairs’ courage and determination touched everyone at West Ham United, and his loss is deeply felt across the club.
"Rest in peace, brave Oscar."