Ray Winstone Reflects on Maradona, England, and West Ham's Relegation

Veteran actor and lifelong football enthusiast Ray Winstone has once again voiced his strong opinions on some of the sport's most enduring moments and current challenges. In recent interviews, Winstone reiterated his sentiments regarding Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal from the 1986 FIFA Men's World Cup, stating that he "would have chopped Maradona's arm off" and placed it in a museum. These comments resurface as EnglandTeam·England's past World Cup performances remain a topic of national discussion.

Beyond historical grievances, Winstone, a devoted West Ham UnitedTeam·West Ham United supporter, also addressed the challenging circumstances surrounding his beloved club. The 2025/26 season concluded with West Ham's relegation from the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League, marking their first return to the Championship since the 2011-12 campaign. Despite securing a 3-0 victory over Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United on the final day, results elsewhere sealed their fate.

Winstone acknowledged the team's struggles throughout the season, stating, "We weren't good enough. Too many mistakes." However, he offered praise for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, crediting him with doing an "amazing job" under difficult circumstances. Winstone noted that Santo had transformed the team into a "much better side" by the season's end, even if it was not enough to avoid the drop.

Looking ahead, Winstone believes West Ham needs to focus on developing young, local talent. He suggested, "Let's find some kids, maybe find a spine of East London boys, local boys, East End blood in them." He anticipates that a return to the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League might take "two or three years," viewing the relegation as a potentially necessary reset for the club's long-term trajectory.

These recent remarks build upon Winstone's earlier observations during the 2025/26 season. In January 2026, he had expressed concern over West Ham's precarious position in the league, reflecting on the team's fighting spirit under Nuno Espirito Santo, particularly after a tough FA Cup match against Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United, despite a loss. He also previously criticized the club's management and stadium issues, noting a perceived lack of ownership of their home ground. Furthermore, in August 2024, Winstone publicly opposed West Ham's changes to season ticket policies for the 2024/25 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season, lamenting a perceived loss of community spirit within the sport.