Michail Antonio

Michail Gregory Antonio was born on March 28, 1990, in Wandsworth, London, England. He grew up in south London and showed an interest in football from an early age, which eventually led him to pursue a career in professional football. Throughout his youth, he played for local clubs and continued to develop his skills, which would later help him in his professional career.

Michail Antonio made his debut for Reading F.C. on October 12, 2010. After joining the club initially on loan, Antonio impressed with his performances, which eventually led to a permanent contract. During his time at Reading, he developed his skills further, showcasing his pace and power on the wing, which would later become a hallmark of his playing style as he progressed in his career.

Michail Antonio transferred to Sheffield Wednesday on August 6, 2012, signing a four-year deal with the club. His move to Sheffield Wednesday followed a successful loan spell where he played a key role in helping the club achieve promotion to the Championship. His performances were crucial to the team's success, and his permanent signing was highly anticipated by fans.

On August 6, 2014, Michail Antonio signed with Nottingham Forest from Sheffield Wednesday in a deal worth around £1.5 million. His time at Nottingham Forest was marked by standout performances and goals, becoming a fan favorite due to his exciting play style and his ability to change the outcome of matches. His performances at Forest eventually earned him a move to the Premier League with West Ham United.

On September 1, 2015, Michail Antonio signed with West Ham United from Nottingham Forest for a fee reported to be around £7 million. His transfer to West Ham marked a significant step up in his career as he moved to the Premier League, one of the world's most competitive football leagues. Antonio quickly became a key player for West Ham, known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability.

Michail Antonio received his first call-up to the England national team on September 4, 2016, by then-manager Sam Allardyce. This call-up was a recognition of his impressive performances for West Ham United, where he had established himself as a key player. Though he did not make his debut in the matches he was called up for, being part of the national team setup was a significant personal achievement.

On July 11, 2020, Michail Antonio scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Norwich City. In an impressive performance, he scored all four goals in West Ham United's 4-0 victory, helping the club secure vital points in their battle to avoid relegation. This performance was one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial matches.

Michail Antonio switched his international allegiance from England to Jamaica on March 25, 2021. Antonio, who is of Jamaican descent, made this decision to represent Jamaica, seeking to make an impact at the international level. His addition to the Jamaican national team was seen as a significant boost given his experience and skills, and it aligned with his personal desire to play international football.

On August 23, 2021, Michail Antonio became West Ham United's all-time top Premier League goalscorer with his 49th and 50th goals for the club in a 4-1 win over Leicester City. His remarkable achievement was celebrated by the club and its fans, as Antonio had overtaken West Ham legends such as Paolo Di Canio. This milestone solidified Antonio's status as one of the club's greatest forwards.

Michail Antonio scored his first international goal for Jamaica on November 16, 2021, in a World Cup qualifying match against the USA. His long-range strike was a testament to his skill and ability to deliver in crucial moments. The goal was an important contribution to Jamaica's World Cup qualifying campaign and demonstrated Antonio's value to the Reggae Boyz.