Taking a look back at a classic West Ham United moment on this day in history, in association with Heineken…
When Declan Rice made his first-team debut for the Club on this day seven years ago in a 2-1 Premier League victory at Burnley, the former West Ham United captain set the stage for a fruitful senior career.
As the last moments of the Hammers’ thrilling triumph at Turf Moor approached, Slaven Bilić sent Rice on, rewarding him for a very impressive 2016–17 year and making him the 923rd player to wear a West Ham shirt.
The next professional milestone in an incredible season for Rice—who also led the U23s to promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1—was a debut, with Sofiane Feghouli and André Ayew’s goals helping his team win.
The 18-year-old said to West Ham TV after the match, “It’s a dream come true.” “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League since I first started kicking a ball, so I’m happy that my goal has come true.
It’s still ringing on my phone! I’ve already received a ton of texts since turning it on. I know that the Academy and my family will be really thrilled for me.
“I’m sure I’ll go far; I just need to stay focused and on the right path with the coaches around me. I know today is just a tiny step.” At the age of 14, Rice began his adventure in the Claret and Blue at Chadwell Heath.
He went on to become a reliable part of the senior team and one of the best young players in the world of football.
The Kingston native was named West Ham United Club Captain in the summer of 2022 after Mark Noble retired. He went on to lead the team to the UEFA Europa Conference League title the previous season.
The player was the winner of the Hammer of the Year award three times, in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and runner-up in 2018 and 2019. Rice, who has 50 caps and is a vital member of the current England national squad, departed the Irons for Arsenal in July 2023 after making 245 appearances across all competitions and scoring 15 goals.
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