In what has been a challenging start to the 2025/26 campaign for West Ham, summer signing Kyle Walker Peters has been one of the Hammers better performers.

A graduate of Tottenham’s academy, Walker Peters journey to the top flight began with a ball at his feet and a family who quietly helped shape the 28 year old’s path.

Football is in the former Spurs and Southampton man’s blood. His dad Dennis played semi professionally, whilst his uncle Phil enjoyed a twenty year professional career which saw him represent the likes of Millwall and Charlton and also included spells abroad.

Growing up, whenever the Hammers fullback was afforded the opportunity, he made sure to train with his uncle. Learning from someone who had experienced the highs and lows of professional football from a young age proved invaluable to a young Walker Peters. “I didn’t get to train with him loads, because I was training a lot myself at Tottenham or wherever, but I got there when I could,” explained the Hammers man to the clubs Official Website. “For me as much as anyone else, being able to learn from a former pro was really exciting, and he definitely didn’t take it easy on me just because I was family!”

The influence of Phil Walker went beyond just football. Having played professionally during a time where racist abuse was widespread, he helped open doors for black footballers in England, something Walker Peters fully recognises: “Luckily, I’ve never experienced racism while playing football, and I do think that is thanks to people like my Uncle,” he said. “I think it’s thanks to people like him that people have been able to show that they have the same talent and value, regardless of the colour of their skin.”

As a child, Walker Peters balanced sport alongside his school work. His Mum and Sister both helped instil discipline as well as a love for learning within him. Tennis and football kept him active as a youngster, while the support and encouragement of his family helped him pursue his passions at his own pace.

“I’m very, very close to my Mum, and my sister is someone I still go to for advice,” said Walker Peters. “The age gap made it quite difficult to be really close, but I saw her do really well with her education and go on to uni, where she studied Politics and Spanish. She was definitely someone I looked up to.”

Now, more than 200 appearances into his professional career, Walker Peters channels that foundation each time he steps onto the pitch. He won his first senior cap for England back in 2022, just months before his uncle Phil’s passing, a moment that the family still treasures. Reflecting on that time, Walker Peters said: “I remember Phil calling me after my England debut, which wasn’t long before he died. His passing was obviously difficult, especially for my Dad, who was very close to him, but we love him loads, and we’ll all continue to remember him fondly.

Looking forward, the 28 year old’s ambitions are clear. He is determined to help West Ham climb the Premier League table, whilst also wanting to push for another England call up. “My main focus is on playing for England again, because I think that is something I can achieve,” said Walker Peters. “Making my senior international debut was a dream come true, and I’d love to be able to add to those memories.”

Kyle Walker Peters’ journey is a reminder football is about more than skill. It’s about the people who guide, inspire, and push you to turn potential into achievement and a dream into reality.