Ray Winstone Reflects on World Cup Controversies and the Changing Face of Football

Actor Ray Winstone, known for his roles in gritty British cinema, has offered a passionate critique of the modern football landscape, expressing his disappointment with the increasing commercialization and political undertones that he feels detract from the game’s original spirit. Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Winstone, a lifelong fan of West Ham United, shared his candid views on the sport’s evolution.

The Beautiful Game’s Transformation

Winstone lamented the shift in football from a working-class pastime to an increasingly inaccessible spectacle. “Football ain’t what it was like when we were kids,” he stated, reflecting on a time when attending matches was affordable for all. He expressed concern over the soaring prices for major tournaments and domestic leagues, suggesting that the game is no longer primarily for the fans who grew up with it.

“Now, the prices to go and watch the World Cup and the European Cup (Champions League) and a Premier League game… It’s not the game we knew,” Winstone observed. He also touched upon the perceived disconnect between governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA and the sentiments of ordinary supporters, feeling that their decisions often prioritize business over the fan experience.

Maradona’s Infamous Moment

The conversation inevitably turned to iconic World Cup moments, and Winstone did not hold back when discussing Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal against England in 1986. “The Hand of God? I can’t get the words out to explain. He upset me so much, I’d have chopped off his arm and put it in a museum,” Winstone admitted. While acknowledging the brilliance of players like Pelé and Lionel Messi, he felt Maradona’s infamous goal represented a profound injustice.

In contrast, Winstone lauded Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s hero from the 1966 World Cup final, as the player who best embodies the tournament’s history for him. His admiration stems from Hurst’s feat of scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final, a moment of national pride that resonates deeply with his own sense of identity. “I want to be inspired by a fellow countryman,” he explained.

Club Ownership and Business

Winstone also addressed the nature of modern football club ownership, particularly in the Premier League. He acknowledged that clubs are businesses, and owners have the right to operate them as such. However, he expressed a sentiment shared by many fans: that the focus on profit can sometimes overshadow the club’s connection to its community and supporters. He drew a parallel with the efforts of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham, praising their positive impact on the town and the sport, while tempering expectations for similar celebrity-led interventions at larger clubs.

The actor, whose career has spanned over 50 years and includes critically acclaimed performances in films like “Scum,” “Sexy Beast,” and “The Gentlemen,” brought his characteristic directness to the discussion on football. Despite his criticisms, Winstone affirmed his enduring passion for the game, particularly his support for England, admitting that when the whistle blows, the fan in him takes over.

Key facts

Winstone’s reflections highlight a common sentiment among many football fans regarding the sport’s trajectory. The blend of critique and enduring passion underscores the complex relationship supporters have with the modern game, balancing commercial realities with the emotional connection to their clubs and national teams.

Source: The Athletic, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7335329/2026/06/22/ray-winstone-hand-of-god-maradona-england-world-cup-west-ham/