Zavon Hines
A dynamic winger whose career was reshaped by injury, he now mentors the next generation at the club where his professional dreams began.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Jamaican-English footballer·Birthday: December 27·Millennials
Biography
Zavon Hines emerged from the famed West Ham United academy, a quick and direct winger whose potential seemed boundless. His first-team breakthrough in the late 2000s promised a bright future, but a devastating knee injury in 2010 became a pivotal moment, stalling his momentum. After battling back, he forged a respectable playing career across several clubs, including Bradford City and Coventry City, known for his pace and direct style. His deep connection to West Ham, however, proved indelible. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, he returned to the Hammers' youth setup, channeling his hard-earned experience into guiding prospects. His journey from academy star to assistant coach for the under-18s embodies a football life full circle, defined by resilience and a commitment to the club's fabric.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zavon was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zavon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Zavon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his professional debut for West Ham United in 2008 after rising through the club's academy.
- Scored his first senior goal for West Ham in a League Cup match against Macclesfield Town in 2009.
- Played a key role in Bradford City's historic 2012–13 League Cup run, which saw them reach the final.
- Appointed assistant coach for the West Ham United Under-18s, contributing to the development of future first-team players.
Did You Know?
He represented Jamaica at the international level, earning his first cap in 2010.
His middle name is Albert.
He played alongside the likes of Mark Noble and James Tomkins during his early years at West Ham.
“After the injury, every minute on the pitch felt like a second chance.”
