- Konstantinos Mavropanos wins Hammer of the Year
- The Greek defender has turned around his reputation at West Ham
- Mavropanos pipped Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen to the club’s prestigious award
Few West Ham fans would have expected that Konstantinos Mavropanos would win the club’s Hammer of the Year award at the end of this season. However, the Greek defender has finished one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent West Ham history under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Mavropanos has been officially named West Ham’s 2025/26 Hammer of the Year, following a season in which he anchored the Hammers’ defence and became a fan favourite at the London Stadium.
The accolade culminates a remarkable rise for the centre-back, who had received criticism during tough moments in the previous two campaigns. Earlier in the season, speculation suggested the defender might depart the club in the summer, raising concerns about his long-term future in east London. He could still leave, but he certainly won’t be pushed.
Instead of withering away, Mavropanos reacted with his best season since joining from VfB Stuttgart in 2023.
Why West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos won Hammer of the Year?
Mavropanos’ turnaround has been based on resilience and leadership. The former Arsenal man was once known as ‘Mavropanic’ amongst the fanbase, whose defensive style was seen as an accident-prone pariah during the club’s tumultuous season. Now, he’s a vital part in West Ham’s improbable bid to preserve their Premier League status.
During the Hammers’ productive early spring, the 28-year-old was central to a defence that kept five league clean sheets from February to April, with his performance against Manchester City’s Erling Haaland a stunning display of his unwavering combativeness.
2025/26 Premier League statistics above are from datamb as of May 2.
In addition to his defensive efforts, Mavropanos made vital attacking performances. His imposing aerial presence proved essential, most notably during West Ham’s resounding victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, when he scored twice in a performance that many saw as the apex of his comeback.
The competition for Hammer of the Year remained heated. Mavropanos edged out breakout star Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen, who once again had a productive campaign. However, Mavropanos’ pronounced development eventually won over fans.
“I can say it’s a crazy achievement and I want to show my appreciation to the fans, because obviously they voted for this award and I’m really happy to be Hammer of the Year,” Mavropanos told the club website after reciving his award.
“Obviously, the situation is not the best, but I really appreciate the fans that they showed to me this feeling of getting something. He added: “It’s a little bit difficult to be given this kind of appreciation, but I just try to do my job and help my teammates.”
Attention for Mavropanos and his teammates will now turn to Sunday, when the team have a must-win final day clash against Leeds United, and they must cross their fingers that former boss David Moyes will do them a favour against Tottenham Hotspur as the survival fight goes to the wire.
