Mubama on England idols and east London roots

Football, basketball, athletics – Divin Mubama has tried his hand at more than one sport.

A high jump champion and a Junior NBA player, fortunately, the basketball court and the athletics track didn’t compare to the football field.

And although he might not be jumping to new heights anymore, he still intends to reach them in another way.

“I grew up in Silvertown, Newham in east London where I used to play in the cages with all the older boys,” he recalled.

“As with all areas, there is good and bad, but fortunately I was on the good side of it, and I always had football. Everyone in the area knew me as the star of football, so I was protected, and I got a lot of support from my older siblings who kept me grounded.”

Mubama – who was a ball boy at Wembley and the London Stadium – represented a local Sunday league side before being scouted by West Ham and joining the club’s academy, aged eight.

And having made his senior debut for the Hammers in November 2022, he went on to be a part of the West Ham United squad that lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.

“It was unbelievable to be playing for the team I’d come through the ranks with, and it was a great season to win those trophies,” explained Mubama.

“Everyone there helped me on my journey and I had a great manager, Kevin Keen, as well as the opportunity to learn from Jarrod Bowen. The way he creates and scores important goals is something I try to model myself on.”

The 21 year old has also gained first-hand experience of senior football across EFL loan spells.

During the 2025-26 season, he headed out on loan from parent club Manchester City to Championship side Stoke City, scoring five times in 28 games. And this term, he was snatched up by another second tier outfit, Southampton.

“I’ve been learning a lot of different things about what the league’s like and being in that competitive environment where you need to win games,” he said.

“I had a really good relationship with Mark Robins at Stoke. He was really honest and open with me about where to improve, which was great for my development.”

That form caught the attention of Lee Carsley who handed the forward his MU21s debut against Kazakhstan in September last year as the Young Lions began their European title defence.

And if goals are a measure of impact for Mubama, he has certainly justified his call-up – his eight games for Carsley’s side yielding five goals.

“Lee (Carsley) has been so open with me and allowed me to have the responsibility of leading the line,” said Mubama.

“He’s really good with the group and lets the players have the freedom they need. As a player, you want to come in from your club and feel that responsibility, which he gives us and allows us to have ownership of it.

“I think the way we play definitely suits my game. I have creative players next to me, so I know I’m going to get chances. We’ve all got a great relationship on and off the pitch, so I think that’s why they’re always giving me the chances to score goals!”

Having now qualified for UEFA U21 EURO 2027, the Young Lions play two internationals next month against Portugal and France at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate.

And for Mubama, the aim now is to unlock his full potential.

“For me, all I’ve known since a young age is football, so I’m always striving for the next thing and not being complacent,” he said. “I’m taking the responsibility on myself and making no excuses.

“The next step for me, and everyone else, is to keep learning as there’s always more to learn and give. I’m still only 21, but I think the quicker I grasp these opportunities, the quicker I can reach my ceiling.

“Obviously, you want to go through the system and play for the seniors, and I won’t forget these moments on my journey.”