West Ham's Century-Old Bubble Tradition Celebrated by Manor Solomon in Home Debut

On August 22, 2026, Israeli footballer Manor Solomon experienced West Ham United's unique century-old tradition during his first home game with the London club against Charlton. As players exited the dressing rooms onto the pitch, they passed through clouds of soap bubbles, a ritual deeply tied to the club's identity. This custom originates from the club's anthem, "I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles," written around 1919 by Jan Kenbrovin and John William Kellette in the United States and popular in the 1920s.

West Ham fans began singing the song about 100 years ago, linking it to the club through Cornelius Bill, headmaster of Park School near West Ham's former stadium, Upton Park. Bill, a football enthusiast and close friend of West Ham coach Charlie Paynter, adapted the song to include players' names, which Park School supporters sang during matches. Over time, the song became West Ham's anthem, and blowing bubbles became an integral part of matchday experience.

A notable moment in this tradition occurred on May 16, 1999, when over 24,000 fans blew bubbles for a full minute to set a world record. This ritual remains a distinctive and celebrated aspect of West Ham's culture, now witnessed firsthand by Solomon in his debut home appearance.