Oliver Scarles Biography: Age, Career, Stats and West Ham Journey
The complete story of the talented English left-back who rose from academy football to West Ham United’s senior team
Introduction
Oliver Scarles is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for West Ham United. He became known after making his senior debut at only 16 and later establishing himself in the club’s first-team squad.
Scarles was born on 12 December 2005 in Bromley, London. He is 20 years old as of July 2026. The young defender has represented England at several youth levels and won the 2024/25 Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year award.
His journey has not been instant. He moved between the West Ham and Chelsea academies as a child before returning to West Ham and earning his professional opportunity. This article explains Oliver Scarles’ age, height, education, football career, statistics, salary estimates and current status in simple language.
Who Is Oliver Scarles?
Oliver James Scarles, commonly known as Ollie Scarles, is a professional English footballer. He is mainly a left-back, although he can also operate as a wing-back or in other positions on the left side of the pitch.
Scarles is famous for developing through West Ham United’s academy and becoming one of the youngest players to represent the club’s senior men’s team. He was only 16 years and 326 days old when he made his first-team debut.
As of July 2026, he remains a West Ham United player and is under contract until the summer of 2028.
Oliver Scarles Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Oliver James Scarles |
| Popular name | Ollie Scarles |
| Date of birth | 12 December 2005 |
| Age | 20 years old, as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Bromley, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Position | Left-back and left wing-back |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Height | 180 cm, approximately 5 feet 11 inches |
| Current club | West Ham United |
| Shirt number | 30 |
| Senior debut | 3 November 2022 |
| England level | Youth international |
| Contract expires | Summer 2028 |
How Old Is Oliver Scarles?
Oliver Scarles is 20 years old as of July 2026. He was born on 12 December 2005.
He was still only 16 when West Ham selected him for a UEFA Europa Conference League match against FCSB in November 2022. His early debut showed how highly the club’s coaches rated his ability and potential.
Where Is Oliver Scarles From?
Scarles was born in Bromley, a large town in southeast London, England. He grew up in the same part of London and developed most of his football skills at local professional academies.
His nationality is English, and he has represented England in international youth football.
Oliver Scarles Height and Playing Position
Oliver Scarles is 180 centimetres tall, which is approximately 5 feet 11 inches.
He is a left-footed defender who mainly plays at left-back. He can also play as a wing-back when his team uses a formation that gives wide defenders more attacking responsibility.
West Ham’s academy coaches have praised his technical ability and versatility. These qualities allow him to defend, carry the ball forward and support attacking players from the left side.
Early Life and Education
Scarles reportedly attended Trinity School in Croydon while building his football career.
He was connected with West Ham United at under-eight level before joining Chelsea’s academy. He spent several years with Chelsea, playing from approximately under-nine to under-12 level.
After leaving Chelsea, he returned to West Ham at the age of 11 or 12. This return became a major turning point in his development.
Scarles gradually progressed through West Ham’s youth teams. During the 2021/22 campaign, he made 25 appearances for the under-18 side, scoring one goal and creating seven assists.
In June 2022, he signed a full-time academy scholarship with West Ham. Academy coach Lauris Coggin described him as technically strong, left-footed and capable of playing in several positions.
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Oliver Scarles’ West Ham Debut
Scarles made his senior West Ham debut on 3 November 2022 in a UEFA Europa Conference League group-stage match against FCSB in Romania.
West Ham won the match 3–0. Scarles started the game and produced a calm performance despite being only 16.
His appearance made him the sixth-youngest men’s player in West Ham United’s history at that time. Former manager David Moyes described his performance as exceptional.
Scarles signed his first professional West Ham contract on 12 December 2022, the day he turned 17.
FA Youth Cup Success
The 2022/23 season was an important period in Scarles’ young career.
He appeared in all six of West Ham’s FA Youth Cup matches. The team reached the final and defeated Arsenal 5–1 at Emirates Stadium in April 2023.
Scarles supplied two assists in the final. His passing, movement and support from the left side helped West Ham produce a memorable performance.
West Ham’s under-18 team also won the U18 Premier League South title that season. Scarles scored two goals and provided five assists in 16 league appearances.
Across different West Ham age groups, he recorded 40 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.
Development During the 2023/24 Season
Scarles continued playing mainly for West Ham’s development teams in 2023/24.
He started five EFL Trophy matches, scoring once and providing two assists in a 4–0 victory against Cheltenham Town. He also made 14 appearances in Premier League 2, registering one goal and three assists.
Scarles was selected for the senior matchday squad several times. He was an unused substitute in Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League fixtures.
Although he did not play a senior match that season, the experience helped prepare him for regular first-team football.
New West Ham Contract
Scarles signed a new long-term contract with West Ham in October 2024. The agreement keeps him at the club until the summer of 2028.
The contract showed that West Ham considered him an important part of its future plans. The club praised his athletic ability, technical quality and capacity to play in more than one position.
The official West Ham United profile provides a season-by-season account of his development and first-team progress.
Premier League Breakthrough
Scarles made his Premier League debut against AFC Bournemouth on 16 December 2024. He entered the match as a substitute during a 1–1 draw.
His first Premier League start came on 22 February 2025 against Arsenal. West Ham won the match 1–0 at Emirates Stadium.
Scarles also made his FA Cup debut against Aston Villa on 10 January 2025. West Ham selected him as its Player of the Match despite losing the third-round tie.
He completed the 2024/25 season with 15 Premier League appearances, including seven starts. He also played in the FA Cup, Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.
Young Hammer of the Year Award
Scarles won the Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year award for the 2024/25 season.
The award recognised his progress from academy football to regular Premier League involvement. It also placed him among a respected list of previous winners, including Declan Rice, Reece Oxford and Ben Johnson.
Winning the award was one of the clearest signs that Scarles had become an important young player at West Ham.
Oliver Scarles’ 2025/26 Season
Scarles made 17 senior appearances for West Ham during the 2025/26 season. These included 13 Premier League matches and four FA Cup appearances.
West Ham credits him with his first Premier League assist during a 3–1 victory over Sunderland on 24 January 2026. Scarles won the penalty that captain Jarrod Bowen converted.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season. As of July 2026, Scarles remains part of the club’s first-team group as it prepares to compete in the EFL Championship.
No official transfer or loan away from West Ham has been announced.
Oliver Scarles Career Statistics
The following senior statistics are updated through 2 May 2026:
| Season | League appearances | FA Cup | European matches | Total appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Total | 28 | 5 | 1 | 34 | 0 |
Scarles also made 11 EFL Trophy appearances for West Ham’s under-21 side and scored one goal.
His position is mainly defensive, so his value cannot be judged only by goals. His ability to defend wide areas, move the ball and support attacks is more important to his role.
England Youth Career
Oliver Scarles has represented England at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-20 levels.
He made his England under-16 debut against Wales in April 2021. His under-17 debut followed in September 2021 during a 2–0 victory over Romania.
Scarles made his England under-18 debut in a 2–1 win over Croatia on 22 March 2023.
He received his first England under-20 opportunity in March 2025. His debut came in a 1–1 draw against Portugal. Three days later, he appeared as a substitute in a 2–2 draw with Switzerland, as confirmed by England Football.
Oliver Scarles Salary and Net Worth
West Ham United has not publicly disclosed Oliver Scarles’ salary.
Football finance websites estimate that he may earn around £20,000 per week. However, this figure is not official and should not be presented as confirmed income.
There is also no reliable public evidence confirming Oliver Scarles’ net worth. Online websites may publish estimated figures, but these numbers are not supported by statements from Scarles, West Ham or official financial records.
His main known source of income is his professional football contract.
Oliver Scarles’ Parents and Family
Scarles has kept his family life private.
Reliable public sources do not confirm the names of his parents, siblings or other close relatives. His family may have supported his early football journey, but no private details should be invented without direct confirmation.
Does Oliver Scarles Have a Girlfriend?
Oliver Scarles has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner.
There is no reliable information about his dating history or relationship status. Any unsupported social-media claim about his personal relationships should be treated as speculation.
Playing Style
Scarles is an energetic and technically skilled left-sided defender.
His main playing qualities include:
- Carrying the ball forward from defensive positions
- Supporting attacks from the left side
- Playing as either a full-back or wing-back
- Delivering passes and crosses into attacking areas
- Understanding more than one position
- Remaining composed under pressure
His versatility can help a manager change formations without replacing him. However, he still needs regular senior football to improve his decision-making, strength and consistency.
Awards and Achievements
Oliver Scarles’ confirmed achievements include:
- FA Youth Cup winner: 2022/23
- U18 Premier League South winner: 2022/23
- Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year: 2024/25
- Player of the Match on his FA Cup debut
- Sixth-youngest West Ham men’s player at the time of his senior debut
- England youth international from under-15 to under-20 level
Where Is Oliver Scarles Now?
As of 21 July 2026, Oliver Scarles is a West Ham United first-team player.
He remains under contract until 2028 and is listed as a defender in the club’s senior squad. Reports previously suggested that a loan could help him gain more playing time, but West Ham has not confirmed such a move.
His next challenge is to earn regular minutes and continue his development during the 2026/27 season.
Why Oliver Scarles Is a Player to Watch
Scarles has already achieved several important milestones before his 21st birthday.
He has played European football, won the FA Youth Cup, started a Premier League match against Arsenal and received West Ham’s leading award for a young player.
The next stage of his career will depend on consistent playing time. Regular Championship football could give him the physical and tactical experience needed to become a dependable senior defender.
His story also shows that leaving an academy does not always end a young player’s dream. Scarles left Chelsea, returned to West Ham and continued working until he reached professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oliver Scarles’ full name?
His full name is Oliver James Scarles.
When was Oliver Scarles born?
He was born on 12 December 2005.
How old is Oliver Scarles?
He is 20 years old as of July 2026.
How tall is Oliver Scarles?
He is 180 centimetres tall, or approximately 5 feet 11 inches.
What position does Oliver Scarles play?
He mainly plays as a left-back or left wing-back.
Which club does Oliver Scarles play for?
He plays for West Ham United.
What is Oliver Scarles’ shirt number?
His listed West Ham squad number is 30.
When did Oliver Scarles make his senior debut?
He made his senior debut on 3 November 2022 against FCSB.
Has Oliver Scarles represented England?
Yes. He has represented England at several youth levels, including under-20.
What is Oliver Scarles’ net worth?
His net worth has not been publicly confirmed by a reliable source.
When does Oliver Scarles’ West Ham contract expire?
His current contract runs until the summer of 2028.
Conclusion
Oliver Scarles is one of the notable young footballers produced by West Ham United’s academy. Born in Bromley in 2005, he progressed through youth football, overcame the setback of leaving Chelsea and returned to West Ham to build a professional career.
He made his senior debut at 16, helped West Ham win the FA Youth Cup and later established himself in the Premier League squad. His Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year award showed how much progress he made during the 2024/25 season.
Scarles remains at an early stage of his career. Regular football, continued improvement and the ability to play in several defensive roles could help him become an important player for West Ham or another professional club in the future.
