Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has given a powerful and deeply personal account of his recovery from the car crash that nearly claimed his life in December 2024, during episode two of the Beast Mode On Podcast, hosted by his longtime friend and former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Antonio, 35, who recently departed West Ham after a decade-long spell that saw him become the club’s record Premier League goalscorer, reflected on the terrifying accident and the long road back to both physical and emotional wellness.
“There was a moment I thought: this could be it,” Antonio confessed. “I shouldn’t even be here right now.”
“A Beyoncé Song Saved Me”
In a surprising emotional twist, Antonio revealed that a song by Beyoncé, released back in 2011, played a huge role in his healing process. Though he didn’t name the exact track, he described how its lyrics connected with his own trauma and gave him strength during moments when he felt overwhelmed.
“It was mad. This song — from over a decade ago — just hit differently. I’d play it on repeat. It became like therapy,” he explained.
10 Years, 82 Goals, and an Unexpected Exit
Antonio’s exit from West Ham marked the end of an era. He signed for the club in 2015 and went on to score 82 Premier League goals, earning cult-hero status among Hammers fans. But the accident — which occurred during the festive period — derailed his season and life, forcing him to reassess everything.
“I had plans for the end of the season. But after that crash, football wasn’t even on my mind. I just wanted to walk again… to live.”
On Brotherhood and Beast Mode
Sitting down with Akinfenwa, Antonio praised his friend for creating a space where athletes can share raw, unfiltered stories.
“This wasn’t just a podcast episode. It was healing. Talking to someone who knows the pressure we go through as ballers — that meant everything.”
The full episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast is available now on YouTube, where fans can hear Antonio’s full journey — from the crash and hospital beds to music therapy and finding new purpose after football.
