The son of former two-weight boxing champion David Haye has officially joined Arsenal Football Club’s Academy, marking the start of what could be a promising sporting career away from the ring for the family.
This month, Kingston Haye, aged 12, confirmed he has signed with Arsenal’s Under-13s side. Taking to social media, Kingston shared his excitement with a heartfelt message to his family, coaches, and the clubs who helped guide his journey.
“I am officially signed to Arsenal’s Academy as a U13s player,” Kingston wrote. “I have come so far and wouldn’t have been able to do it without my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me.
“I want to say a special thank you to Sutton Utd Academy, who helped me get to this point; they helped shape me into the player I am today.”
From the ring to the pitch
While David Haye made his name as the WBA heavyweight champion and a former unified cruiserweight king, Kingston is forging his own path in football.
His signing with Arsenal demonstrates the talent and potential already being recognized at one of the Premier League’s elite academies.
The Arsenal Academy has a proud tradition of nurturing young talent, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Cesc Fabregas all progressing through its ranks before starring at the Emirates.
Haye didn’t publicly comment on his son’s breakthrough, although he shared the post on his social media. ‘The Hayemaker’ is known to be supportive of Kingston’s sporting ambitions and his older sibling, Cassius.
David Haye
Mark Robinson
Haye Family pedigree
The move represents a different route from his father’s boxing career but still underlines the Haye family’s sporting pedigree.
Kingston’s signing with Arsenal U13s shows that the Haye sporting dynasty is alive and well, albeit on the football field rather than inside the ropes.
For Arsenal, it is another statement of intent in building their youth development program with talented players from across the country.
Boxing may have lost a potential heir in the ring, but football could soon gain a new name to watch.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.