Antwoine Hackford


Antwoine Hackford is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for club AFC Wimbledon.
Hackford began his career with Sheffield United, spending 12 years with the club. He played on loan at Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, and Port Vale, with whom he won promotion from League Two at the end of the 2024–25 season. He transferred to AFC Wimbledon in July 2025.
Hackford was capped by England up to under-15 and under-16 level.

Club career

Sheffield United

Born in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield, Hackford began his career at Sheffield United, joining the club at the age of nine, and taking part in the first-team's pre-season preparations ahead of the 2020–21 [Sheffield United F.C. season|2020–21] season. He became a scholar that year, and was included in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2020' list of the best young players at Premier League clubs. He made his senior debut for the club on 2 January 2021, appearing as an 80th-minute substitute for Ben Osborn in a 2–0 away league defeat by Crystal Palace. At the age of 16 years and 288 days, he became their youngest ever player in the Premier League. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said he was "delighted" for Hackford. He turned professional in June 2021.
In December 2021, Hackford joined National League North side Alfreton Town on a one-month loan, going straight into the squad for the fixture at Curzon Ashton where he scored on his debut in a 2–1 win. Billy Heath, manager of the Reds, said that Hackford was "fantastic" before he "just ran out of a steam a little bit". However, he injured his ACL 11 days later while playing for Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup, ruling him out for 11 months.
Hackford featured in two Premier League games when manager Paul Heckingbottom was short of attacking options at the start of the 2023–24 campaign, making cameo appearances in narrow defeats to Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane and away at Nottingham Forest. He signed a new two-and-a-half year contract in January 2024 after having scored 13 goals in that season's Professional Development League and Premier League Cup. On 1 February, Hackford joined League One club Burton Albion on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season. He featured from the bench six times for the Brewers under Martin Paterson.
On 30 August 2024, Hackford signed for League Two club Port Vale on a season-long loan. Manager Darren Moore stated that "he is another player who plays without fear and adds even further competition at the top end of the pitch". Hackford scored his first goal in the English Football League on 21 September, when his 95th-minute strike secured a 2–2 draw at Accrington Stanley. He scored a "terrific volley" in a 2–1 Boxing day defeat at Bradford City, after which he was praised by strike partner Jayden Stockley for his hold-up play and attitude. He scored four goals in 24 league games in the Port Vale F.C. season|2024–25] campaign, helping the team to secure an automatic promotion place.

AFC Wimbledon

On 30 July 2025, Hackford signed for newly promoted League One club AFC Wimbledon on a two-year contract, with the option for a further year. He scored his first goal for The Dons in a Carabao Cup first round victory at Gillingham in August 2025. He quickly settled in at the club due to manager Johnnie Jackson playing in a similar style to Darren Moore, Hackford's previous manager at Port Vale.

International career

Hackford has represented England at under-15 and under-16 levels.

Personal life

Born in England, Hackford is of Trinidadian descent. His brother is boxer Anthony Tomlinson.

Honours

Port Vale