Antwoine Hackford (born 20 March 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Swindon Town.
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, and Swindon Town in September 2026.
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 season. He became a scholar that year, and was included in The Guardians '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 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 an EFL 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. He scored six goals in 44 games across the 2025–26 campaign. This tally included the club's Goal of the Month for August and October, as well as the winning goal at Wigan Athletic that secured Wimbledon's safety from relegation.
Swindon Town He signed a two-year contract with League Two club Swindon Town after being bought for an undisclosed fee on 1 September 2026, saying it was an "easy decision" after talking with manager Ian Holloway.
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.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSheffield United2020–21Premier League100000—102021–22Championship00000000002022–23Championship000000—002023–24Premier League200000—202024–25Championship0000000000Total3000000030Alfreton Town (loan)2021–22National League North1100—0011Burton Albion (loan)2023–24League One60———60Port Vale (loan)2024–25League Two24410—40294AFC Wimbledon2025–26League One3631021524462026–27League One1000201040Total373104162486Swindon Town2026–27League Two5000002171Career total76820411239412
HonoursPort Vale' EFL League Two second-place promotion: 2024–25
References