Joe Cole, originally named Joseph Rooks, was born on November 8, 1981, in Paddington, London. At six years old, his family relocated to Somers Town. Mary's Bryanston Square primary school, Haverstock School in London, and St. Cole’s journey in football began in West Ham United’s youth academy, where he turned professional in November 1998. His senior debut arrived in January 1999 during an FA Cup match, just one week before his Premier League debut at age 17. In 1999, West Ham secured both the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Three years later, in 2003, Cole earned the Hammer of the Year Award and transferred to Chelsea for a fee of £6.6 million in August of that same year. Chelsea claimed the Premier League title in the 2004–05 season, with Cole contributing 10 goals.