Geoff Hurst

Sir Geoff Hurst is a former professional footballer from England. As a striker, he made history by being the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, leading England to a 4–2 victory over West Germany at Wembley in 1966. Following the death of Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff became the last surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team. Sir Geoff briefly played cricket for Essex in 1962 before dedicating himself to football. He began his career at West Ham United, netting 242 goals in 500 appearances. He won the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. In early 1966, England manager Alf Ramsey selected Hurst for the World Cup squad, where he made history by scoring a hat-trick in the final. He continued to play for West Ham until 1972, becoming one of the highest-paid players in the UK during his international career. Sir Geoff scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for England, participating in the 1966 World Cup, UEFA Euro 1968, and the 1970 World Cup. In 1972, he transferred to Stoke City, later playing for West Bromwich Albion and finishing his Football League career in 1976. He went on to play in Ireland for Cork Celtic and in the United States for the Seattle Sounders before moving into management, starting with Telford United and later managing Chelsea from 1979 to 1981. He coached Kuwait SC before shifting focus to business. In his autobiography, 1966 And All That, Sir Geoff reflects on his life after football. Today, he often shares insights from his sports and business experiences as a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with his stories and lessons on opportunity and preparation. His unique achievements in football ensure he remains a celebrated figure in the sporting world and beyond.