Sir Geoff Hurst is a name etched into football history. As the only male player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, his achievement on 30 July 1966 remains unmatched after more than half a century. Born in Ashton-under-Lyne on 8 December 1941, Hurst rose from a working-class Lancashire background to become one of the most feared forwards of his generation. His path to immortality was far from straightforward. He was overlooked for England’s first three matches of the 1966 tournament before an injury to Jimmy Greaves opened the door. Beyond the famous final, Hurst built a substantial club career at West Ham United, later moved into business, and was knighted in 1998.
How old is Geoff Hurst?
Geoff Hurst was born on 8 December 1941 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. As of 2025, he is 83 years old. He was 24 years old when he scored his historic hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final.
Sir Geoff Hurst at a Glance
- Full Name: Sir Geoffrey Charles Hurst
- Born: 8 December 1941 (age 83), Ashton-under-Lyne, England
- Position: Striker / Forward
- Famous For: Only player to score a hat-trick in a men’s World Cup final (1966)
Key Insights
- The only male footballer to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
- Knighted in 1998 for services to football.
- Scored 248 goals for West Ham United in 499 League and FA Cup appearances.
- Also played for Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion after leaving West Ham.
- Earned 49 caps and scored 24 goals for England across three major tournaments.
- Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Built a successful post-football career in insurance and as a speaking ambassador.
Personal & Career Snapshot
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Geoffrey Charles Hurst |
| Date of Birth | 8 December 1941 |
| Age | 83 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Judith Hurst (m. 1962) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | £5–10 million (speculative based on career and appearances) |
What position did Geoff Hurst play?
Hurst played as a striker, or centre-forward, for the majority of his career. He was a powerful, two-footed finisher with excellent heading ability, making him a constant threat inside the penalty area. During the 1965–66 season he was the First Division’s leading goalscorer with 40 goals for West Ham, a feat that underlined his clinical edge in front of goal.
Club career at West Ham United
Hurst joined the West Ham United youth academy in 1959 and went on to make 499 League and FA Cup appearances for the club, scoring 248 goals. His goals helped West Ham win the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. He was named Player of the Year three times during his spell at Upton Park. He left West Ham in 1972, having scored 252 goals in all competitions across 499 games.
Hurst’s 248 league and FA Cup goals for West Ham made him one of the most prolific strikers in the club’s history. He also played for Stoke City (1972–1975, 100 appearances, 30 goals) after a £75,000 transfer, and had a brief stint with West Bromwich Albion before becoming player-manager at Telford.
How old was Geoff Hurst in 1966?
Geoff Hurst was 24 years old when he scored his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final. He was born on 8 December 1941, and the final was played on 30 July 1966. At the time, he was relatively inexperienced at international level, having been overlooked for England’s first three matches of the tournament. An injury to Jimmy Greaves gave him his opportunity, and he seized it by scoring the winning goal against Argentina in the quarter-final, which secured his place in the starting lineup for the remainder of the competition.
1966 World Cup hat-trick
In the final against West Germany, Hurst scored three goals, completing a perfect hat-trick. His third goal, struck with his left foot in the final minute of extra time, is among the most replayed moments in English sport. England won 4–2, and Hurst became the first and only male player to score a hat-trick in a men’s World Cup final. He remained England’s first-choice striker for six years afterward, playing at UEFA Euro 1968 and the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
Is there a Geoff Hurst book?
Yes, Hurst authored his autobiography titled 1966 and All That, first published by Headline in 2001. The book offers a first-hand account of his life, his playing career, and the historic 1966 World Cup triumph. It remains one of the more detailed personal records of that era of English football.
What does the book cover?
The autobiography covers Hurst’s upbringing in Ashton-under-Lyne, his rise through the West Ham academy, and the day-to-day reality of being a professional footballer in the 1960s. The central section of the book is devoted to the 1966 World Cup, including his memories of the final, the famous goals, and the celebrations that followed. He also discusses his later career at Stoke City, his time playing and managing in the United States and Kuwait, and his transition into business after retirement.
The autobiography was first published in 2001 under the title 1966 and All That. It was released by Headline Publishing. Some later editions included updated material covering his knighthood in 1998 and his ongoing public engagements.
Post-football career and business
After retiring from playing, Hurst co-founded a motor warranty business with former West Ham teammate Martin Peters. He then built a 20-year career in the insurance industry, serving as Director of London General Holdings and later as Managing Director of a division of Aon Group, before retiring in 2002. He also became Director of Football for McDonald’s UK, a role in which he helped create 10,000 new football coaches across the United Kingdom. Hurst remains active in programmes that encourage children to participate in football and lead active lifestyles.
What are the key milestones in Geoff Hurst’s life?
- 1941 – Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire.
- 1959 – Joins West Ham United youth academy.
- 1964 – Wins FA Cup with West Ham United.
- 1965 – Wins European Cup Winners’ Cup with West Ham United.
- 1966 – Scores hat-trick in World Cup final; England win 4–2.
- 1972 – Leaves West Ham for Stoke City.
- 1975 – Retires from professional football.
- 1998 – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to football.
- 2004 – Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
What is known and what remains unclear about Geoff Hurst?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date: 8 December 1941 | Net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely |
| Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | Current exact residence is private; generally known to live in England |
| Hat-trick in 1966 World Cup final | |
| Knighted in 1998 | |
| Wife: Judith Hurst (married 1962) |
Why does Geoff Hurst’s legacy endure?
Hurst’s hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final remains one of the most iconic moments in football history. He is the only male player to achieve this feat in a men’s World Cup final. Beyond that single afternoon, Hurst was a prolific striker for West Ham United who helped the club win both the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup within two seasons. His knighthood in 1998 reflected his enduring contribution to English football. He is still celebrated as a living legend, and his achievement has not been equalled in more than 56 years.
What has been said about Geoff Hurst?
“I can still see the ball hitting the net. It’s a feeling that never leaves you.”
Geoff Hurst, 1966 and All That autobiography
“He is not just a World Cup winner, he is a gentleman of the game.”
Sir Bobby Charlton (tribute)
What is Sir Geoff Hurst doing today?
Sir Geoff Hurst remains active as a speaking ambassador, delivering speeches and making personal appearances at events and brand campaigns. He has participated in partnerships including a recent Budweiser contract for the 2024 Euros. He continues to be involved in charity work and programmes that encourage young people to stay active through football. For more on other notable figures in football, you can read about Wayne Lineker or Richard Keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Geoff Hurst’s book called?
Geoff Hurst’s autobiography is titled 1966 and All That, first published in 2001 by Headline.
How old was Geoff Hurst in 1966?
Geoff Hurst was 24 years old at the time of the 1966 World Cup final. He was born on 8 December 1941 and the final was played on 30 July 1966.
Did Geoff Hurst play for any other clubs?
Yes. After West Ham he played for Stoke City, then had a brief spell at West Bromwich Albion before becoming player-manager at Telford.
How many goals did Geoff Hurst score for England?
He scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for the England national team.
When was Geoff Hurst knighted?
He was knighted in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II for 30 years of service to football.
What position did Geoff Hurst play?
He played as a striker, or centre-forward, and was known for his powerful finishing and heading ability.
Is Geoff Hurst in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
What did Geoff Hurst do after football?
He co-founded a motor warranty business, worked in insurance for 20 years, and became Director of Football for McDonald’s UK, helping create 10,000 new football coaches.
James Sutton is Senior Reporter at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering breaking music and entertainment stories across the UK.