Geoff Hurst

Geoff Hurst, born on December 8, 1941, is a celebrated English former professional footballer and cricketer, renowned for his remarkable achievements on the pitch. As a striker, he etched his name in history by becoming 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 passing of Sir Bobby Charlton in October 2023, Hurst stands as the last living member of the iconic team that triumphed in that historic match.

Hurst's football journey began at West Ham United, where he made a significant impact by netting 242 goals in 500 first-team appearances. His tenure at the club was marked by notable successes, including winning the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. In 1972, he transferred to Stoke City for a fee of eighty thousand pounds, a substantial amount at the time, and continued to showcase his talent for three seasons, culminating in a Watney Cup victory in 1973.

After his time at Stoke, Hurst concluded his Football League career with West Bromwich Albion in 1976. He then ventured abroad, playing for Cork Celtic in Ireland and the Seattle Sounders in the United States. Upon returning to England, he took on managerial roles, including a stint with non-league Telford United and a two-year period as Chelsea's manager from 1979 to 1981. Hurst also contributed to the England coaching setup and later coached Kuwait SC before shifting his focus to business endeavors.

On the international stage, Hurst earned 49 caps for England, scoring 24 goals. His illustrious career included participation in the 1966 World Cup, UEFA Euro 1968, and the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he briefly played cricket, making one first-class appearance for Essex in 1962 before dedicating himself fully to football.