The only player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, sealing England's 1966 triumph at Wembley.
Sir Geoffrey Charles Hurst was born in Ashton-under-Lyne on 8 December 1941 and grew up in Essex. He joined West Ham United and became a key forward under Ron Greenwood, scoring 252 goals in 499 appearances. His place in football immortality was secured on 30 July 1966 when he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final against West Germany at Wembley, including the controversial third goal that crossed the line off the crossbar. He remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. He won the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965 with West Ham. He earned 49 England caps and scored 24 goals. He was later knighted in 1998. After leaving West Ham, he played for Stoke City and in the NASL.
World Cup 1966
He is the only player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, and his controversial third goal — 'was it over the line?' — remains one of football's most debated moments.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- World Cup 1966
- FA Cup 1964
- European Cup Winners' Cup 1965