Sir Geoffrey Charles Hurst, born on 8 December 1941 in Ashton-under-Lyne, is the English former footballer who forever changed the history of the sport. He scored a hat‑trick in the 1966 World Cup final, leading England to a 4‑2 victory over West Germany at Wembley. As the last surviving member of that legendary starting XI, his name remains synonymous with the country’s greatest footballing triumph.
Hurst spent the majority of his club career at West Ham United, making 411 appearances and scoring 157 goals. He also represented England 49 times, finding the net 24 times. Beyond the pitch, he has been a public speaker, author, and president of Hyde United FC, the club his father once played for.
His life and career continue to attract curiosity – from his age and height to his net worth and family life. The following article answers the most common questions, drawing on verified sources and official records.
How old is Geoff Hurst?
Sir Geoffrey Charles Hurst
8 December 1941 (age 83)
English
Hat‑trick in 1966 World Cup Final
Geoff Hurst is 83 years old as of 2025. He was born on 8 December 1941 at Lake Hospital (now Tameside General) in Ashton‑under‑Lyne, Greater Manchester. His age is a matter of public record, confirmed by both Wikipedia and BBC News.
How old was Geoff Hurst in 1966?
During the 1966 World Cup final on 30 July 1966, Hurst was 24 years old. He had turned 24 on 8 December 1965, making him one of the younger players in the England squad. His age at that moment is often mentioned in profiles because it underscores his relatively early emergence as a world‑class striker.
Hurst made his England debut only six months before the World Cup, in February 1966, after stepping in for the injured Jimmy Greaves. By the final, he had started just a handful of international matches.
- Geoff Hurst remains the only man to score a hat‑trick in a World Cup final (as of 2025).
- He spent the majority of his club career at West Ham United, scoring 242 goals in 500 appearances across all competitions.
- Knighted in 1998 for services to football.
- His estimated net worth is derived from football earnings, endorsements, public appearances, and book sales.
- He is the last surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup‑winning starting XI following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton in October 2023.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 83 |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Striker / Centre‑forward |
| 1966 World Cup Goals | 4 (3 in final) |
| Spouse | Pat Hurst (m. 1964) |
| Net Worth (est.) | £2–3 million |
What is Geoff Hurst’s net worth?
Geoff Hurst’s net worth is estimated at approximately £2–3 million. This figure, reported by BBC News, is derived from his football career, autobiographies, public appearances, and ongoing legacy roles. Exact financial details are not publicly disclosed, as is typical for private individuals.
His earnings stem from a long playing career at West Ham United, Stoke City, and a brief spell in the United States, followed by decades of media work, book sales, and speaking engagements. The net worth estimate is an informed approximation rather than an audited figure.
How tall is Geoff Hurst?
Geoff Hurst stands approximately 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) tall. This measurement is consistent with his physical profile as a centre‑forward of his era. Official sources such as Wikipedia list his height, though precise contemporary records are not always available for players of the 1960s.
His exact height is not explicitly stated in all databases; the 1.83 m figure is widely accepted based on historical team sheets and photographic comparisons.
Who is Geoff Hurst’s wife?
Geoff Hurst is married to Pat Hurst. The couple have two children together. Pat’s full maiden name is not widely publicised, and the family values privacy. They were married in 1964, the same year Hurst won the FA Cup with West Ham.
Where does Geoff Hurst live?
Hurst lived in Denton, Lancashire until age six before moving to Chelmsford, Essex, where he grew up. In recent decades, he is believed to reside in the Essex area, but his exact current address is not publicly confirmed. Reports indicate he remains active in the local community, particularly through his role as president of Hyde United FC.
What position did Geoff Hurst play?
Geoff Hurst played as a striker or centre‑forward. He was known for his powerful shooting, aerial ability, and composure in front of goal. During his prime at West Ham United, he often led the line as the main attacking outlet.
Did Geoff Hurst write a book?
Yes, Hurst wrote an autobiography titled Geoff Hurst: The World Cup Hero, published in 1997. The book details his life and the 1966 World Cup final. It remains a key source for researchers and fans alike.
How old was Geoff Hurst in 1966? A timeline of major life events
- 1941 – Born in Ashton‑under‑Lyne, Lancashire.
- 1959 – Signed professional contract with West Ham United.
- 1964 – Won FA Cup with West Ham.
- 1965 – Won European Cup Winners’ Cup.
- 1966 – Scored hat‑trick in World Cup Final vs West Germany.
- 1972 – Moved to Stoke City.
- 1976 – Retired from professional playing.
- 1998 – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
- 2004 – Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
- 2024 – Still active in charity, public appearances, and as president of Hyde United FC.
What is known and what remains unclear about Geoff Hurst?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: 8 December 1941 (confirmed). | Exact net worth: no public financial disclosure; estimates range £2–3 million. |
| Hat‑trick in 1966 World Cup final – widely documented and undisputed. | Current residence: reported as Essex but not officially confirmed in recent years. |
| Married to Pat Hurst since 1964; two children. | Precise height: 1.83 m is the accepted figure but not certified in modern records. |
Why is Geoff Hurst’s hat‑trick still iconic?
Hurst’s achievement of scoring three goals in a World Cup final has never been matched by any other male player in a winning effort. Kylian Mbappé scored a hat‑trick in the 2022 final but finished on the losing side. The controversial second goal – which may or may not have crossed the line – continues to spark debate among football historians. Beyond the statistics, the moment was immortalised by commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme’s phrase: “They think it’s all over…”
Hurst’s legacy also extends to his broader career at West Ham United legends, where he won two major trophies. His place in English football history is secure, and his story is frequently revisited in documentaries and books.
Where can I find reliable information about Geoff Hurst?
“Hurst began his career with West Ham United, where he scored 242 goals in 500 first team appearances.”
– Wikipedia
“Knighted in 1998 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004.”
– geoffhurst.com
“Sir Geoff Hurst is an England football legend.”
– Gordon Poole Agency
Key external sources for verified facts include Wikipedia, BBC News, and his official website. Further biographical detail is available from Penguin Books and Anglia Ruskin University. An in‑depth profile of his World Cup heroics can be found at These Football Times.
What is the lasting legacy of Sir Geoff Hurst?
Sir Geoff Hurst remains the only male player ever to score a winning hat‑trick in a World Cup final. He is a symbol of England’s greatest football achievement and, as the last surviving member of the 1966 starting XI, carries the torch for that golden generation. His life continues to be celebrated through murals, fan zones, and his ongoing presidency at Hyde United FC. For a broader view of the tournament that defined his career, see 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Frequently asked questions about Geoff Hurst
Is Geoff Hurst still alive?
Yes, Sir Geoff Hurst is alive as of 2025. He was born on 8 December 1941 and continues to make public appearances.
What is Geoff Hurst’s current role?
He is the president of Hyde United FC, the club his father played for in the 1930s.
How many goals did Geoff Hurst score for England?
He scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for the England national team.
Did Geoff Hurst play cricket?
Yes, he made one first‑class appearance for Essex in 1962, scoring a duck on debut before focusing on football.
What honors did Geoff Hurst receive?
He was knighted in 1998 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
What was Geoff Hurst’s first club?
He began his professional career at West Ham United, joining their youth system and signing his first contract in 1959.
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.