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Sir Geoff Hurst was a key player for the England team in the 1966 World Cup, and is said to have influenced the famous “they think it’s all over…it is now” quote.
He is still the only player to ever score a hat trick in a World Cup final!
Since retiring from his football playing career, Geoff has experience in managing teams, playing county cricket, becoming a successful entrepreneur and businessman, providing inspirational after-dinner and keynote speeches.
He is still one of the most popular speakers on the circuit; his status as a footballing veteran and World Cup winner make him an impressive choice for all types of events.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book 1966 England World Cup footballing legend Sir Geoff Hurst for your next event.
Sir Geoff Hurst started his footballing career at West Ham United, where he played alongside the late great Bobby Moore. His time at West Ham was full of ups and downs, but peaked after the 1964 FA Cup Final where they would go on to win 3-2; they would then go on to win the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final, and make the League Cup Final in 1966.
Whilst at West Ham, he would be named Hammer of the Year on three occasions and featured in the World Soccer World XI in three consecutive years between 1967 and 1969. Throughout his time at the club, he played 411 games and scored an impressive 180 goals.
In 1972, he was sold to Stoke City – a time where he also played for Cape Town City in South Africa – before being sold to West Bromwich Albion in 1975, and Cork Celtic and Seattle Sounders in 1976. Throughout his club career, he would go on to play over 560 games and score 228 goals, which highlighted his amazing goal scoring skills.
Regardless of his success at club level, Geoff is best known for his contribution to the England national team. He made his debut against West Germany in February 1966 before being named in the FIFA World Cup team the same year. His most famous game is, of course, the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany which ended 2-2 at full time. By the end of extra time, Geoff had scored three goals and had helped his team win the title.
After retiring from playing, Geoff started a managerial career. He went on to become the assistant coach to the England national team from 1977-1982 and then the manager for Telford, Chelsea and the Kuwait national team. He would leave footballing all together in 1984.
After stepping away from sport, Geoff started his own motor warranty business with fellow footballer Martin Peters. He may not have had any commercial experience, but after studying the basics of selling, the company would grow and grow over the next 20 years. His business career included being the director for London General Insurance Company Ltd, Swinbrook House Ltd, and T.T.I.A.O. Ltd, leading to his retirement in 2002.
Thanks to his high profile, Geoff is a familiar face on our TV screens, on news and current affairs programmes, reality and panel shows, documentaries and, unsurprisingly, sporting shows. These include Sky World News (2021), Sky News Breakfast (2021), Sport Relief (2010; 2020), Football Focus (2008-2020, Good Morning Britain (2017), Sir Bobby Charlton at 80 (2017), Pointless Celebrities (2013-2014), Weakest Link (2002-2019), Hero: The Bobby Moore Story (2002), Breakfast (2001) and A Question of Sport (1970). He has also been involved with the televising of the FA Cup and the Carling Cup.
In 2008, he appeared at Soccer Aid, an annual charity event that has raised over £100 million for UNICEF UK. Whilst he did not compete in the match, he was brought on at the beginning and introduced to all the players, plus England coach Harry Redknapp.
In 2001, he published 1966 and All That: My Biography, which was a look at his childhood, his experience with the England team and what his life post-football consisted of. Then in 2016, he published Geoff Hurst’s Greats; Geoff picked his top 50 ever footballers.
Geoff has been involved in a number of advertisement campaigns, most notably for Marks and Spencer. When the store was named as the tailor for the 2010 England team, they reunited Geoff with teammates Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and Roger Hunt in their “four legends, one label” campaign, promoting the longevity of M&S’ brand.
He is now a much sought-after keynote, inspirational and motivational speaker. His mixture of playing and managerial career, as well as his business life and media experience, make him a popular guest to any event.
– Football at Club and International Level
– Drive and Determination
– Performing Under Pressure
– Motivation
– Achieving Goals
– The 1966 World Cup Final
Sir Geoff maintains a positive public profile by contributing to charity as President of Sparks the Children’s Medical Research Charity.
During his time as director of football, Geoff has worked alongside McDonalds for their UK Football in the Community Programme. The campaign went on to create 18,000 new football coaches in England, 2,000 in Scotland, 650 in Northern Ireland and 500 in Wales.
Most recently, Geoff has worked alongside the Alzheimer’s Society, in partnership with the FA. In a 2022 fixture between England and Switzerland, the England team all wore nameless shirts in recognition of the 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK; the shirts were then sold to raise money for the charity.
Not surprisingly, we had some excellent feedback from our delegates; very entertaining – great to hear from a great team player and sports and business expert.
Emma Spear, Marketing Manager, SDI Europe
Sir Geoff was arguably the most balanced guest we have ever had. His professionalism and personal humility was a paradoxical mix that won the greatest respect of everyone there. Coupled with this was his ability to converse on topics at the highest level, whilst knowing when to revert to boyish humour. A truly outstanding individual.
Nigel Jackson, Head of RBS Retail Banking
Working with Geoff Hurst was an absolute pleasure. On camera, Geoff was very natural and engaging and delivered exactly what was needed. Throughout the shoot he was charming and a true professional. It’s not every day that you get to work with aa World Cup winner and working with Geoff was a real joy.
Sam Grace, BAFTA winning TV Director
It has been a real pleasure working with Sir Geoff Hurst. His dedication to the cause and willingness to get involved has been invaluable and will be a hard act to follow for any future presidents.
John Shanley, Chief Executive, Sparks
Very professional, extremely supporting in pre-event prep and onsite, truly nice to work with.
Teradata (UK) Ltd
The appreciation for the man was far greater than we have ever had for any current player and he works as a total professional.
R&T Tours
Geoff manages to keep animated on the subject for every new audience and combines playing stories with experience of the business world.
World Computer Analyst
The ability to feel the atmosphere in a room is unique and Sir Geoff manages to mix business with sporting events perfectly.
National Computer Company