Geoff Hurst is a former English professional football player who is best known for his hat trick in the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final, which helped England win the tournament for the first time in their history. Born on December 8, 1941, in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, Hurst started his footballing career as an apprentice electrician with West Ham United in 1959. He made his first-team debut for the club in 1962 and went on to score 242 goals in 500 appearances for them over the next 16 years.
Hurst’s most famous moment came in the 1966 World Cup Final, held at Wembley Stadium in London. He scored three goals in the match against West Germany, including a controversial goal in extra time that is still debated to this day. His performance helped England win the game 4-2 and become world champions.
Hurst went on to play for several other clubs, including Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Telford United, before retiring from professional football in 1976. He also had a brief spell as the manager of Chelsea in the 1970s.
After his playing career ended, Hurst worked as a sports commentator and pundit for various television networks, including the BBC and ITV. He was awarded a knighthood in 1998 for his services to football and charity.
Sky’s original documentary film, “Hurst: The First And Only,” released on November 13, 2022, showcases the remarkable career of Geoff Hurst and his impressive achievements, with a primary focus on his unforgettable hat-trick during the 1966 FIFA World Cup final, a feat that had never been accomplished before. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a brief recap of the story.
Spoilers Ahead
‘Hurst: The First And Only Story’ Story
“Hurst: The First And Only” features a range of perspectives from football legends, including Wolfgang Overath, Wolfgang Weber, Harry Redknapp, Gary Lineker OBE, and others, discussing the accomplishments, objectives, and unforgettable moments of Geoff Hurst. The documentary presents Geoff Hurst himself sharing his personal experiences as a professional footballer who has achieved great success. He recounts walking through the tunnel at Wembley Stadium to compete in the 1966 FIFA final against one of the strongest teams in football history, West Germany. Additionally, the film explores his experience playing club football and the pressure to maintain his performance at both club and international levels.
The documentary film not only showcases football legends but also highlights up-and-coming talents such as Declan Rice, a current player for the England team, and West Ham. In the movie, Rice expresses his admiration for West Ham legend Geoff Hurst. In addition, well-known personalities outside the football world, such as comedian Russell Brand, actor Mark Wright, sports psychologist Dr. Misia Gervis, and many others, share their thoughts about Hurst.
Frank Lampard, the former player and current manager of Chelsea, along with Gareth Southgate, the current manager of England’s National Football Team, have expressed their gratitude towards Hurst. They both feel a sense of pride towards Hurst, stating that he is one of the main reasons behind the single star that shines on England’s National Football Team emblem.
Hurst The First But Not The Only
Geoff Hurst’s individual achievements and accolades are undoubtedly unforgettable. At the time of the film’s release on November 13, 2022, Hurst remained the sole player with the unique accomplishment of scoring a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final. However, on December 18, 2022, Kylian Mbappé also scored a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final against Argentina, thereby equaling Hurst’s record. While Hurst was the first to achieve this feat, he is no longer the only one, as Mbappé has now joined him in this exclusive club.
A Great Tribute To A Football Legend
Several football legends, renowned individuals from various fields, players from the women’s football team, and current-generation players shared their perspectives in the documentary “Hurst: The First And Only.” This special feat allowed them to offer their insights, admiration, and personal stories related to Geoff Hurst’s contributions and how he inspired them in some way.
In the documentary film, the voice of Gordon Banks, an icon in the world of football, adds a delightful touch. Journalist Matthew Lorenzo, a friend of Hurst, conducts an interview with him, which is showcased in different segments throughout the film. During these segments, Hurst shares personal anecdotes from his childhood and early career, highlighting the challenges he faced in becoming a professional player. Despite the expectations of his family and friends, Hurst persevered through numerous obstacles, and his experiences are captured in this captivating documentary.
If you’re a football enthusiast who also has a penchant for documentary films, then “Hurst: The First And Only” is a must-see. This film delves into the story of Geoff Hurst, the player who made the difference in England’s historic World Cup win thanks to his memorable hat-trick performance. The film takes viewers on a journey through Hurst’s life and career, showcasing the key moments that led to his unforgettable World Cup triumph. For anyone interested in football history or looking to gain insight into one of England’s greatest sporting achievements, “Hurst: The First And Only” is definitely worth watching.