Sir Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of England's 1966 World Cup victory, continues to work at the age of 84, nearly six decades after his iconic performance. The former striker is the last surviving player from the starting XI that defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley, and one of three living members of that squad, alongside Ian Callaghan and Terry Paine.
After retiring from football in 1976, Hurst embarked on several careers, including a brief stint as Chelsea manager, working in insurance, and running a pub. However, he has found his greatest post-football success in speaking tours. 'The most fun thing has been my theatre tours, where I talk about my football career,' he told The Telegraph. 'I've been doing them for the past ten years, including my recent Last Man Standing tour, and thoroughly enjoy them. That's probably my best financial decision.'
Hurst's wages during his playing days were modest by modern standards. When he started at West Ham in 1959, he earned £17 a week in summer and £20 during the season. 'It wasn't loads, but it was enough to ensure I could always pay the bills,' he recalled. He earned 49 caps for England, scoring 24 goals, and spent most of his club career at West Ham, winning the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup before later playing for Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Cork City, and Seattle Sounders.
