England legend Sir Geoff Hurst continues to headline speaking tours nearly 60 years on from guiding the Three Lions to World Cup glory. The 84-year-old famously netted a hat-trick as Sir Alf Ramsey's team triumphed 4-2 over West Germany at Wembley Stadium in 1966.
Hurst is the sole surviving player from that World Cup-winning XI and is one of just three living members of the England squad, alongside Liverpool legend Ian Callaghan and Southampton stalwart Terry Paine. The country will attempt to match that side's historic feat at the World Cup 2026 as the 60th anniversary approaches.
Should a member of Thomas Tuchel's squad score a match-winning hat-trick in this year's final, they would presumably be financially secure for life. Yet this wasn't the reality for West Ham United icon Hurst, who explored various careers after retiring in 1976 and is still working.
After his playing days, the former England forward enjoyed a short-lived coaching career, including a 19-month spell in charge of Chelsea, before moving into the insurance industry. He also worked as a publican but has found fresh enthusiasm for speaking events in recent years.
"I retired from football in 1976 and went into a few things," Hurst told The Telegraph. "I ran a pub for a while and I worked in insurance. Nothing stands out, though.
"The most fun thing has been my theatre tours, where I talk about my football career. 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, as I'm getting paid to do something I enjoy."
Hurst had to choose between football and a professional cricket career in his younger days. While he went on to achieve extraordinary success in the sport and received three Ballon d'Or nominations, his earnings were a far cry from those of today's elite players.
"My wage was £17 a week during the summer months and £20 a week during the season at West Ham when I started in 1959," Hurst recalled. "It wasn't loads, but it was enough to ensure I could always pay the bills."
The World Cup winner earned 49 caps for England, scoring 24 goals. At club level, he devoted the bulk of his career to West Ham, clinching the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup with the Hammers. He later had a stint with Stoke City and brief spells at West Bromwich Albion, Cork City and the Seattle Sounders before hanging up his boots.
