England World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst has been honoured with a giant mural in his hometown celebrating one of the most famous moments in British sporting history.
The artwork, unveiled in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, depicts the striker scoring his third goal against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final as fans spilled on to the Wembley pitch moments before England sealed a historic 4-2 victory.
The mural also features the legendary commentary line: “They think it’s all over…”
Sir Geoff attended the unveiling during the town’s Street Life Festival, where hundreds of football fans gathered to celebrate the England legend.
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Speaking beside the mural, the 84-year-old said: “I’m Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, and this is my mural – beat that.
“It’s unbelievable, fantastic, sensational, incredible.
“I can’t think of any more adjectives to describe [this] emotion.
“It is absolutely unbelievable.
“Of course, coming back to my hometown and seeing a picture of me scoring the third goal, well, words cannot describe how absolutely unbelievable that is.
“Incredible, and how much alike it is.”
The former striker was born in Ashton-under-Lyne in December 1941 before moving with his family to Denton and later Essex as a child, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Despite becoming synonymous with London through his glittering career at West Ham United, Sir Geoff said many people are unaware of his Greater Manchester roots.
The mural now stands opposite a newly-created fan zone on Wood Street, which includes benches and a giant screen for major football tournaments.
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest footballers, Sir Geoff remains the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a men’s World Cup final.
His three goals against West Germany helped secure England’s only World Cup triumph and cemented his place in football history.
During an illustrious club career, he made 411 appearances for West Ham United, winning both the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup before going on to play for Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
At international level, Sir Geoff scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for England.
Now aged 84, he is the last surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team.
The footballing connection runs deep in the family. His father, Charlie Hurst, played for Hyde United during the 1930s, while Sir Geoff currently serves as president of the club.
The mural was commissioned as part of efforts to celebrate local heritage and was funded by entrepreneur Andy Kleek.
It was unveiled during the Street Life Festival, organised by community campaign group Make Ashton Great Again.
Organisers said hundreds of families attended the event, with younger football fans joining older generations in celebrating one of England’s most iconic sporting figures.
Sir Geoff joins a select group of World Cup winners with links to Tameside.
Former England defender Jimmy Armfield, who was part of the 1966 World Cup squad, was born in the area, while Simone Perrotta, who won the tournament with Italy in 2006, also has Tameside roots.
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