September 28, (THEWILL) – Roger Hunt, England’s World Cup hero and Liverpool’s all-time leading league goalscorer, has died at the age of 83.
Hunt appeared in all six of England’s World Cup matches in 1966, scoring three goals to help Alf Ramsey’s team advance to the knockout stage.
Although the perennial debate over whether teammate Geoff Hurst’s shot in the final against West Germany crossed the line continues, Hunt is perhaps the man who knew the most, having been closest to the ball when it bounced off the crossbar. Hunt famously spun away in celebration rather than try to snag the loose ball.
Hunt was a key figure in Liverpool’s two First Division titles under Bill Shankly in 1964 and 1966, as well as the club’s first FA Cup triumph.
Hunt’s 285 goals for the Reds were a club record until Ian Rush surpassed him in 1992, but no one has surpassed his 244 league goals for the club.
A statement from Liverpool read: “Hunt’s achievements saw him bestowed with an honorary knighthood from the Kop and he will forever be known as ‘Sir Roger’ by supporters of the club he graced with such distinction.”
In 34 international appearances, he scored 18 goals and with his death, England’s 1966 World Cup team now has only three survivors: Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst, and George Cohen
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
