In a moment that marked a significant milestone in English football history, it has been 30 years since the Mirror played a crucial role in bringing back a symbol of that historic day. Geoff Hurst’s unforgettable hat trick, striking the iconic Slazenger ball three times into Germany’s net, secured England’s first and only World Cup victory in 1966. However, the ball was momentarily in the possession of German footballer Helmut Haller after the chaotic aftermath of the final whistle.
The ball’s retrieval unfolded as a sensational tabloid saga involving intrigue, helicopter pursuits, and a substantial sum of around £80,000 to repatriate the prized possession back to England. Haller, who passed away in 2012, eventually returned the ball to the Mirror in 1996 at Heathrow Airport, surrounded by a swarm of journalists demanding its return.
Haller recounted how he had taken the ball home in 1966, gifting it to his son Jurgen on his 5th birthday, where it resided in their cellar for many years. Ahead of Euro 96, there was a fervent call for the ball to be brought back to England. Upon its return, a poignant moment ensued as Hurst and the late 1966 German goalkeeper Hans Tilkowski recreated the famous second goal, with differing views on whether the ball had crossed the line.
Despite the dispute, Haller graciously returned the ball to Geoff, and it now rests in the National Football Museum, carefully preserved to maintain its distinctive ‘orange glow.’ The Mirror’s efforts culminated in the ball being handed over to Hurst in April 1996, after a month-long endeavor, with the historic event gracing the front page the following day.
Geoff Hurst, now 84, emphasized the ball’s priceless value, noting the requirement for white gloves to handle it. The esteemed artifact is under the custodianship of German Wiebke Cullen, the Collections Manager at the National Football Museum, who highlighted the ball’s irreplaceable nature and the stringent measures in place for its safekeeping.
The ball, symbolizing one of football’s most iconic moments, remains a cherished exhibit at the museum, attracting enthusiasts seeking to relive the historic 1966 World Cup triumph. With its central role in footballing folklore, the ball continues to captivate visitors and honor the enduring legacy of that momentous occasion.
