George Hirst (footballer)


George David Eric Hirst is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Leicester City. He is the son of former footballer David Hirst.

Club career

Sheffield Wednesday

After coming through the academy, Hirst signed his first professional contract for Sheffield Wednesday in March 2016.
He made his first team debut against Cambridge United on 9 August 2016, in the EFL Cup in a 2–1 defeat. His league debut came on 10 December 2016 against Reading in a 2–1 defeat. In April 2018, Hirst was linked with a move to Manchester United after rejecting a long-term contract at Sheffield Wednesday.

OH Leuven

In June 2018, Hirst was signed by a second division Belgian team, Oud-Heverlee Leuven, led by former Sheffield Wednesday player Nigel Pearson.

Leicester City

After just one season at OH Leuven, Hirst joined Leicester City in the summer of 2019. On 19 July 2020 Hirst made his debut for Leicester, coming on in the 83rd minute in a 3–0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

International career

Hirst made his debut for the England Under-17 national team during the Algarve Cup in February 2016 – in his second game for the team he scored twice against Germany in a 2–2 draw. He was subsequently called up to the squad for the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Azerbaijan. In the group stage Hirst scored against Denmark and started the Quarter-final defeat against Spain.
On 23 August 2016, Hirst was called up to the England U18's for the first time. In summer 2017, Hirst represented England Under 20s at the 2017 Toulon Tournament, scoring a hat-trick in a game against Cuba to take his 2016–17 tally to 40 goals in all competitions. Hirst started in the final against the Ivory Coast which England won on penalties and was subsequently named in the team of the tournament.
On 1 September 2017, Hirst scored his second hat-trick of the Summer in a victory against Poland, for England Under-19. In July 2018, Hirst was included in the squad for the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
In May 2019, Hirst was included in the England U20 squad for the 2019 Toulon Tournament.

Career statistics

Honours

England U20
Individual