George Hirst: The Powerful Ipswich Town Striker Building His Own Football Legacy

George Hirst is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Ipswich Town and the Scotland national team. He is known for his height, strength, hard work and ability to lead the line. His football journey has taken him from Sheffield Wednesday’s academy to Belgium, Leicester City, several loan clubs and a major role at Ipswich Town.

Born into a football family, he had early attention because his father, David Hirst, was a famous Sheffield Wednesday striker. Yet he has created his own path through steady work, difficult loan spells and important goals. His rise with Ipswich has made him one of the club’s key forwards.

George Hirst Age, Birthplace and Early Life

George David Eric Hirst was born on 15 February 1999 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. He is 27 years old as of June 2026. He grew up in a football-focused family and joined Sheffield Wednesday’s academy at a young age.

He is 6 feet 3 inches tall, which gives him a strong presence in the penalty area. His height also helps him challenge defenders, win headers and hold the ball for team-mates. He plays mainly as a central striker and wears the number 9 shirt for Ipswich Town.

George Hirst Football Background

His early years at Sheffield Wednesday helped shape his game. He learned how to play as a striker, how to press defenders and how to deal with the physical side of senior football. He signed his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday in March 2016.

He made his first-team debut against Cambridge United in the EFL Cup in August 2016. His league debut followed later that year against Reading. First-team chances were limited, but those early matches gave him a taste of professional football.

George Hirst Dad: David Hirst

George Hirst is the son of David Hirst, a former England striker and Sheffield Wednesday legend. David Hirst played for Sheffield Wednesday between 1986 and 1997 and scored 106 league goals in 294 league matches for the club.

David also played for Barnsley and Southampton during his career. He won three England caps and scored once for the national team. At Sheffield Wednesday, he was known for his power, speed and strong finishing.

A Football Name With High Expectations

Being the son of a well-known striker brought attention from an early age. However, George has not tried to copy his father. His game is based on strength, movement, pressing and teamwork.

David Hirst has supported his son’s career and backed his decision to represent Scotland. Their connection is an important part of the family story, but George’s progress has come through his own effort.

George Hirst Creates His Own Identity

George is not only a goal scorer. He works hard when Ipswich do not have the ball. He presses defenders, competes for long passes and helps bring midfield players into the game.

Managers value his physical style and calm attitude. He can play as a lone striker or alongside another forward. This makes him useful in different systems.

George Hirst Club Career Before Ipswich Town

After leaving Sheffield Wednesday, Hirst joined Belgian club OH Leuven in June 2018. He played 23 matches in all competitions and scored three goals. The move gave him experience of football outside England at a young age.

In 2019, he joined Leicester City. He made two Premier League appearances for Leicester, including his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in July 2020. However, regular football was difficult because Leicester had many experienced attackers.

Loan Spells That Built His Career

Hirst joined Rotherham United on loan for the 2020–21 season. He made 32 appearances in all competitions. Although he did not score, the spell helped him learn about the demands of Championship football.

His next loan at Portsmouth was far more successful. During the 2021–22 season, he scored 15 goals in 46 matches in all competitions. This was his strongest scoring spell before joining Ipswich Town.

A loan spell at Blackburn Rovers followed in 2022–23. He played 11 matches, but opportunities were limited. Soon after, he moved to Ipswich Town and found the right place to grow.

George Hirst at Ipswich Town

George Hirst joined Ipswich Town on loan from Leicester City in January 2023. He arrived during an important League One promotion push and quickly became part of Kieran McKenna’s team.

He scored seven goals in 23 matches in all competitions during his loan spell. Ipswich finished second in League One and won promotion to the Championship. His work rate and strength made him popular with supporters.

Permanent Move to Ipswich

Ipswich signed him permanently in July 2023 for an undisclosed fee. He signed a four-year contract and began the 2023–24 Championship season as a major part of the squad.

He scored seven goals in 29 matches in all competitions during that campaign. A serious hamstring injury in December 2023 kept him out for a long period. He returned for the final weeks and scored against Hull City before Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League.

George Hirst Premier League and Championship Stats

Hirst scored his first Premier League goal for Ipswich against Brentford in October 2024. The goal showed his ability to compete at the highest level of English football.

During the 2025–26 Championship season, he scored 11 goals in 44 matches in all competitions. Ipswich finished second and earned promotion back to the Premier League.

By May 2026, he had played 248 senior club matches and scored 52 goals in all competitions.

George Hirst Scotland Career

Hirst played for England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level. He scored goals for England’s youth teams and helped England Under-20 win the Toulon Tournament in 2017.

He was eligible to play for Scotland through his paternal grandfather. In March 2025, FIFA approved his change of international team from England to Scotland.

Scotland Debut and First Goal

Hirst made his Scotland debut against Greece in March 2025. He scored his first Scotland goal against Liechtenstein in June 2025.

By 7 June 2026, he had won 10 Scotland caps and scored one goal. He was also selected for Scotland’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. This was a major moment in his career and gave Scotland another strong option in attack.

George Hirst Girlfriend and Private Life

George Hirst keeps his personal life away from football. He has not publicly confirmed details about a girlfriend, marriage or children through official club or international football channels.

This privacy allows him to keep attention on his football career. Claims about private relationships should be treated carefully unless he confirms them himself.

George Hirst Salary and Contract

George Hirst’s exact salary has not been released by Ipswich Town. Football wage websites often publish estimates, but these are not official contract details.

Ipswich confirmed in July 2025 that he had signed a new four-year contract. The deal keeps him at Portman Road until June 2029. The new agreement shows that the club sees him as an important player for the future.

George Hirst Honours and Career Future

Hirst has earned promotion with Ipswich on three major occasions. Ipswich finished second in League One in 2022–23, second in the Championship in 2023–24 and second in the Championship again in 2025–26.

He also won the Toulon Tournament with England Under-20 in 2017 and was named in the Team of the Tournament. These achievements show that he has handled pressure at both club and international level.

At 27, George Hirst is entering an important stage of his career. He has faced injury problems, loan setbacks and competition for places, but he has kept moving forward. His next task is to help Ipswich compete in the Premier League and add more goals for Scotland.

George Hirst has earned respect through his work, his strength and his key contributions for Ipswich Town. He may have grown up with a famous football surname, but his own story is now strong enough to stand on its own.

FAQs

1. How old is George Hirst?

George Hirst was born on 15 February 1999 in Sheffield, England. He is 27 years old as of June 2026.

2. Who is George Hirst’s father?

George Hirst is the son of David Hirst, the former Sheffield Wednesday and England striker. David Hirst scored more than 100 league goals for Sheffield Wednesday during his career.

3. Which club does George Hirst play for?

George Hirst plays for Ipswich Town as a centre-forward. He first joined the club on loan in January 2023 before signing permanently in July 2023.

4. Does George Hirst play for England or Scotland?

George Hirst represents Scotland at senior international level. He played for England’s youth teams before changing his international allegiance through his Scottish family connection.