What Is a Hat Trick?
A hat trick in football is when a single player scores three goals in one match. It is one of the most celebrated individual achievements in the sport. When a player scores three times in a single game, commentators, fans, and teammates all recognize it as a special moment.
The term is simple: three goals by one player equals a hat trick.
Where Does the Term Come From?
The phrase “hat trick” originated in cricket in the 1850s. When a bowler took three wickets with three consecutive balls, the club would collect money to buy the player a new hat. The term crossed over into football and stuck.
In some countries, fans would actually throw hats onto the pitch to celebrate a player scoring three goals. While that tradition has faded, the name lives on.
Types of Hat Tricks
Not all hat tricks are the same. Here are the variations:
Standard Hat Trick
Three goals by one player in a single match, regardless of when they are scored. This is the most common use of the term.
Perfect Hat Trick
A player scores one goal with their left foot, one with their right foot, and one with their header. This is considered the most complete demonstration of finishing ability. In the Premier League, the “perfect hat trick” is an officially recognized distinction.
Natural Hat Trick
Three goals scored consecutively by the same player, with no other player scoring in between. This is sometimes called an “uninterrupted” hat trick.
Four Goals and Beyond
Scoring four goals in one match is sometimes called a haul. Five goals is occasionally referred to as a glut, though there is no universally agreed-upon term beyond a hat trick.
Hat Trick vs. Brace
A brace refers to a player scoring two goals in one match. It is the step below a hat trick. While a brace is impressive, it does not carry the same weight as a hat trick in football culture.
How Common Are Hat Tricks?
Hat tricks are relatively rare at the top level of football. In the Premier League, for example, roughly 30 to 40 hat tricks are scored per season across all teams. Given that there are 380 matches in a season, a hat trick occurs in roughly 8 to 10 percent of games.
Elite strikers are far more likely to score hat tricks. Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robert Lewandowski have scored dozens of hat tricks throughout their careers.
Famous Hat Tricks in Football History
Geoff Hurst — 1966 World Cup Final
Geoff Hurst remains the only player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final. He scored three goals as England beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley. His third goal, which hit the crossbar and bounced down near the goal line, remains one of football’s most debated moments.
Cristiano Ronaldo — Most Career Hat Tricks
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most hat tricks in professional football, with over 60 in his career. He has scored hat tricks in the Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, and international football.
Lionel Messi — 2012 Record Year
In 2012, Messi scored an astonishing 91 goals in a calendar year for club and country. That year included multiple hat tricks, including a four-goal performance against Valencia and a hat trick against Brazil in a friendly.
Erling Haaland — 2022-23 Premier League Season
Haaland scored three hat tricks in his debut Premier League season with Manchester City, including one against Manchester United in a 6-3 derby win.
Do Hat Tricks Count in Extra Time?
Yes. Goals scored in extra time count toward a player’s match tally. If a player scores twice in normal time and once in extra time, it is officially a hat trick.
Do Penalty Shootout Goals Count?
No. Goals scored during a penalty shootout do not count toward a player’s goal tally. Only goals scored during normal time (90 minutes) and extra time count for a hat trick.
Hat Tricks in International Football
Scoring a hat trick for your country is considered one of the highest individual honors. In World Cup history, only a handful of players have scored hat tricks in knockout rounds, making it an exceptionally rare achievement.
Summary
| Term | Goals | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brace | 2 | Two goals by one player |
| Hat Trick | 3 | Three goals by one player |
| Perfect Hat Trick | 3 | Left foot, right foot, header |
| Natural Hat Trick | 3 | Three consecutive goals, uninterrupted |
| Haul | 4 | Four goals by one player |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a hat trick have to be three consecutive goals?
No. A standard hat trick is any three goals by one player in the same match. A “natural” hat trick requires them to be consecutive.
What is the fastest hat trick ever?
The fastest hat trick in professional football was scored by Alex Torr in 2013, who netted three goals in 70 seconds in a Sunday league match. At the top level, the fastest recorded hat trick in the Premier League belongs to Sadio Mané, who scored three goals in 2 minutes and 56 seconds for Southampton against Aston Villa in 2015.
Is a hat trick only used in football?
No. The term is also used in cricket (three wickets in three balls), ice hockey (three goals by one player), and water polo. However, it is most commonly associated with football outside of North America.
What happens to the match ball after a hat trick?
In professional football, the player who scores a hat trick traditionally gets to keep the match ball as a souvenir. Teammates often sign the ball before presenting it to the player.