If you’ve ever watched a football match, you’ve probably heard commentators excitedly shout, “That’s a hat trick!” whenever a player scores three goals. It’s one of the most celebrated achievements in football because scoring even a single goal at the professional level is difficult. Finding the net three times in one match is a performance that fans remember for years.
But what exactly is a hat trick in football? Does it have to happen in 90 minutes? Do penalties count? What is a perfect hat trick? And where did the term come from?
In this guide, we’ll answer all of those questions in simple language. Whether you’re new to football or simply want to understand the sport better, this article covers everything you need to know about hat tricks.
What Is a Hat Trick in Football?
A hat trick in football means a player scores three goals in a single match.
It doesn’t matter whether the goals are scored in the first half, second half, stoppage time, or extra time (if the competition counts extra-time goals as part of the match). Once a player reaches three goals, they have completed a hat trick.
Quick Definition
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hat Trick | A player scores 3 goals in one match |
| Minimum Goals | 3 |
| Maximum Time | Entire match (including extra time if applicable) |
| Own Goals Count? | No |
| Penalty Goals Count? | Yes |
Why Is It Called a Hat Trick?
The phrase “hat trick” didn’t begin in football.
It actually comes from cricket in the 19th century. If a bowler dismissed three batsmen with three consecutive deliveries, it was considered such a remarkable achievement that supporters collected money to buy the bowler a new hat.
Over time, the expression spread into other sports.
Today, football, hockey, rugby, ice hockey, and several other sports all use the term “hat trick” whenever a player records three major scoring achievements during a game.
How Many Goals Make a Hat Trick?
The answer is simple:
3 goals = 1 hat trick
Here’s how it works.
| Goals Scored | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Goal |
| 2 | Brace |
| 3 | Hat Trick |
| 4 | Four-goal haul |
| 5 | Five-goal haul |
Unlike cricket, football does not require the goals to be consecutive.
For example:
- Goal in the 10th minute
- Goal in the 55th minute
- Goal in the 88th minute
Even if other players score between those goals, it is still a hat trick.
Do Penalty Goals Count?
Yes.
Goals scored from the penalty spot count exactly the same as goals scored during open play.
Imagine a player scores:
- One header
- One penalty
- One long-range shot
That is still a hat trick.
The method of scoring doesn’t matter.
Do Own Goals Count?
No.
An own goal is credited to the opposing team’s defender rather than the attacking player.
Example:
- Player scores twice.
- Defender accidentally puts the ball into his own net.
The attacking player still has only two goals, not three.
Therefore, it is not a hat trick.
Does Extra Time Count?
Yes, in competitions that include extra time.
Suppose a knockout match finishes:
- 90 minutes: 2-2
- Extra Time: Player scores one more goal
If the same player had already scored twice before extra time, the third goal completes a hat trick.
However, penalty shootout goals do not count toward a player’s goal tally or a hat trick.
What Is a Perfect Hat Trick?
A perfect hat trick is even more special.
It happens when a player scores:
- One goal with the left foot
- One goal with the right foot
- One goal with the head
Perfect Hat Trick Example
| Goal Type | Method |
|---|---|
| Goal 1 | Left Foot |
| Goal 2 | Right Foot |
| Goal 3 | Header |
Because it requires three different finishing techniques, a perfect hat trick is considered rarer than a standard hat trick.
Can a Player Score More Than One Hat Trick?
Absolutely.
Many legendary footballers have scored dozens of hat tricks during their careers.
Some famous examples include:
| Player | Known For |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Numerous club and international hat tricks |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Hat tricks across several leagues and competitions |
| Robert Lewandowski | Clinical finishing |
| Erling Haaland | Frequent multiple-goal performances |
| Luis Suárez | Explosive scoring displays |
These players have built reputations for consistently scoring multiple goals in a match.
Fastest Hat Tricks in Football
Some footballers don’t wait until the end of the match.
They score three goals within minutes.
Examples of Rapid Hat Tricks
| Achievement | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Average Hat Trick | 90 minutes |
| Fast Hat Trick | Under 20 minutes |
| Exceptional Hat Trick | Under 10 minutes |
Fast hat tricks often happen when a team completely dominates the match.
Why Are Hat Tricks So Rare?
Scoring in football isn’t easy.
Professional defenders, organized tactics, and elite goalkeepers make every chance valuable.
To score three goals in one game, a player usually needs:
- Excellent positioning
- Clinical finishing
- Strong teamwork
- Plenty of chances
- Good movement
- A little bit of luck
That’s why fans celebrate hat tricks so enthusiastically.
Different Types of Hat Tricks
Not every hat trick looks the same.
Here are the most common varieties.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Hat Trick | Any three goals |
| Perfect Hat Trick | Left foot, right foot, header |
| Natural Hat Trick | Three consecutive goals by one player without another player scoring in between |
| Penalty Hat Trick | Three penalties scored |
| First-Half Hat Trick | Three goals before halftime |
Each version is impressive in its own way.
Famous Hat Tricks in Football History
Football has produced countless unforgettable hat tricks over the years.
Some came in World Cups, others in Champions League matches, league games, or cup finals.
A memorable hat trick often changes an entire match.
Examples include:
- A striker rescuing his team after falling behind.
- A young player announcing himself on the biggest stage.
- A superstar breaking another scoring record.
Many football fans can instantly remember the first hat trick they watched live.
How a Hat Trick Changes a Match
Three goals from one player often decide the result.
Consider this simple example.
| Team A Goals | Team B Goals | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Player X (3) | Team B (1) | Team A |
Without those three goals, Team A might have drawn or even lost.
This is why hat tricks often become the headline after the match.
Hat Trick Statistics Example
Suppose a striker has played:
- Matches: 30
- Goals: 27
- Hat Tricks: 4
Goal Calculation
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 27 |
| Goals From Hat Tricks | 12 |
| Remaining Goals | 15 |
Calculation:
4 Hat Tricks × 3 Goals = 12 Goals
Remaining goals:
27 − 12 = 15 Goals
This shows how much impact multiple-goal performances can have across an entire season.
Difference Between a Brace and a Hat Trick
Many new football fans confuse these terms.
| Achievement | Goals |
|---|---|
| Single Goal | 1 |
| Brace | 2 |
| Hat Trick | 3 |
| Four Goals | 4 |
If a player scores twice, commentators usually say they have scored a brace.
The third goal upgrades that performance to a hat trick.
Can Goalkeepers Score a Hat Trick?
Technically, yes.
The rules don’t prevent goalkeepers from scoring.
However, it is extraordinarily rare because goalkeepers usually stay near their own goal.
If a goalkeeper somehow scored three goals in one match, it would still count as a hat trick.
Interesting Facts About Hat Tricks
- The term originated in cricket before becoming popular in football.
- Hat tricks can include penalty goals.
- Own goals never count toward a hat trick.
- Extra-time goals count, but penalty shootout goals do not.
- A perfect hat trick uses both feet and the head.
- Some professional players have recorded more than 50 career hat tricks.
- Fans often keep the match ball after a player scores a hat trick, especially in professional competitions.
Why Fans Love Hat Tricks
Football is a low-scoring sport compared with basketball or cricket. That makes every goal feel significant. When one player scores three times in a single match, it’s usually the result of outstanding movement, sharp finishing, and confidence in front of goal.
Hat tricks also create lasting memories. Supporters remember where they were when their favorite player dominated a big game, and those performances often become highlights shown for years afterward.
Final Thoughts
A hat trick is one of football’s most celebrated individual achievements. By scoring three goals in a single match, a player demonstrates finishing ability, consistency, and the knack for making the biggest impact when it matters most. Whether the goals come from open play, set pieces, or penalties, completing a hat trick is a moment that players cherish and fans never forget.
For new football supporters, understanding the meaning of a hat trick also makes watching matches more enjoyable. The next time a striker scores twice, you’ll know exactly why everyone starts wondering if a third goal is on the way.
