Scoring three goals in a single football match is an attribute that showcases a player’s goal-scoring abilities. While achieving hat-tricks can sometimes be attributed to luck, some players have repeatedly demonstrated their talent by scoring multiple hat-tricks, becoming a significant threat on the pitch, especially to goalkeepers.
These players have not only left their mark on football history and their respective clubs and countries but have also showcased their extraordinary talent and goal-scoring prowess.
I sold wristwatch, did okada, keke work; now I have fame but no money — Angel Babaorobo, Skit Maker
Here are the top 5 players with the most hat-tricks in football:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most hat-tricks in football history with a remarkable total of 65 hat-tricks.
Ronaldo scored more hat-tricks while playing for his national team and five other clubs than any other footballer in history. During his formative years at Sporting CP, he recorded 3 hat-tricks before moving to Manchester United, where he added another 3 hat-tricks. He has the highest at Real Madrid, where he netted an astonishing 44 hat-tricks. Later, at Juventus, he scored 8 hat-tricks, and currently at Al-Nassr, he has 7 hat-tricks, along with 12 hat-tricks for the Portuguese national team.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, the second on the list, has scored a total of 54 hat-tricks throughout his career and is frequently regarded as Ronaldo’s greatest rival.
Messi is considered one of FC Barcelona’s all-time greats, where he recorded 36 hat-tricks. He also scored 3 hat-tricks during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, 1 hat-trick at Inter Miami, and 14 hat-tricks for his national team, Argentina.
3. Pelé
The legendary Brazilian forward Pelé is renowned not only for his incredible skill but also for his remarkable scoring ability. Throughout his illustrious career, he is credited with scoring around 92 hat-tricks. His time at Santos FC saw him achieve numerous hat-tricks, contributing significantly to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Pelé’s ability to score in crucial matches helped Brazil win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), solidifying his legacy in the sport.
4. Gabriel Batistuta
Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta is known for his powerful shots and goal-scoring prowess. He recorded a total of 54 hat-tricks during his career, mainly while playing for Fiorentina and Roma in Italy’s Serie A. Batistuta also shined on the international stage, representing Argentina and leaving a mark with his impressive scoring record, including crucial goals in World Cups.
5. Jimmy Greaves
English football legend Jimmy Greaves is often regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of the game. Over his career, he scored 40 hat-tricks, primarily during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Greaves had an incredible scoring ratio, demonstrating exceptional finishing skills that made him a prolific forward in both club and international football.
Conclusion
These players have not only achieved remarkable numbers in terms of hat-tricks but have also had a profound impact on the game of football. Their extraordinary talent, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure have made them legends in their own right, inspiring future generations of footballers to strive for greatness on the pitch.
