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Football (or soccer, as it’s known in some countries) is the world’s most popular
sport, with a rich history filled with legendary players, iconic matches, and
unforgettable moments. Among the most celebrated achievements in football is
the hat trick—when a player scores three goals in a single game. But have you ever
wondered who was the first player in history to accomplish this feat?
1. The Origin of the Term "Hat Trick"
Before we identify the first player to score a hat trick, it’s important to understand
where the term comes from. Surprisingly, the phrase did not originate in football!
Cricket’s Influence on the Term
The term "hat trick" was first used in cricket in the 19th century. It referred to a
bowler taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries. The achievement was
so rare that fans would often pass around a hat to collect money as a reward for
the bowler.
Adoption in Football
By the late 1800s, the term had crossed over into football. When a player scored
three goals in a match, it was considered an extraordinary accomplishment—
worthy of recognition, much like in cricket. Over time, the phrase stuck, and today, a
hat trick is one of the most celebrated individual achievements in football.
2. The First Recorded Hat Trick in Football History
Now, the big question: Who was the first player to score a hat trick?
The Pioneer: John McDougall (1878)
The first officially recorded hat trick in football history was scored by John
McDougall of Scotland. He achieved this milestone on February 2, 1878, in a match
between Scotland and England.
Match: Scotland vs. England (International Friendly)
Score: Scotland won 7-2
McDougall’s Goals: He scored three goals, making him the first player in recorded
history to achieve a hat trick in an international football match.
Was There an Earlier Hat Trick?
While McDougall’s feat is the earliest documented hat trick, football was still in its
early organized stages in the 1870s. Some historians suggest that unofficial hat
tricks may have occurred in local matches before this, but no verified records exist.
3. Other Early Hat Tricks in Football History
After McDougall’s historic achievement, hat tricks became more common as
football grew in popularity. Here are some other early hat trick scorers who left
their mark on the game:
A. Jimmy Ross (1880s-1890s)
A prolific Scottish striker who played for Preston North End.
Scored multiple hat tricks during the early years of England’s Football League.
B. Steve Bloomer (1890s-1900s)
One of England’s first superstar forwards.
Scored over 300 career goals, including numerous hat tricks for Derby County and
England.
C. Vivian Woodward (1900s-1910s)
An English forward who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Scored 29 goals in 23 appearances for England, including several hat tricks.
These players helped establish the hat trick as a legendary feat in football.
4. How Hat Tricks Became a Symbol of Excellence
Scoring three goals in a single match is no easy task—it requires skill, precision,
and a bit of luck. Over time, the hat trick evolved into a symbol of individual
brilliance. Here’s why:
A. Rarity
Even the greatest strikers don’t score hat tricks often. For example:
Cristiano Ronaldo (60+ career hat tricks)
Lionel Messi (55+ career hat tricks)
Robert Lewandowski (30+ career hat tricks)
Despite their incredible goal-scoring records, even these legends average only a
few hat tricks per season.
B. Impact on Matches
A hat trick often decides the outcome of a game. Some of the most memorable
matches in history were shaped by a player’s three-goal performance.
C. Special Variations
Perfect Hat Trick: A player scores with left foot, right foot, and head.
Flawless Hat Trick: All three goals are scored in a single half.
Super Hat Trick: When a player scores four goals.
These variations make hat tricks even more exciting for fans.
5. The Most Famous Hat Tricks in Modern Football
While McDougall was the first, many players since then have delivered
unforgettable hat tricks. Here are some of the most iconic:
A. Geoff Hurst (1966 World Cup Final)
The only hat trick in a World Cup final.
Helped England defeat West Germany 4-2 to win their first (and only) World Cup.
B. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 2016-2018)
Scored back-to-back hat tricks in the 2016-17 Champions League.
Holds the record for most hat tricks in Champions League history.
C. Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 2012 & 2022 World Cup)
Scored five hat tricks in a single Champions League season (2011-12).
Delivered a crucial hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final against France.
D. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich, 2015 & 2021)
Scored five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg (2015).
Had a six-goal haul in a Champions League match (2021).
These performances show how the hat trick remains one of football’s most thrilling
achievements.
The Legacy of the Hat Trick
From John McDougall in 1878 to modern legends like Messi and Ronaldo, the hat
trick has become a cornerstone of football greatness. It represents skill,
determination, and the ability to shine in crucial moments.
