What Is a Hat Trick in Football? Rule & Meaning

Origin of the Term

The phrase “hat trick” has a long history that predates football. It is widely believed to come from cricket, where a bowler who took three wickets with three consecutive deliveries was awarded a hat by his club. The term later spread to other sports, including football, where it now means three goals by one player in a single match.

In football, the exact moment the phrase was first used is not clearly documented, but by the early 20th century it was common in British football culture. The idea of a special recognition for three goals stuck, and today it is one of the most celebrated individual achievements in the sport.

How a Hat Trick Works

For a hat trick to be credited, the same player must score three goals in one match. The goals can be scored in any order and by any legal method — with the foot, head, or any other part of the body except the hand or arm. There is no requirement that the goals be scored consecutively or that they be of a particular type (e.g., all from open play).

If a player scores three goals but one is later disallowed by VAR or the referee, the hat trick does not stand. Similarly, if a goal is credited as an own goal by the opposing team, it does not count toward the player’s tally.

Here are the five key points to remember about a hat trick:

1. Three goals by one player: The same player must score all three goals in the same match.
2. Same match required: Goals scored across different matches do not combine to form a hat trick.
3. Any legal scoring method: Goals can be scored with the foot, head, or any other part of the body except the hand/arm.
4. No consecutive requirement: Goals do not have to be scored one after the other; other players can score in between.
5. Disallowed goals don’t count: If a goal is ruled out (e.g., offside, foul), it does not count toward a hat trick.

Perfect Hat Trick vs. Regular Hat Trick

A “perfect hat trick” is a more specific term. It means a player has scored three goals in a match, but each goal is scored with a different part of the body: one with the left foot, one with the right foot, and one with the head. This is considered a special achievement because it shows the player’s versatility in finishing.

Not every hat trick is a perfect hat trick. For example, a player who scores all three goals with their left foot has still scored a hat trick, but not a perfect one. The term “perfect” is not an official rule; it is a descriptive phrase used by fans and commentators.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that a hat trick must involve three consecutive goals by the same player. That is not true. The goals can be spread across the match, and other players can score in between.

Another misconception is that a hat trick can be awarded for two goals in a match plus one in a penalty shootout. That is incorrect. Penalty shootout goals are not counted as part of the match score, so they do not contribute to a hat trick. The three goals must all be scored during the regulation 90 minutes (plus stoppage time) or extra time if played.

Some fans also wonder if a player can score a hat trick in a match that ends in a loss. Yes, that is possible. A hat trick is an individual achievement and does not depend on the team’s result.

Hat Tricks in Different Competitions

Hat tricks are recognized in all forms of football, including domestic leagues, cup competitions, international matches, and even friendlies. However, the context can matter for records. For example, a hat trick in a World Cup match is often given more attention than one in a friendly, but both are officially counted as hat tricks.

In some competitions, a player who scores three goals might be awarded the match ball as a memento. This is a tradition rather than a rule, and it is not universal. Some leagues or clubs have their own customs, but there is no official requirement to give the player the ball.

Why Hat Tricks Are Celebrated

Scoring three goals in a single match is difficult because it requires a combination of skill, positioning, and a bit of luck. A player must be in the right place at the right time multiple times, and they must also be the one to finish the chances. This is why hat tricks are celebrated as a sign of a striker’s quality.

Hat tricks also often have a direct impact on the team’s result. A player who scores three goals typically helps their team win or draw, which makes the achievement even more valuable. In tight matches, a hat trick can be the difference between a win and a loss.

How to Check if a Player Scored a Hat Trick

If you are watching a match and want to know if a player has scored a hat trick, you can simply count the goals they have scored. The official match stats will also show the number of goals each player has scored. After the match, the league’s official website or the club’s website will list the scorers.

For historical matches, you can look up the match report on official databases or football statistics websites. These reports will show the goal scorers and the minutes of each goal, so you can confirm if a hat trick was scored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hat trick have to be three goals in a row?

No. The goals do not have to be consecutive. Other players can score in between, and the goals can be spread across the entire match.

Can a hat trick be scored in a penalty shootout?

No. Penalty shootout goals are not counted as part of the match score. A hat trick must consist of three goals scored during the match itself, not in a shootout.

What is a perfect hat trick?

A perfect hat trick is when a player scores one goal with their left foot, one with their right foot, and one with their head in the same match. It is a more specific and rarer achievement.

Can a hat trick be scored by a goalkeeper?

Yes, a goalkeeper can score a hat trick, but it is extremely rare. Goalkeepers rarely go forward for set pieces, but if a goalkeeper scores three goals in a match, it would count as a hat trick.

Does a hat trick count if one goal is an own goal?

No. An own goal is credited to the player who actually put the ball into their own net, not to the attacking player. So if a player scores two goals and the third is an own goal, they do not get a hat trick.

Sources: The IFAB Laws of the Game. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.