In the history of football, who is the first player to score 10 goals in a single match?

In the history of football, few feats are as jaw-dropping as scoring a hat-trick. Yet, some players have gone far beyond this benchmark, etching their names into history with goal tallies that defy belief. Among the rarest of these accomplishments is the act of scoring 10 goals in a single match. This achievement is so extraordinary that it sparks the question: In the history of football, who is the first player to score 10 goals in a single match?

To answer this, we need to explore the early annals of football history, study legendary performances, and understand the context in which these astonishing records were set.

The First Documented Instance: Hacène Lalmas

Hacène Lalmas, an Algerian football legend, is widely regarded as one of the earliest players to have scored 10 goals in a single top-flight match. His remarkable performance came in the 1960s while playing for CR Belouizdad in the Algerian domestic league. Although full documentation is scarce due to the period and location, football historians and Algerian media sources often credit Lalmas with this record-breaking feat.

Lalmas’ prowess in front of goal earned him the nickname “The Sniper,” and he remains one of the greatest footballers in Algerian history. Scoring 10 goals in a single match elevated his status from prolific to legendary.

Other Notable Instances of 10-Goal Performances

While Lalmas holds the honor of being the first widely recognized player to score 10 goals in a professional match, others have followed with equally astonishing performances:

László Kubala (1952)

Kubala, a Hungarian-Slovakian star for FC Barcelona, reportedly netted 10 goals in a friendly match in 1952. Although this wasn’t an official league fixture, it highlighted his incredible talent and goal-scoring prowess.

Archie Thompson (2001)

In a FIFA-sanctioned match, Australian striker Archie Thompson scored 13 goals against American Samoa during a World Cup qualifying match in 2001. Although this was an international match rather than a club game, Thompson broke the official world record for most goals in a single FIFA match.

While Archie Thompson’s feat is globally recognized, he wasn’t the first to achieve a double-digit goal tally. His accomplishment, however, shines a light on how rare and awe-inspiring such a performance can be.

Historical Context: Why 10 Goals Is So Rare

In the modern game, scoring 10 goals in a single match is almost unheard of, especially in competitive, professional leagues. So what made it possible in earlier decades?

1. Uneven Competition

In earlier eras, leagues often had vast disparities in team quality. Dominant clubs could face amateur-level sides, making lopsided scorelines more common.

2. Lack of Tactical Sophistication

Football tactics in the early to mid-20th century were far less advanced than they are today. Defenses were more porous, and goalkeepers had less specialized training.

3. Lax Substitution Rules

In the past, teams couldn’t make as many substitutions, meaning that injured or fatigued defenders had to stay on the pitch, giving attackers more opportunities.

4. Different Attitudes Toward Sportsmanship

Today, teams often ease off when leading by a wide margin. In contrast, older football cultures sometimes encouraged scoring as many goals as possible regardless of the scoreline.

The Modern Game vs. Historical Records

When comparing the football landscape of the 20th century to today, it’s evident that scoring 10 goals in one match has become nearly impossible. Modern tactics, fitness levels, and equality among teams make even five goals in a match a rare sight.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Two of the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have never scored more than 5 goals in a single match, underscoring how rare the 10-goal mark is.

Erling Haaland (2022)

In 2022, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored 9 goals in a FIFA U-20 World Cup match against Honduras, coming very close to breaking the 10-goal barrier in the modern era.

Impact on Football Culture

The notion of scoring 10 goals in a match has transcended football. It has become a cultural milestone, something used to measure the fantastical, the almost impossible. Gamers aim for it in FIFA video games. Young strikers dream of it in schoolyard matches. Yet, in the professional world, it’s more myth than reality.

Lesser-Known Players with Monumental Performances

While stars like Thompson and Haaland attract headlines, lesser-known players in domestic leagues have occasionally matched or exceeded the 10-goal mark. Here are a few notable mentions:

Stefan Dembicki (1942)

Dembicki, a French striker, scored 16 goals for RC Lens in a Coupe de France match against Auby-Asturies. While this is not a league match, it remains one of the highest single-game tallies in football history.

Panagiotis Pontikos (2007)

Pontikos, a Cypriot striker, scored 16 goals in a single game for Olympos Xylofagou in 2007, equaling Dembicki’s unofficial record.

Football’s Evolution and Changing Metrics

In today’s analytics-driven game, a player’s value is measured by more than just goals. Metrics like expected goals (xG), key passes, successful dribbles, and pressing stats have become mainstream. This shift makes single-game goal tallies less emphasized, yet the mystique of scoring 10 goals remains.

Training and Tactical Changes

Footballers today are finely tuned athletes. Defensive structures have improved dramatically, making it almost impossible for a striker to find that many scoring chances in one match.

• Video Analysis: Opponents study attacking patterns extensively.
• Defensive Midfielders: The role of the holding midfielder has evolved to screen the defense better.
• Goalkeeper Development: Today’s keepers are more athletic and technically proficient.

All these factors contribute to why performances like Lalmas’ are confined to the pages of football history.

The Role of Media and Record-Keeping

Football’s global reach means every major achievement is instantly broadcast and archived. But in earlier decades, especially in regions like North Africa, Eastern Europe, or Asia, comprehensive record-keeping was inconsistent. This makes it difficult to verify some older claims of high-goal matches. Nevertheless, trusted local sources and football historians provide credibility to players like Hacène Lalmas.

Legacy of Scoring 10 Goals in a Match

Players who achieve this feat become folklore heroes. Their names live on in trivia questions, historical documentaries, and football literature. It’s not just about the goals; it’s about what those goals represent: dominance, brilliance, and a moment of perfection.

Conclusion: In the History of Football, Who Is the First Player to Score 10 Goals in a Single Match?

The honor likely belongs to Hacène Lalmas, the Algerian maestro whose goal-scoring exploits in the 1960s remain etched in football history. While modern players continue to set new records, the sheer magnitude of scoring 10 goals in a single match ensures that Lalmas’ achievement remains one of the sport’s most awe-inspiring feats.

For sports enthusiasts and football historians alike, understanding who is the first player to score 10 goals in a single match offers not just a name, but a window into the game’s evolving nature. It showcases the timeless magic of football and reminds us that behind every record is a story of talent, timing, and triumph.

In the grand narrative of football, scoring 10 goals in a match is a chapter few have written—and even fewer have opened. Hacène Lalmas did, and for that, he holds a unique place in the annals of the beautiful game.