In the world of football, where goals define greatness, few players have mastered the art of scoring like the legendary “King of Hat-Tricks.” Scoring a hat-trick—three goals in a single match—is a rare feat, but some players have turned it into a signature achievement.
So, which player in the history of football is referred to as the king of hat-tricks? That title belongs to none other than Pelé, the Brazilian football icon. With an astonishing 92 career hat-tricks, Pelé holds the record for the most hat-tricks in football history.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore Pelé’s incredible record, the significance of hat-tricks in football, and other legendary players who have also excelled in this aspect of the game.
Who Is the King of Hat-Tricks in Football?
The King of Hat-Tricks is a title reserved for the player who has scored the most hat-tricks in professional football. While many great goal-scorers have notched multiple hat-tricks in their careers, none have come close to Pelé’s 92 hat-tricks.
Pelé, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, dominated world football between the 1950s and 1970s. His goal-scoring ability was unmatched, and he consistently delivered spectacular performances.
Pelé’s Hat-Trick Record
Pelé’s goal-scoring prowess extended beyond just scoring in single matches. He was a prolific finisher who made scoring hat-tricks seem effortless. His ability to find space, dribble past defenders, and finish with precision made him a nightmare for goalkeepers.
Here are some key highlights of Pelé’s hat-trick achievements:
- Total Hat-Tricks: 92
- Most Hat-Tricks in a Single Year: 12 (1959)
- Hat-Tricks for Brazil: 7
- Club Hat-Tricks: Over 80, mainly for Santos
His record remains unbeaten, cementing his status as the undisputed King of Hat-Tricks.
What Makes a Hat-Trick So Special?
A hat-trick in football occurs when a player scores three goals in a single match. It is considered one of the most significant individual achievements in the sport.
Why Is a Hat-Trick Hard to Achieve?
Scoring a hat-trick is a testament to a player’s:
- Skill – The ability to consistently put the ball in the net
- Consistency – Performing at an elite level throughout 90 minutes
- Positioning – Being in the right place at the right time
- Composure – Staying calm under pressure
Hat-tricks are celebrated because they demonstrate a player’s complete dominance over the opposition. Only the best goal-scorers in football history have managed to rack up multiple hat-tricks.
The Greatest Hat-Trick Kings in Football History
While Pelé is the undisputed King of Hat-Tricks, several other legendary players have recorded impressive numbers.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 62 Hat-Tricks
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time. His athleticism, finishing ability, and relentless work ethic have made him a hat-trick machine.
- Ronaldo has scored multiple hat-tricks for Al Nassr, including back-to-back hat-tricks in 2024.
- He also scored 10 hat-tricks for Portugal, making him the first player to achieve that many international hat-tricks.
- Ronaldo has scored more hat-tricks after turning 30 than before that.
Key Ronaldo hat-trick stats:
- Most Hat-Tricks in International Football (14)
- Most Hat-Tricks for Real Madrid (44)
- Hat-Tricks in La Liga (34)
2. Lionel Messi – 57 Hat-Tricks
Lionel Messi, known for his incredible dribbling and precision finishing, has scored some of the most memorable hat-tricks in football history.
Messi’s notable hat-trick records:
- Most La Liga Hat-Tricks (36)
- Most Champions League Hat-Tricks (8, tied with Ronaldo)
- Fastest Hat-Trick (6 minutes vs Mallorca in 2011)
3. Robert Lewandowski – 30+ Hat-Tricks
Robert Lewandowski has been one of the best strikers of his generation, known for his clinical finishing and ability to score from any position.
- Scored 5 goals in 9 minutes vs Wolfsburg (2015)
- Hat-Tricks for Bayern Munich & Poland
4. Gerd Müller – 32 Hat-Tricks
The German goal-scoring machine dominated the 1970s with Bayern Munich and Germany. Müller had an incredible eye for goal and was known for his predatory instincts in the box.
Pelé’s Most Iconic Hat-Tricks
Pelé’s 92 hat-tricks were not just about the numbers—they came in big moments that defined his career. Here are three of his most famous hat-tricks:
1. Brazil vs France (1958 World Cup Semifinal)
Pelé was just 17 years old when he scored a hat-trick against France in the World Cup semifinal. His goals helped Brazil win 5-2, securing a place in the final.
2. Santos vs Botafogo (1964)
Pelé scored eight goals in a single match, including a double hat-trick. This remains one of the greatest individual performances in football history.
3. Brazil vs Nigeria (1969)
During a tour in Nigeria, Pelé’s hat-trick was so impressive that a ceasefire was declared in the Nigerian Civil War to watch him play. This game solidified his global footballing legend status.
How Did Pelé Score So Many Hat-Tricks?
Pelé’s ability to score hat-tricks was due to a combination of talent, intelligence, and physical ability.
1. Versatile Finishing
Pelé could score with both feet, his head, and even acrobatic finishes like bicycle kicks. This made him unpredictable for defenders.
2. Incredible Dribbling
His quick feet and agility allowed him to bypass defenders with ease, creating countless goal-scoring opportunities.
3. Exceptional Football IQ
Pelé had a unique ability to read the game, position himself perfectly, and anticipate the movement of defenders and goalkeepers.
4. Longevity & Consistency
Scoring hat-tricks over two decades requires consistency, fitness, and the ability to adapt to different styles of play. Pelé excelled in all these areas.
Will Anyone Ever Break Pelé’s Hat-Trick Record?
Although modern players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have come close, Pelé’s record of 92 hat-tricks remains unbeaten. With the increasing competitiveness of football and defensive tactics evolving, it is unlikely that any player will surpass Pelé’s hat-trick tally.
However, emerging stars like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane have shown the potential to score hat-tricks consistently. Whether they can sustain it over two decades like Pelé remains to be seen.
Conclusion: The Undisputed King of Hat-Tricks
So, which player in the history of football is referred to as the king of hat-tricks? Without a doubt, Pelé holds that title, with 92 hat-tricks and an unrivaled legacy of goal-scoring brilliance.
His record is a testament to his greatness, proving that he was more than just a talented footballer—he was a phenomenon. While modern legends continue to chase his numbers, Pelé’s status as the King of Hat-Tricks remains untouched.
