who is the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football?

Football has witnessed many awe-inspiring feats throughout its long and storied history. From dramatic last-minute goals to record-breaking achievements, the beautiful game continues to evolve and thrill its fans. Among these remarkable records, one question stands out: Who is the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football?

This article takes you through the record-breaking performance, the player behind the historic feat, the context of the game, and the impact this performance had on the world of football. So, lace up your boots and get ready to delve deep into one of football’s most jaw-dropping records.

The Historical Milestone in Football

Before we dive into the player’s identity, let’s understand why this particular record stands out. Scoring a hat trick (three goals in a single match) is already considered an extraordinary achievement in football. Now, imagine scoring nine goals in just one game — a feat so rare that only a handful of players in football history have ever come close.

When we ask who is the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football, we’re not just seeking a name — we’re revisiting a monumental moment that redefined the limits of individual brilliance on the pitch.

The Legendary Feat by Stéphane Stanis

The answer to this incredible question lies in the golden archives of football history. The first player to ever score 9 goals in a single match was Stéphane Stanis, a French footballer who played for RC Strasbourg in the 1940s.

Born in Poland in 1913 as Stanisław Stanisławski, he later moved to France and became a prominent name in French football. In a league match in 1942, Stanis achieved the unthinkable — he scored 9 goals in a single game against CA Pontarlier, marking one of the most sensational individual performances the sport had ever seen.

Context Behind the Record: Wartime Football in France

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this achievement, it’s crucial to understand the backdrop of this historic match. The game took place during World War II, a time when many countries in Europe faced significant political, economic, and social turmoil.

Despite the war, football continued in various forms to lift public morale. France’s football structure was impacted, but local and regional competitions remained active. It was in one of these matches that Stéphane Stanis delivered a performance that would echo through generations.

Though some might argue that wartime football lacked the competitiveness of peacetime leagues, scoring nine goals in a match remains an astonishing achievement, regardless of the circumstances.

A Look at Stéphane Stanis: The Forgotten Football Genius

Stanis may not be a household name today like Pelé or Messi, but during his time, he was a prolific forward known for his agility, positioning, and clinical finishing.

Playing for RC Strasbourg, Stanis was admired for his consistency and goal-scoring prowess. His nine-goal performance didn’t just put him in the spotlight — it immortalized his name in football’s elite record books.

Career Highlights of Stéphane Stanis

• Full Name: Stanisław Stanisławski (later known as Stéphane Stanis)

• Born: May 21, 1913

• Nationality: Polish-born, naturalized French

• Clubs: Primarily RC Strasbourg

• Position: Forward

• Notable Record: First player to score 9 goals in a single football match

Comparing Other High-Scoring Performances in Football

While Stanis was the first to reach this milestone, several other players have delivered similar heroics on the pitch. Let’s take a quick look at others who came close to or matched this record in different contexts.

Archie Thompson – 13 Goals (International Match)

In 2001, Archie Thompson of Australia scored an incredible 13 goals in a World Cup qualifier against American Samoa. Although the match is considered a mismatch in terms of skill level, the feat is officially recognized by FIFA as the most goals scored in an international match by a single player.

Hacène Lalmas – 14 Goals (Algerian League)

Algerian legend Hacène Lalmas reportedly scored 14 goals in a domestic league match during the 1960s. While this is less documented globally, local archives and eyewitnesses confirm the event as one of the highest individual goal tallies in history.

Erling Haaland – 9 Goals (FIFA U-20 World Cup)

More recently, in 2019, Norwegian star Erling Haaland stunned the world by scoring 9 goals in a single game against Honduras during the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Though the record was at youth level, it catapulted Haaland to global fame and showcased his incredible talent.

Why Scoring 9 Goals Is Nearly Impossible Today

Modern football has changed drastically compared to the 1940s. Tactics, player fitness, team balance, and defensive structures have all evolved. In today’s professional leagues, scoring even 4 or 5 goals in a match is a rare occurrence.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Higher Competition Levels: Professional football is more balanced, with well-coached teams and organized defenses.

2. Fitness & Strategy: Players are fitter and more tactically aware, reducing the chances of a single player dominating completely.

3. Team-Oriented Play: Most teams emphasize collective performance over individual brilliance.

4. Shorter Possession Time: Players don’t get as many opportunities to stay in the attacking third for extended periods.

This makes Stéphane Stanis’s 9-goal haul even more impressive when viewed in a modern context.

Impact of the Record on Football History

When asking who is the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football, it’s not just a trivia question — it’s a celebration of the art of goal-scoring. This record:

• Inspired future generations of forwards to dream big

• Became a benchmark for goal-scoring greatness

• Highlighted the beauty of individual brilliance in team sports

Though Stéphane Stanis didn’t become a global icon, his name is etched permanently in the annals of football history.

Lessons from the Legendary Performance

Here’s what footballers and fans alike can learn from Stanis’s historic achievement:

• Consistency Pays Off: Stanis wasn’t a one-match wonder. His career was marked by consistent goal-scoring performances.

• Be Prepared for Your Moment: Opportunity often comes unexpectedly. Seize it when it arrives.

• Legacy Isn’t Always About Fame: Stanis might not be the most famous footballer, but his legacy lives on through this unique record.

The Role of Records in Football Culture

Football fans are passionate about stats and records. From Messi’s most goals in a calendar year to Ronaldo’s international goal tally, records serve as milestones and reference points that fuel debates and admiration.

The question “Who is the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football?” remains a favorite among sports trivia lovers and historians — not just for the answer, but for the story it tells.

Conclusion: A Forgotten Legend Who Made History

To summarize, the first player to score a total of 9 goals in a single match in the history of football was Stéphane Stanis, whose performance in 1942 still resonates today. His story reminds us that greatness isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s carved quietly into history by those who perform on the grandest stage in moments that seem surreal.

While football continues to evolve, records like Stanis’s remain timeless. They remind us why we fell in love with the game — for its unpredictability, its drama, and the brilliance of individuals who, even for one match, touch the heavens.