A hat-trick is one of the most thrilling achievements in football. It’s more than simply a show of skill; it’s about seizing the moment, staying calm under pressure, and delivering when it counts. While scoring three goals in a match is impressive at any level, doing so on the international stage is even more significant. In the competitive world of international football, when national pride is at stake, players who can consistently score hat-tricks are hailed as legends.
In this article, we dive into the top players who have carved their names into the history books by scoring the most international hat-tricks, marking their places as some of football’s greatest goal-getters.
Top 5 Players with Most International Hat-Tricks in The History of Football :
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Pelé – 7 Hat-tricks
Pelé, the Brazilian icon synonymous with football greatness, sits comfortably at number five on this prestigious list. The 1958 FIFA World Cup winner, often hailed as one of the greatest of all time, was a scoring machine throughout his illustrious career. With seven international hat-tricks to his name, Pelé’s knack for stepping up in big games was key to Brazil’s dominance during his era. His influence on football is beyond measure, and his ability to score goals when his country needed it most solidified his legendary status.
- Ali Daei – 8 Hat-tricks
Coming in at number four is Iranian football legend Ali Daei, a player whose name still resonates in the world of international football. Daei’s incredible record of 108 goals in 148 appearances made him the all-time top scorer at international level for many years, until Cristiano Ronaldo eventually surpassed him. Throughout his career, Daei netted eight hat-tricks for Iran, using his sharp positioning and clinical finishing to dominate opponents. Even though his record has been eclipsed, Daei’s contributions to football will forever be etched in history.
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Sven Rydell – 9 Hat-tricks
Though perhaps lesser known to today’s fans, Sven Rydell was a giant of his time and holds the third spot on this esteemed list. The Swedish forward scored 49 goals in just 43 appearances for his country, an astounding goal-per-game ratio. Of those goals, nine came from hat-tricks. Rydell’s brilliance on the pitch during the 1920s and 1930s paved the way for future generations of Swedish strikers. His name may not be as widely recognized, but his impact on the sport remains undeniable.
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Lionel Messi – 10 Hat-tricks
Few players have reached the heights of Lionel Messi, and when it comes to international hat-tricks, the Argentine wizard shares top honors. Messi has netted 10 hat-tricks for his national team across a career that has seen him win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and score 109 goals in 187 matches. Known for his otherworldly dribbling, vision, and finishing, Messi has consistently been Argentina’s talisman in key moments. His performances on the international stage are a testament to his genius, proving time and again that he can deliver magic when his country needs it most.
Also Read: Top 10 Footballers with most hat-tricks in 21st century
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Cristiano Ronaldo – 10 Hat-tricks
At the pinnacle of this list is Cristiano Ronaldo, football’s ultimate goal machine. The Portuguese superstar has scored 133 goals in 216 appearances for his country, and like Messi, has bagged 10 international hat-tricks. Ronaldo’s ability to shine in big moments – whether in World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, or European Championship finals – is what sets him apart. His relentless drive, unmatched work ethic, and hunger for greatness have made him a living legend in international football. Each time Ronaldo takes the field, history is within reach, and his legacy as one of the game’s greatest is cemented with every hat-trick he scores.
