A hat-trick is called a hat-trick because it originated from cricket, where a player who scored three wickets in a row was awarded a new hat. In football, a hat-trick occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game.
History of the Term
The term "hat-trick" was first used in 1858 in cricket, and has since been adopted by many other sports. In the past, the term was occasionally used to describe when a player struck out three times in a baseball game.
Adoption in Football
In association football, a hat-trick occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game, whereas scoring two goals is called a brace. As with association football, it is common to award the match ball to a player who scores a hat-trick. The term has been used in football since the early 20th century, and has become a widely recognized and celebrated achievement in the sport. For more information on football terminology, visit our Football Explained page.
Usage in Other Sports
The term "hat-trick" has also been adopted by other sports, including hockey, where a player who scores three goals in a game is said to have scored a hat-trick. In hockey, the term is often celebrated by fans throwing hats onto the ice. The term has also been used in rugby, water polo, and competitive video games. To learn more about the teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit our website.