Scoring a hat-trick is one of football’s ultimate feats — a statement of dominance that turns good players into legends.
For some strikers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. For others, it’s just another day at the office. From record-breaking icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to under-the-radar goal machines like Ali Ashfaq, the 21st century has produced a dazzling lineup of treble kings.
In this list, we break down the top 10 players with the most hat-tricks since the year 2000 — complete with stats, milestones, and the moments that made them unforgettable.
Top 10 Hat-Trick Scorers of the 21st Century
10. Karim Benzema – 14 Hat-Tricks
Tenth on the list is Karim Benzema with 14 hat-tricks. The French striker spent most of his career at Real Madrid after starting at Lyon, winning five Champions League titles and claiming the 2022 Ballon d’Or. Known for his technical link-up play and composure under pressure, Benzema became Real Madrid’s second-highest scorer of all time, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.
9. Edinson Cavani – 15 Hat-Tricks
Sharing the same hat-trick tally is Edinson Cavani, another Uruguayan goal machine. With 15 hat-tricks across spells at Danubio, Palermo, Napoli, PSG, Manchester United, Valencia, and Boca Juniors, Cavani’s tireless movement and heading ability have earned him the nickname El Matador. He was PSG’s all-time top scorer before Kylian Mbappé surpassed him.
8. Erling Haaland – 15 Hat-Tricks (and counting)
Erling Haaland may be younger than most on this list, but with 15 hat-tricks already, he’s rewriting records at lightning speed. From Molde to RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and now Manchester City, Haaland’s physical presence and ruthless efficiency make him a nightmare for defenders. He became the fastest player to reach 10 Premier League hat-tricks and once scored nine goals in a single U-20 World Cup match.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 17 Hat-Tricks
Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish icon, has 17 hat-tricks and a reputation for flair, strength, and acrobatic brilliance. Having played for clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy, Zlatan has scored in every league he’s entered. His bicycle kick from 40 yards against England remains one of football’s most iconic goals.
6. Sergio Agüero – 18 Hat-Tricks
With 18 hat-tricks, Sergio Agüero holds the record for the most in Premier League history (12). The Argentine striker’s career took him from Independiente to Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and finally Barcelona. Known for his sharp dribbling and deadly finishing, Agüero will forever be remembered for his title-winning goal against QPR in 2012, which secured Manchester City’s first Premier League title in dramatic fashion.
5. Luis Suárez – 30 Hat-Tricks
Luis Suárez follows closely with 30 hat-tricks. The Uruguayan is an aggressive yet creative striker who has left his mark at Nacional, Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Miami. He topped the Premier League scoring charts in 2013–14 and was part of Barcelona’s feared MSN trio with Messi and Neymar. His career spans multiple countries and leagues, and he remains one of the most decorated forwards of his generation.
4. Robert Lewandowski – 33 Hat-Tricks
Robert Lewandowski comes in fourth with 33 hat-tricks, celebrated for his tactical intelligence and poacher instincts. The Polish striker has excelled at Lech Poznań, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, and holds the joint record for most Bundesliga hat-tricks in a season. His legendary five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015 is still jaw-dropping, and his discipline on the pitch is unmatched — over 600 goals without a single red card.
3. Ali Ashfaq – 35 Hat-Tricks
In third place, and perhaps the most surprising name on this list, is Ali Ashfaq of the Maldives with 35 hat-tricks. Known as “Dhagandey” (The Man of Steel), Ashfaq’s speed, positioning, and lethal finishing have made him a legend in South Asia. He’s scored more goals than appearances at several clubs and boasts 58 goals in 98 appearances for his national team. His story is proof that football greatness isn’t limited to the biggest leagues.
2. Lionel Messi – 59 Hat-Tricks
In the 2nd place is Lionel Messi with 59 hat-tricks, a magician with the ball and one of the greatest dribblers and finishers the game has ever seen. Messi’s career spans Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, and he is famed for his creative playmaking and deadly left foot. His historic 91 goals in 2012 remain a Guinness World Record, and he’s managed nine hat-tricks for Argentina alone. Remarkably, despite his fiery competitive nature, Messi has never been sent off in a club match.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 66 Hat-Tricks
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with an incredible 66 hat-tricks to his name. The Portuguese superstar has played for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, displaying explosive pace, aerial dominance, and unmatched goal-scoring instincts throughout his career. Most of his trebles came during his Real Madrid era, where he averaged more than a goal per game. Even in his late 30s, he’s proving unstoppable, netting multiple hat-tricks in 2025. With over 130 international goals, he also holds the record for the most in men’s international football.