Which players have scored the most memorable hat-tricks in Champions League history?

From Alfredo Di Stéfano's historic treble in 1960 to Kylian Mbappe's recent masterclass against Manchester City in 2025, the UEFA Champions League has been graced by numerous memorable hat-tricks. These exceptional performances have not only secured victories for their teams but have also etched the players' names into football history. Join us as we delve into the remarkable achievements of players who have recorded hat-tricks in the Champions League, highlighting their contributions and the impact of their performances.

Recent Notable Hat-Tricks

Kylian Mbappe's Masterclass Against Manchester City

On February 19, 2025, Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 3-1 victory over Manchester City during the Champions League playoff phase. His goals in the 4th, 33rd, and 61st minutes not only secured Real Madrid's progression to the last 16 but also marked Mbappe's second hat-trick since joining the club. This performance solidified his status as one of the premier talents in European football.

Viktor Gyökeres' Hat-Trick for Sporting CP

In November 2024, Viktor Gyökeres recorded a hat-trick for Sporting CP in a 4-1 victory over Manchester City. His performance was pivotal in exploiting defensive lapses and securing a memorable win for the Portuguese side. Gyökeres' hat-trick underscored his emerging prominence in European competitions.

Historic Champions League Hat-Tricks

Alfredo Di Stéfano's Pioneering Treble

In the 1960 European Cup final, Real Madrid's Alfredo Di Stéfano delivered a standout performance by scoring a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt. This remarkable feat contributed significantly to Real Madrid's 7-3 victory, securing their fifth consecutive European Cup title. Di Stéfano's hat-trick set a precedent for excellence in European competitions.

Ferenc Puskás: A Record-Breaking Forward

Ferenc Puskás, another Real Madrid legend, showcased his exceptional talent by recording two hat-tricks in European Cup finals. In the 1960 final against Eintracht Frankfurt, Puskás scored four goals, complementing Di Stéfano's treble. He continued his remarkable form by netting a hat-trick in the 1962 final against Benfica, although Real Madrid fell short with a 5-3 loss. Puskás remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a final and not secure the title.

Modern Era Hat-Trick Heroes

Lionel Messi: Barcelona's Prolific Scorer

Lionel Messi has been a dominant force in the Champions League, recording eight hat-tricks for FC Barcelona. His ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances has been instrumental in Barcelona's success on the European stage. Messi's hat-tricks have come against various opponents, showcasing his versatility and prowess in front of goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Mr. Champions League

Matching Messi's record, Cristiano Ronaldo has also achieved eight hat-tricks in the Champions League, with seven for Real Madrid and one for Juventus. Notably, during the 2015-16 season, Ronaldo set a record by scoring three hat-tricks in a single Champions League campaign, underscoring his reputation as a clutch performer in crucial matches.

Robert Lewandowski: A Hat-Trick Across Three Clubs

Robert Lewandowski has distinguished himself by scoring hat-tricks for three different clubs in the Champions League: Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona. This unique achievement highlights his adaptability and consistent goal-scoring ability across different leagues and teams.

Players with Multiple Hat-Tricks

Karim Benzema: Real Madrid's Reliable Striker

Karim Benzema has achieved four hat-tricks in the Champions League, all with Real Madrid. His notable performances include back-to-back hat-tricks during the 2021-22 season, demonstrating his critical role in Real Madrid's offensive lineup and his ability to perform under pressure.

Neymar Jr.: Brazilian Flair in Europe

Neymar Jr. has recorded three hat-tricks in the Champions League, with one for FC Barcelona and two for Paris Saint-Germain. His creative playmaking and finishing skills have been vital assets for his teams, contributing significantly to their European campaigns.

Unique Hat-Trick Achievements

Layvin Kurzawa: A Defender's Rare Feat

In October 2017, Layvin Kurzawa, playing as a left-back for Paris Saint-Germain, scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win against Anderlecht. This rare accomplishment by a defender in the Champions League highlights the occasional unexpected sources of goal-scoring prowess.

Luiz Adriano: Back-to-Back Hat-Tricks

Luiz Adriano made history by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks for Shakhtar Donetsk during the 2014-15 Champions League group stage against BATE Borisov. This remarkable feat showcased his striking efficiency and placed him among the elite goal-scorers in the competition.

What You Should Know About Champions League Hat-Tricks

• Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás set early records with their hat-tricks in European Cup finals.
• Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo share the record for the most Champions League hat-tricks, each with eight.
• Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most hat-tricks in a single season, with three during the 2015-16 campaign.
• Robert Lewandowski is the only player to have scored hat-tricks for three different clubs in the competition.
• Kylian Mbappé's recent hat-trick against Manchester City in 2025 highlights the ongoing emergence of new talents in the Champions League.