In the long and storied past of the FIFA World Cup, a single player scoring three goals in the final match is one of the most celebrated and rare accomplishments. Only two players have ever done it. The first was Geoff Hurst for England in 1966. Over 50 years later, Kylian Mbappé did it for France in the 2022 final. Their stories are a look at two very different times in soccer.
Did Any Player Score a Hat-Trick in a World Cup Final?
Yes, only two players have ever scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. This is one of the rarest feats in all of soccer. The first player to do it was Geoff Hurst of England in the 1966 World Cup Final. The second was Kylian Mbappé of France in the 2022 World Cup Final. Their performances were both historic, but with very different outcomes.
Geoff Hurst’s Historic Feat
The 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany was a huge day for English soccer. Playing at Wembley Stadium, England was hoping to win its first major trophy. The score was tied 2-2 in extra time when Geoff Hurst, a young forward, made his mark.
His second goal of the match, and one that made his hat trick possible, is still talked about today. His shot hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounced down. Officials said it went over the line for a goal, giving England a 3-2 lead. In the final moments of the game, Hurst scored again, making the final score 4-2. This Geoff Hurst hat trick helped England win its only World Cup trophy.
Kylian Mbappé’s Modern Day Hat Trick
Almost six decades later, in the 2022 final, a young French star named Kylian Mbappé repeated Hurst’s feat. The match between France and Argentina was an exciting game. France was losing 2-0 with only ten minutes left in the game. But Mbappé changed that.
He scored a penalty kick and then a volley just seconds later to tie the game at 2-2. In extra time, he scored again with another penalty kick. This made the score 3-3 and led to a penalty shootout. Even with his Kylian Mbappé hat trick, France did not win the tournament. They lost to Argentina in the shootout.
Mbappé became the first player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final for the losing team. His display is thought of as one of the best individual performances in the final match.
Comparing the Two World Cup Final Hat Tricks
The two hat tricks were very different. Hurst’s three goals helped his team win the trophy. Mbappé’s three goals were not enough to give his team the win.
Outcome: Hurst’s hat-trick secured the trophy for his country, a legacy of victory that has endured for decades. Mbappé’s, while heroic, came in a losing effort.
Context: Hurst’s second goal remains shrouded in controversy, while Mbappé’s goals were a stunning late-game surge that showcased the very best of modern football.
The Stakes: While both were under immense pressure, Mbappé’s performance arguably took place in a match with even higher stakes, with both teams trading blows in an all-time classic. The Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé battle for supremacy made the final feel almost mythical.
Goal Types: Hurst’s were a header, a disputed shot, and a powerful strike. Mbappé’s were a volley and two penalties, demonstrating incredible composure under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first player was Geoff Hurst of England. He scored three goals in the 1966 World Cup Final against West Germany. His famous performance helped England win their first and only World Cup trophy.
No, Kylian Mbappé did not win the tournament with his hat-trick. He scored three goals for France in the 2022 World Cup Final, but his team lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. He is the only player to score a hat-trick in the final and not win the title.
Geoff Hurst scored a total of three goals in the 1966 World Cup Final. His three goals secured a 4-2 victory for England.
A hat-trick in the World Cup Final is special because it is so rare. The pressure is huge, and teams are usually very strong on defense. Scoring three goals in a single final match is a mark of a player’s greatness and composure under the most difficult conditions.
Final Words
The final whistle of a World Cup final signals the end of a long journey, but for two players, it marked a legendary beginning. The stories of Geoff Hurst and Kylian Mbappé are a reminder of the raw emotion and unbelievable skill that make soccer the world’s most popular sport. Whether a hat-trick secures victory or simply becomes a historic, individual performance, it forever connects these two athletes in the annals of World Cup history. Their names are a beacon for all who dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. It’s an uncommon feat that may not be seen again for a long time, making their accomplishments even more special.
