A super hat-trick is a term used to describe a situation that happens when a player scores four goals in a single game. These goals that are made are not necessarily in consecutive order. In addition, goals made during a penalty shootout are not counted, but those that come from penalty kicks are. Goals that are made during the extra time are also part of the count for a super hat-trick.
The term hat-trick, or a situation wherein a player scores three goals in a single game, originated in the 19th century. A player who achieves this is usually given the game ball as a symbolic reward because of the nature of his or her achievement during that specific game. Many consider hat-tricks as a rare feat especially super hat-tricks.
Origin of the Super Hat-Trick
The term hat-trick started very early in the history of football. In fact, it was as early as 1858 when the term, “hat-trick” was heard and then officially used. The one who coined the term was by H.H. Stephenson, a famous English cricketer. During this time, he had delivered three consecutive balls while playing with team Hallam. At the end of the game, there were people who collected money from the spectators. The money that was collected was placed in a hat before it was presented to Stephenson. After seeing this, Stephenson then coined the term “hat-trick”.Players with the Most Super Hat-Tricks
Super hat-tricks are considered impressive major feats and a player who can do it is often highly regarded by his or her teammates, opponents, and the officials as well as his or her club and the spectators.There are no active statistics kept on most super hat-tricks, but Germany's Erwin Helmchen (1924-1951) holds the record for most hat-tricks according to RSSSF, with 141 hat-tricks in official matches, including 8 goals on 2 occasions, 7 goals on three, 6 goals ten times and 5 goals 15 times.
As of July 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has 62 hat-tricks, and Lionel Messi has 57 hat-tricks.