The hat-trick kings of the Indian Super League
With football, it’s often said that goals win you matches – what about hat-tricks? Hat-tricks can define a legacy. And in the Indian Super League (ISL), no club has exemplified this better than FC Goa.
Time and again, the Gaurs have not just found the back of the net, but have done so with such ruthless efficiency that they have firmly established themselves as the undisputed kings of hat-tricks in the league’s history.
As of today, FC Goa stands at the pinnacle with an astounding 10 hat-tricks in just 11 seasons of the ISL, further extending their lead over rivals after Borja Herrera’s masterful treble against East Bengal at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. His three-goal display was not only a thrilling performance that secured a dramatic 3-2 win for the Men in Orange, but it also signalled to the rest of the league: FC Goa’s hunger for glory is as sharp as ever.
The beginning of dominance
It was in the 2015 edition of the league when FC Goa first unleashed their penchant for goalscoring brutality. That season witnessed two jaw-dropping hat-tricks, both in matches that will be remembered for years to come. Dudu Omagbemi and Thongkhosiem Haokip tore apart Mumbai City FC in a 7-0 drubbing – still the biggest-ever win in ISL history. Just 12 days later, Reinaldo added to Goa’s growing legend, netting a hat-trick that silenced the fervent Kerala Blasters FC supporters in a crushing 5-1 away victory.
In a league often characterized by tight, competitive margins, these commanding wins showcased Goa’s fearless attacking spirit and sent a clear message to their opponents: underestimate the Gaurs at your own peril.
Coro: The Legend
Of course, no conversation about FC Goa’s hat-trick history is complete without mentioning Ferran Corominas – fondly known as ‘Coro’. In the 2017-18 season, Coro delivered what remains one of the most electrifying performances the league has ever seen.
In two back-to-back games, he netted consecutive hat-tricks. The first came in a thrilling 4-3 win over Bengaluru FC in the Blues’ maiden face-off against Goa, and the second – a dazzling display against Kerala Blasters – produced the fastest hat-trick in ISL history, scored in just seven minutes.
Coro’s exploits, not just with his hat-tricks though, has cemented his place in Goa’s football folklore, epitomizing their relentless pursuit of goals and glory.
The hat-tricks keep coming
Even in seasons where FC Goa faced challenges on the field, their ability to produce moments of brilliance never waned. The 2021-22 season saw two hat-tricks, despite a disappointing ninth-place finish in the league.
Jorge Ortiz’s hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Chennaiyin FC reminded everyone of the Gaurs’ offensive prowess. Airam Cabrera added another, netting three in a pulsating 4-4 draw against Kerala Blasters – a match that encapsulated the unpredictable, high-octane nature of the ISL.
And the following season, Iker Guarrotxena wrote his name into Goa’s history books with a blistering 12-minute hat-trick against East Bengal, helping secure a 4-2 victory. It was the third-fastest hat-trick in the league’s history, showcasing Goa’s continued dominance in the attacking third.
The latest guardians of the Legacy
The 2023-24 season only strengthened FC Goa’s reputation, with Noah Sadaoui’s hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Hyderabad FC.
And now, Borja Herrera’s sensational hat-trick against his former side East Bengal just days ago, not only secured a hard-fought 3-2 win for the Gaurs, but it also reaffirmed their status as the team with the most hat-tricks in ISL history.
The league’s undisputed hat-trick leaders
With 10 hat-tricks, FC Goa’s lead in this remarkable category is now even more commanding. Mumbai City FC trail behind with seven, followed by Chennaiyin FC with four and NorthEast United FC with three. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant have only two each.
The Goan outfit have netted hat-tricks against six other sides in the league, also the most by any team – a testament to the sheer gulf in their ability to produce big moments.
For fans of the Gaurs, this comes as a reminder of the club’s historic attacking dominance. Even in seasons where silverware eluded them, FC Goa consistently delivered unforgettable moments, tearing through defences and leaving opponents in awe.
As the current season progresses, the Gaurs’ ability to produce goals serves as a beacon of hope. With players like Borja continuing the proud tradition, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters and, perhaps, even more additions to their unmatched hat-trick tally – with the impending return of strikers Armando Sadiku who scored in each of his eight previous matches with the Men in Orange and Iker Guarrotxena, who already has a treble to his name with the team.
