Brazil have not had a player score a World Cup hat-trick since Pele achieved the feat in 1958, a drought that now spans nearly 70 years. Vinicius Junior came agonisingly close to ending that run in Brazil's final group game against Scotland, scoring twice but missing several chances to complete his treble.
The Last Hat-Trick: Pele in 1958
Pele was just 17 when he scored three goals against France in the 1958 World Cup semi-final. At the time, the average house price was £1,850, JFK was still alive, and Arnold Palmer had just won his first Masters title. Since then, 29 hat-tricks have been scored at World Cups by players from other nations, including two each by Gerd Muller and Gabriel Batistuta, one by Kylian Mbappe in the 2022 final, and Geoff Hurst's famous treble for England in 1966.
Brazil's Stellar Attackers Without a Hat-Trick
Despite Brazil's five World Cup titles—more than any other nation—none of their prolific forwards have managed a hat-trick in the tournament. The list of greats who fell short includes Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo, Tostao, Bebeto, Careca, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zico. Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 international goals, has also never scored three in a World Cup match.
Vinicius Jr's Near Miss
In the 2-0 win over Scotland, Vinicius Jr scored twice and had several opportunities to add a third, but his finishing let him down. According to Jeremy Cross of the Mirror, Vinicius's growing frustration suggested the hat-trick was on his mind. Earlier in the group stage, Matheus Cunha also scored a brace against Haiti but failed to complete a hat-trick.
Next Opportunity Against Japan
Brazil face Japan in Houston on Monday in the last 32. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will prioritise progression over individual milestones, but the nation will celebrate wildly if a current player matches Pele's feat. The last hat-trick by a Brazilian in any major tournament came in 1958, and the wait continues.
