Scoring a hat-trick in football is a rare and celebrated achievement, often regarded as the pinnacle of a performance for a forward in a single match.

In the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, this feat has become increasingly challenging due to the heightened defensive solidity displayed by the teams. With the league growing in stature and quality, so has the tactical acumen of the coaches and players, resulting in more organized and resilient defenses.

Throughout the ISL 2023-24 season, teams have significantly stepped up their defensive game, focusing on compact formations, disciplined marking, and coordinated pressing. This collective emphasis on defensive solidity made it difficult for opposition attackers to find spaces and exploit weaknesses in many games.

Despite these defensive advancements, few exceptional players managed to rise above the challenge and register hat-tricks, showcasing their extraordinary skills and determination. These hat-trick heroes have not only provided thrilling moments for the fans but also displayed their individual brilliance.

With that, here’s a look at the three hat-trick scorers from the season gone by.

Vikram Pratap Singh vs NorthEast United FC

Vikram Pratap Singh lit up the ISL 2023-24 season with his pace, trickery, off-the-ball movements, and finishing. Following the retirement of Sunil Chhetri, Indian football fans have been searching for his successor, and Vikram Pratap Singh appears to be a strong candidate. Having been part of the Indian youth football setup and playing for the I-League side Indian Arrows FC, Vikram brings a wealth of experience despite his young age.

The 22-year-old forward has been with Mumbai City FC since the 2021-22 season but has seen limited game time during his tenure with the club. This season, however, he has truly shone for the Islanders, especially when the team was plagued by injuries. Singh scored eight goals and provided four assists, surpassing his total tally of five goals from the previous three seasons combined.

Vikram Pratap Singh concluded the season as the only Indian to score a hat-trick in the ISL 2023-24, achieving this feat against NorthEast United FC. His stellar performance at the Mumbai Football Arena made him the second-youngest Indian to score a hat-trick in the ISL, following Kiyan Nassri. Mumbai City FC started the match with rapid attacks down the flanks. In the third minute, Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff delivered a ball over the defense, which Vikram received and calmly finished with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. The barrage of attacks continued, and in the 10th minute, Bipin Singh’s bullet shot from outside the box was parried by NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, only for Singh to capitalize on the rebound and double the lead. Van Nieff added a third goal for the Islanders from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time before Vikram completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, slotting in a perfectly squared ball from winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, capping off a memorable performance.

Noah Sadaoui vs Hyderabad FC

 

Noah Sadaoui was instrumental for FC Goa as they finished third in the table and reached the semi-finals of the ISL after a two-season hiatus. The Moroccan forward was in scintillating form in the ISL 2023-24 as he scored 11 goals and made 5 assists, leading the team in goal contributions.

The Moroccan forward scored a crucial hat-trick for The Gaurs against Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. FCG finished the first half goalless as they kept missing numerous chances, with their captain Brandon Fernandes at the end of two attempts that were saved by Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani. The Gaurs kept piling on the pressure as Mohammad Yasir also fluffed a 1v1 with the goalkeeper, with the Hyderabad defenders clearing it away. Midfielder Ayush Chhetri’s close-range attempt was also saved by the brilliant Kattimani towards the end of the first half.

Interestingly, Sadaoui started the game on the bench, but with the scores level at halftime, Manolo Marquez brought on the Moroccan.

Borja Herrera was replaced just before halftime, and Sadaoui quickly made an impact. His first goal came from a perfect cross by ex-Hyderabad FC midfielder Mohammed Yasir, which he tapped into the net. Seven minutes later, Sadaoui scored again. He received a pass from Brandon Fernandes, then dribbled past three defenders with impressive skill and power, and shot past goalkeeper Kattimani. Sadaoui and Yasir teamed up again in the 59th minute. Despite being pressured by Hyderabad FC’s defense, Yasir delivered a low cross that Sadaoui easily converted for his third goal. This hat-trick was the third fastest in ISL history.

He scored a hat-trick in just 12 minutes in the second half, helping the Gaurs achieve a season double over Thangboi Singto's team. Noah’s three goals were complemented by a late strike from Spanish striker Carlos Martinez, sealing the win for FC Goa.

Daniel Chima Chukwu vs Hyderabad FC

 

Daniel Chima was one of the few bright spots for a struggling Jamshedpur FC, who finished 11th in the table. The Nigerian striker ended the season with 6 goals and an assist and was one of the top performers for the team despite struggling to maintain consistency.

The 33-year-old scored a hat-trick against Hyderabad FC away from home at the Gachibowli Stadium, helping The Men of Steel end their winless streak with a decisive 5-0 victory.

Nigerian striker Daniel Chima Chukwu scored his first-ever ISL hat-trick. Chukwu started the comeback for Jamshedpur FC by heading in a cross from Imran Khan in the second minute, giving them an early lead. This energized the team, who kept pressuring Hyderabad FC's defense. Later, Mohammed Sanan passed the ball to Jeremy Monzorro, who headed it to Chukwu. Chukwu then performed an impressive overhead kick, scoring a fantastic goal. Chukwu completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute, taking advantage of a weak Hyderabad FC defense and converting a pass from Nikhil Barla.