The most common way to get a match ball in football is by scoring a hat-trick.
A hat-trick is achieved when a single player scores three goals in a single match. While not an official rule codified by governing bodies like FIFA, it is a long-standing tradition in the sport for the player who scores a hat-trick to be awarded the match ball as a memento of their achievement.
The Hat-Trick Tradition
Scoring three goals in one game is considered a significant feat, demonstrating exceptional attacking prowess. As recognition for this achievement, the player is typically allowed to take the match ball home after the game. This tradition is widely observed across professional leagues and competitions worldwide.
- Recognition: It serves as a tangible reward for a standout performance.
- Memorabilia: The ball becomes a treasured keepsake for the player.
- Simplicity: The rule is straightforward – score three goals, get the ball.
What if Multiple Players Score Hat-Tricks?
Sometimes, more than one player might score three goals in the same match. This could involve players from the same team or opposing teams. While specific local agreements or competition rules might occasionally vary, the general tradition holds:
According to common practice, even if players from two different teams score a hat-trick in the same match, the one who scores the hat-trick first is awarded the match ball. This adds an interesting element of competition within the match for the coveted souvenir.
In cases where players from the same team both score hat-tricks, they might receive different balls (if available and agreed upon) or decide amongst themselves, but the tradition primarily focuses on awarding a ball for a hat-trick performance.
Summary
In essence, earning the match ball in football is predominantly linked to individual scoring excellence, specifically by achieving a hat-trick. It's a celebrated tradition that honors players who deliver exceptional goal-scoring performances.
