Ousmane Dembele makes history with World Cup hat-trick as first Muslim player to score three goals

Ousmane Dembele etched his name in football history by scoring a spectacular hat-trick during France's commanding 4-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup. This remarkable achievement not only secured one of the fastest hat-tricks in the tournament's history but also marked Dembele as the first Muslim player to score three goals in a single World Cup match.

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The Paris Saint-Germain striker opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Gillette Stadium near Boston, scored again in the 20th minute, and, after Thelo Aasgaard had narrowed the deficit, made it 3-1 in the 32nd minute.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Gillette Stadium near Boston. He added a second goal in the 20th minute, and after Norway's Thelo Aasgaard managed to pull one back, Dembele completed his treble in the 32nd minute, extending France's lead to 3-1. The only player to score a faster hat-trick in World Cup history is Erich Probst, who achieved the feat in the first 24 minutes for Austria against Czechoslovakia in 1954.

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The only player to score a hat-trick faster in a World Cup match is Erich Probst, who scored three goals in the first 24 minutes for Austria against Czechoslovakia in 1954.

Dembele's on-field success is deeply intertwined with his strong Muslim faith. He has often spoken about the significant role his religion plays in both his personal and professional life, relying on his faith to navigate intense public scrutiny, overcome severe injuries, and achieve global success. He is known to offer prayers before matches, whether in the locker room or on the field.

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Ousmane Dembele is widely known as a devout Muslim. He often states that his faith plays an important role in his personal and professional life.

His commitment extends beyond personal devotion. Following France's 2018 World Cup triumph, Dembele donated his tournament earnings to help build a mosque in his mother's hometown in Mauritania. He observes the Ramadan fast even during demanding professional training and matches. This victory, coupled with Dembele's earlier goal against Iraq, secured France's perfect record with nine points from three group stage matches, advancing them as group winners to the knockout stage.

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After the 2018 World Cup victory with the French national team, Dembele donated the income he earned from the tournament to build a mosque in his mother's hometown in Mauritania.