Lewandowski breaks Ronaldo record with Nations League hat-trick

Robert Lewandowski broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Nations League history after firing Poland to a 6-0 victory over Romania on Friday, World Soccer reported.

Lewandowski, 38, scored in the 24th, 47th and 86th minutes as Poland secured their first win of the Nations League campaign in Warsaw.

The hat-trick came in the striker’s record-extending 170th appearance for Poland and took his international goal tally to 92.

The Polish Football Association confirmed that Lewandowski completed his seventh hat-trick for the national team in the emphatic victory.

His performance also saw him surpass Ronaldo’s previous Nations League record for the oldest player to score a treble in the competition.

Ronaldo was 34 years and 120 days old when he scored three times for Portugal against Switzerland in the 2019 Nations League semi-final.

Lewandowski was 38 years and 42 days old when he completed his hat-trick against Romania.

He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after Romania defender Radu Drăgușin was sent off for a tactical foul.

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The Poland captain doubled the advantage two minutes after half-time before Virgil Ghiță turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute.

Piotr Zieliński added Poland’s fourth in the 62nd minute, with Jan Bednarek heading in the fifth four minutes later.

Lewandowski then completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute to seal Poland’s biggest win of the campaign.

The result moved Poland to four points from three matches in Nations League League B Group 4, although they remain third behind Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania are bottom without a point.

Lewandowski’s latest treble also moved him further up the list of Europe’s leading international goalscorers, with his 92 goals for Poland placing him among the continent’s most prolific marksmen.

The striker’s previous hat-trick for Poland came against Latvia in October 2019.

Despite his historic performance, Lewandowski will miss Poland’s next Nations League fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina after receiving a second yellow card of the campaign against Romania.

Poland will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday as they continue their bid for promotion to Nations League League A.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.