Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Robert Lewandowski has broken Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Nations League history after leading Poland to a 6-0 victory over Romania in Warsaw on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The 38-year-old Poland captain scored three times at the PGE Narodowy, including goals in the 24th, 47th and 86th minutes, as Poland recorded its first victory of the current Nations League campaign.
Lewandowski’s performance also took his international goals tally to 92 in 170 appearances for Poland. The hat-trick was his seventh for the national team.
Lewandowski Surpasses Ronaldo’s Record
Lewandowski completed his hat-trick at the age of 38 years and 42 days, surpassing the previous Nations League record held by Ronaldo.
The Portugal forward had set the previous mark at 34 years and 120 days when he scored three goals against Switzerland in the 2019 Nations League semi-final.
UEFA records show that Lewandowski became the latest player to score a Nations League hat-trick, joining a group that includes Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and other notable international forwards.
The achievement adds another record to Lewandowski’s long international career and comes nearly seven years after his previous hat-trick for Poland, which was against Latvia in October 2019.
Poland Dominate Romania
Poland took control of the match after Romania were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute when Radu Drăgușin was sent off for a tactical foul.
Two minutes later, Lewandowski converted a penalty to put Poland ahead.
He doubled the advantage shortly after half-time, scoring in the 47th minute before Romania defender Virgil Ghiță put the ball into his own net two minutes later.
Piotr Zieliński then made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute, while Jan Bednarek headed in Poland’s fifth goal four minutes later.
Lewandowski completed the scoring in the 86th minute, producing Poland’s sixth goal and sealing his hat-trick.
Poland 6-0 Romania: Goals
- Robert Lewandowski — 24th minute, penalty
- Robert Lewandowski — 47th minute
- Virgil Ghiță — 49th minute, own goal
- Piotr Zieliński — 62nd minute
- Jan Bednarek — 66th minute
- Robert Lewandowski — 86th minute
The result was Poland’s biggest Nations League victory in five years, according to Polish Radio, although the team remains third in Group B4 with four points after three matches.
Poland Still Chasing Promotion
Despite the emphatic victory, Poland remain behind Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B4.
After three matches, Sweden lead the group with seven points, Bosnia and Herzegovina have five, Poland have four, while Romania remain bottom without a point.
The result therefore gives Poland an important boost but does not immediately change the overall group hierarchy.
Poland’s next fixtures will determine whether the victory over Romania can translate into a stronger position in the group.
Lewandowski’s Continued International Impact
Lewandowski’s latest performance highlights his continuing importance to Poland despite being 38 years old.
His three goals against Romania took his international total to 92, while his 170th appearance for Poland also underlined the longevity of his national-team career.
The forward’s latest record also provides another statistical comparison with Ronaldo, who remains one of the most prolific international goalscorers in European football.
Rather than simply adding to his personal scoring record, Lewandowski’s hat-trick helped Poland secure three points at a crucial stage of the Nations League group campaign.
What Happens Next
Poland will continue its Nations League campaign as it attempts to close the gap on the teams above it in Group B4.
For Romania, the 6-0 defeat leaves the team with three losses from three matches and no points.
Lewandowski, meanwhile, has added another Nations League record to his career after becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the competition.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- UEFA — Nations League records and all-time hat-trick statistics.
- Polish Football Association (PZPN) — Poland 6-0 Romania match report and official team details.
- Reuters — Nations League roundup and Poland’s 6-0 victory over Romania.
- The Guardian — Poland vs Romania match report and score details.
- Polish Radio — Lewandowski hat-trick and Poland’s Nations League position.
