Scoring a hat-trick is always impressive, but when a defender achieves it, it becomes truly remarkable. That is exactly what Youcef Atal did on Sunday during Nice’s 34th matchday clash with Guingamp in Ligue 1.
The Algerian right-back, who quietly joined Nice from Kortrijk in Belgium last summer, stunned fans and opponents alike by netting all three of his team’s goals, performing like a natural striker. His clinical performance not only secured a vital victory for Nice but also highlighted his attacking prowess from the back.
With six goals this season, Atal now shares the club’s top scorer spot with teammate Allan Saint-Maximin. Even more significantly, he became the first Algerian player in 34 years to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1, cementing his place in both Nice and Algerian football history. His achievement demonstrates his versatility and marks him as one of the most exciting defenders in the league.
