What Is A Brace In Football?

It’s a term that gets thrown around by commentators and fans alike and has become a well-known phrase within the game. As the world of football carries its own dictionary, it can be difficult to keep up with the lengthy list of lingo involved with the sport. So what does the term ‘brace’ actually mean?

What Does The Term ‘Brace’ Mean In Football?

A brace in football can be defined as a player scoring two goals in a single match. A simple expression to understand, with the requirements of the feat being the complete contrast. Although netting two goals in the same game may seem a common occurrence for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have both scored over 200 career braces, it isn’t as easy as you might think.

What makes the accomplishment more attainable is the fact that the two goals can be scored at any point during the game. It doesn't matter if the opening goal is scored in the first half and the second goal in the final 45 minutes, it will still count as that player scoring a brace.

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Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Lionel Messi and now has the MOST BRACES in the history of football. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/FmDqKf04lY

— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 29, 2023

Where Does The Term ‘Brace’ Originate From?

To find the origin of the phrase you’ll have to go back to the Anglo-French language, a dialect of French used during the Anglo-Norman period which started in 1066. The expression ‘brace’ meant a ‘pair of arms’ which then went on to mean a ‘pair’ under the Old English language. This term was commonly used amongst hunters and game shooters, who would refer to the shooting or killing of two animals as a ‘brace’.

This led to the term ‘brace’ being commonly used in relation to a pair of something, with football fans adopting the term to fit the universe of football jargon. However there is a connection between the old and new definition of the word, as forwards are often ‘hunting for goals’ a metaphor which draws a comparison between the two time periods.

The phrase a ‘brace of goals’ became a prominent saying amongst players and fans in the 19th century. However the phrase has been reduced to a ‘brace’ when referred to by commentators and fans when signalling the accomplishment of a player scoring two goals in a match.

Famous Braces Scored In Football

There have been some standout braces over the years, but these are some of the most memorable and record-breaking braces in football history.

Ronaldo Nazario

Arguably the most famous example of a brace out there. The Brazilian forward delivered when his team needed him the most in the 2002 World Cup final. The football stage doesn’t get any bigger than this, with the eyes of the world watching on from every corner of the globe. Despite the high expectations and immeasurable pressure stacked onto the players, Ronaldo, nicknamed R9, scored a second half brace to ensure Brazil lifted their fifth World Cup title. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner scored both goals within 12 minutes, with the first coming in the 67th minute and the second arriving in the 79th minute.

Lamine Yamal

The Barcelona wonderkid became the youngest ever player to score a brace in La Liga history aged just 16 years 213 days. Yamal netted twice against Granada to earn his side a draw in a thrilling contest which ended 3-3. His first goal came from a perfectly timed run to the back post where the teenager managed to poke Barca into the lead. His second goal levelled the scoring to 3-3 with a sublime strike from outside of the box finding its way to the bottom corner.

The accolade was previously held by teammate Ansu Fati, who scored a brace against Levante aged 17 years 94 days.

Gareth Bale

The exceptionally talented winger had moments of complete mesmerisation and magical skill in his decorated career. His most famous moment was his bicycle kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, his first goal in a brace which saw the Spanish side win the trophy for a 13th time. The acrobatic stunt is widely considered the best Champions League goal ever scored, as his overhead kick was produced from the edge of the box.

The Welsh international was brought onto the field in the 61st minute with just under half an hour of play remaining. Three minutes later he produced the iconic goal which gave Real Madrid a 2-1 lead at the time. He completed his brace in the 83rd minute with another spectacular effort which proved too much for Liverpool keeper Loris Karius to handle. His two goals ensured that Los Blancos won their third consecutive Champions League title.

ON THIS DAY: In 2002, Ronaldo scored twice as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in the final to win the World Cup in Yokohama pic.twitter.com/x9RhsZZgQ2

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 30, 2016

Who Has Scored The Most Braces?

When talking about who has scored the most braces in football history, it's unsurprisingly the duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as they both have over 200 career braces. However when looking at who has scored the most braces in a single season within Europe’s top five leagues, then the answer is just Messi. The Argentine international recorded 16 braces during the 2012/13 season for Barcelona, with 2012 being the year he broke the record for the highest number of goals in a calendar year with 91.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Kylian Mbappé led the way for the highest number of braces in Europe’s top five leagues with 8. Robert Lewandowski racked up 7 braces, with PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane tied on 6 braces each.

When just looking at the most braces in Champions League history, we don’t have to look past the man nicknamed ‘Mr. Champions League’ to find the answer. Ronaldo has registered 38 braces in the prestigious competition, with Messi sitting in second place with 34.