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Victor Dias - August 9, 2025
Every season, Europe’s best forwards compete not just for team trophies, but for the individual crown of top scorer: the Golden Boot. The 2025/26 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with proven goal machines, rising stars, and new transfers all aiming for the title.
Last season, Kylian Mbappe claimed the award after a sensational first year in La Liga with Real Madrid. But the challengers are ready, and the race could go right down to the wire.
Kylian Mbappe is no stranger to breaking records. In his debut La Liga season, he lit up Spain with blistering pace, deadly finishing, and incredible consistency. Winning the Golden Boot in his first year at Real Madrid was a statement but defending it will be another challenge.
With Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Junior creating chances, Mbappe will get plenty of service. His ability to score both in open play and from penalties gives him a huge edge. If he stays fit, he’s still the favorite but competition is fierce.
Erling Haaland didn’t have a bad season in 2024/25 by normal standards, but by his own lofty expectations, he fell short. The Manchester City striker will be desperate to reclaim the crown he lost to Mbappe.
With Pep Guardiola’s side dominating possession and creating chances from all angles, Haaland is almost guaranteed to be in the top three scorers in Europe. His physical power, positioning, and cold-blooded finishing make him the ultimate penalty-box predator. If City keeps firing, he could easily hit 35+ goals.
Not every Golden Boot candidate is a traditional center-forward. Ousmane Dembele is now the main attacking star at PSG, has stepped up since Mbappe’s departure from Paris. Known for his dribbling and creativity, Dembele has added more goals to his game.
The French league’s slightly more open defenses could allow him to rack up big numbers, especially if the PSG attack continues to revolve around him. While he’s less likely to hit Haaland or Mbappe’s totals, a hot run of form could put him right in the mix.
Arsenal finally have the complete striker they have been craving. Viktor Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP after a prolific spell in Portugal, and all signs suggest he could be a Premier League scoring threat from day one.
With Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard feeding him, Gyokeres has the movement, strength, and finishing ability to thrive in England. If Arsenal mount a serious title challenge, expect Gyokeres to be at the center of it, and pushing for a place in the Golden Boot conversation.
Some doubted whether Mohamed Salah could keep up his elite numbers into his thirties, but the Liverpool legend has silenced critics year after year. At 33, Salah still possesses sharp movement, composure, and a deadly left foot.
Liverpool’s attack remains built around him, and with new manager Arne Slot encouraging an aggressive style, Salah could enjoy one of his most productive seasons yet. Penalties also boost his chances in the race.
Harry Kane’s first two seasons at Bayern Munich were a dream, goals, assists, and league title. But he fell just short in the European Golden Boot race, partly due to injury. This year, he’s healthy and looking sharper than ever.
With Bayern’s dominance in Germany and creative support from Leroy Sane, Micheal Olise, and Serge Gnabry, Kane could post a massive tally. He’s one of the most consistent finishers in world football and will be a serious contender again.
Robert Lewandowski may be past his absolute peak, but the Barcelona striker is still among the best when it comes to finding the net. He finished 5th in last season’s Golden Boot standings with 25 goals, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
If Barcelona’s young midfielders continue to improve and supply him with quality passes, Lewandowski could push into the top three. His experience, movement, and composure make him a threat in any season.
While these seven are the front runners, there are always wildcards. Young strikers like Mateo Retegui at Atlanta or Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray could explode into contention with a strong run. Injuries, form dips, and tactical changes can all shift the race unexpectedly.
It’s hard to look past Mbappe, given his form, environment, and relentless hunger for goals. Haaland will be his biggest rival, while Kane could challenge if he stays fit. Salah and Lewandowski are likely to be just behind, while Gyokeres may be the surprise name pushing into the conversation.
Whatever happens, the 2025/26 Golden Boot race promises drama, goals, and plenty of headlines and football fans across Europe will be watching every strike.
