The chase for the Golden Boot, awarded to the top goalscorer at the European Championship, is always a thrilling subplot to the tournament itself. As the best teams and players in Europe converge on Germany for Euro 2024, a captivating race is shaping up between some of the world’s most prolific marksmen. From the established legends aiming to etch their names further into the history books to the emerging stars seeking their first taste of glory, the battle for the coveted award promises to be as intense as the quest for the trophy itself.
The Favorites
In a competition stacked with world-class talent, a handful of names stand out as the leading contenders to finish as the top scorer at Euro 2024. These players have consistently demonstrated their prowess in front of goal, and their respective nations will be relying on them to provide the cutting edge needed to go all the way.
Kylian Mbappé
Where else to begin but with the phenom himself, Kylian Mbappé? The French sensation is once again among the favorites to claim the Golden Boot, having netted an impressive eight goals to win the accolade at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While his exploits on the grandest stage are well-documented, with 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances, Mbappé’s record at the European Championships is less illustrious – he failed to find the back of the net at Euro 2020, even missing the decisive penalty as France exited in the round of 16.
However, few would bet against Mbappé making amends this time around. Fresh off a stellar campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 44 goals in 47 games across all competitions, the 24-year-old is in the prime of his career and will be eager to lead his nation to glory on German soil. Mbappé’s nine goals in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers further underscore his potency, although France’s wealth of attacking riches – which could see him deployed from the left flank – may mean they are less reliant on a single talisman than other teams.
| Player | Goals | Assists | Shots | Big Chances Missed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | 0 | 0 | 14 | 4 |
| Álvaro Morata | 3 | 0 | 16 | 6 |
| Gerard Moreno | 5 | 0 | 17 | 6 |
| Harry Kane | 4 | 1 | 19 | 5 |
The above table highlights Mbappé’s profligacy at Euro 2020, where he missed four big chances – only Morata (6), Moreno (6), and Kane (5) fared worse in this regard. However, with a kind group-stage draw against Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland, Mbappé will have ample opportunity to build early momentum and hit his stride.
Harry Kane
Few players can match the consistency and reliability of Harry Kane when it comes to finding the back of the net. The Tottenham Hotspur talisman is England’s record goalscorer (63 goals) and their most prolific marksman at major tournaments, with 12 goals across the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup – a tally matched only by Mbappé.
Kane’s debut season with Bayern Munich may have ended without silverware, but he still managed to etch his name into the Bundesliga record books by scoring 36 goals in 32 games – the most prolific debut campaign in the competition’s history. His ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages is unquestioned, and with a favorable group-stage draw against Serbia, Slovenia, and Denmark, Kane will be eyeing a strong start to build momentum.
England’s creative talents, such as James Maddison and Jack Grealish, will be tasked with providing the ammunition for Kane to thrive, while the striker’s own prowess in linking play and creating chances for teammates should not be underestimated.
Cristiano Ronaldo
No discussion of Golden Boot contenders would be complete without mentioning the name Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend has made the European Championship his personal playground, holding the records for most games (25), goals (14), assists (6 – joint), and editions with at least one goal (5).
At 39 years old, this will likely be Ronaldo’s final major tournament, and he will be determined to add one last piece of silverware to his illustrious collection. While his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr raised eyebrows, Ronaldo silenced his doubters by setting a new single-season record with 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League, outperforming his expected goals (xG) tally of 30.68.
Ronaldo’s ability to defy age and continue producing at the highest level is remarkable, and he will have no shortage of creative support from the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão – three of the top 10 chance creators in Europe’s top five leagues last season. If chances fall his way, Ronaldo’s predatory instincts and clinical finishing will undoubtedly come into play.
Romelu Lukaku
Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku, is another name that cannot be overlooked in the race for the Golden Boot. With 85 goals in 115 international appearances, including 11 at major tournaments, Lukaku’s pedigree is undeniable.
However, what truly sets him apart as a contender this time around is his record-breaking exploits during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Lukaku scored an astonishing 14 goals in just eight matches, setting a new record for a single qualification campaign. He found the net every 39 minutes on average and converted almost half of his shots, accounting for a staggering 63.6% of Belgium’s total goals scored.
With a favorable group-stage draw against Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, Lukaku will have ample opportunities to continue his prolific form. He will also benefit from the creative talents of Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, who ranked among the Premier League’s best chance creators last season.
Álvaro Morata
Álvaro Morata’s performances at Euro 2020 will be etched into the memories of Spanish fans for both positive and negative reasons. The Atlético Madrid striker scored three goals as La Roja reached the semi-finals, but he also missed more big chances (six) than any other player at the tournament – a profligacy that ultimately proved costly as Spain exited on penalties against Italy.
However, Morata’s pedigree at the European Championships cannot be overlooked. With six goals, he is currently tied for fifth on the all-time goalscoring charts, alongside the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Furthermore, only Joselu matched Morata’s tally of four goals during Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Under new manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s patient and possession-based approach is unlikely to change significantly, meaning Morata will have ample opportunities to get on the scoresheet. La Roja’s last 50 goals at the Euros have all been scored from inside the box, highlighting their penchant for creating high-quality chances for their strikers.
The Outsiders
While the favorites command the spotlight, the European Championship has a rich history of surprising storylines and unexpected heroes emerging. As such, it would be foolish to overlook some of the potential dark horses in the race for the Golden Boot.
Florian Wirtz
Germany’s attack may revolve around the likes of Kai Havertz and Niclas Füllkrug, but their main goal threat could come from deeper areas if Julian Nagelsmann opts for a fluid attacking system. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz was crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Year after scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists during their unbeaten campaign, while also netting four times in their run to the Europa League final.
Wirtz’s ability to transition from a creative force into a potent goalscorer makes him a dangerous proposition for opposing defenses. If Germany’s approach allows him the freedom to roam and link with the front line, the 20-year-old could well emerge as a surprise contender for the Golden Boot.
Gianluca Scamacca
While Italy’s attacking options may appear limited on paper, Gianluca Scamacca could be the beneficiary of Luciano Spalletti’s faith in form over reputation. The former West Ham striker shone for Genoa in Serie A, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in a struggling side. His physical presence, aerial ability, and knack for finding space in the box make him a potent threat from set-pieces and crosses.
With Italy’s possession-based style likely to create numerous opportunities in and around the penalty area, Scamacca’s ability to convert those chances could see him emerge as a surprise package in the Golden Boot race. If he can replicate his club form on the international stage, the 24-year-old could be one to watch.
Alexander Isak
Sweden’s hopes of making an impact at Euro 2024 will rest heavily on the shoulders of Alexander Isak. The Real Sociedad striker enjoyed a breakout season in La Liga, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists to help his side secure a top-four finish. Isak’s combination of pace, power, and clinical finishing saw him ranked among the top five scorers in Spain last season.
With Sweden drawn in a challenging group alongside France, Poland, and Iceland, Isak will face stern tests against some of Europe’s best defenders. However, his ability to create chances out of nothing and his composure in front of goal make him a genuine threat to any opposition. If Sweden can progress deep into the tournament, Isak’s goals could be crucial in their quest for success.
Patson Daka
Zambia may not be among the favorites to lift the European Championship trophy, but they possess a genuine goal-scoring threat in the form of Patson Daka. The RB Leipzig striker enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in just 25 appearances. Daka’s electrifying pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing have drawn comparisons to African greats such as Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba.
While Zambia faces an uphill battle in a group featuring Germany, Portugal, and Turkey, Daka’s ability to exploit spaces behind high defensive lines could prove decisive. His partnership with fellow striker Enock Mwepu has been instrumental in Zambia’s attacking play, and if they can spring surprises against higher-ranked opponents, Daka’s name could well feature in discussions about the Golden Boot.
Conclusion
As the European Championship draws near, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and moments of individual brilliance. From established superstars like Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Romelu Lukaku to emerging talents like Florian Wirtz, Gianluca Scamacca, and Patson Daka, the competition is fierce and the stakes are high.
Each player brings their unique skill set, playing style, and goal-scoring prowess to the table, adding layers of intrigue to an already captivating tournament. Whether it’s Kane’s predatory instincts, Ronaldo’s age-defying heroics, or Lukaku’s record-breaking form, fans can expect a showcase of talent that transcends borders and unites nations in celebration of the beautiful game.
While the favorites will rightfully command attention and admiration, the outsiders lurk in the shadows, ready to seize their moment and etch their names into European Championship folklore. Whether it’s a young prodigy announcing his arrival on the grand stage or a seasoned campaigner defying the odds one last time, the Golden Boot race embodies the essence of football – unpredictability, passion, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
As the world watches with bated breath, waiting to witness history unfold, one thing is certain – the Golden Boot is more than just a personal accolade. It is a symbol of excellence, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. And in a tournament where dreams are realized, heroes are made, and legends are born, the race for the Golden Boot stands as a testament to the enduring magic of football.