Euro 2024: Who Will Win the Golden Boot?
As the UEFA Euro 2024 approaches, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating not only the battle for the Henri Delaunay Trophy but also the race for the coveted Golden Boot. Throughout history, legendary players such as Gerd Muller, Marco van Basten, Alan Shearer, and Fernando Torres have etched their names in European Championship history by finishing as the tournament’s top scorers. But who will rise to the occasion this time? Let’s take a closer look at some of the contenders.
Romelu Lukaku of Belgium has emerged as a strong favorite for the Golden Boot. The 31-year-old striker shattered records during the qualifying campaign, scoring an impressive 14 goals. With 83 goals in 114 appearances, Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer and boasts a wealth of experience in major tournaments. Having claimed the Bronze Boot at the 2018 World Cup, Lukaku is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Another contender for the Golden Boot is Cody Gakpo from the Netherlands. The 25-year-old Liverpool forward showcased his goal-scoring prowess during the 2022 World Cup, netting three goals in all three group games. With nine goals in 23 international appearances, Gakpo has proven to be a consistent threat on the pitch.
Gianluca Scamacca, who had a brief stint at West Ham in the 2022-23 season, has found his stride at Atalanta. The 25-year-old Italian striker has scored an impressive 19 goals in all competitions, helping his team secure the Europa League title. Scamacca’s goal-scoring abilities make him a dark horse in the race for the Golden Boot.
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski is no stranger to finding the back of the net. The 35-year-old striker holds the record for being Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 82 goals in 148 appearances. With over 600 career goals for club and country, Lewandowski’s lethal finishing skills make him a formidable contender.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the footballing superstar, needs no introduction. The 39-year-old Portuguese forward is international football’s all-time leading scorer with an astounding 128 goals. This summer marks his 12th international tournament, giving him the opportunity to win back-to-back Golden Boots after his remarkable performance at Euro 2020.
England’s hopes of ending their 58-year trophy drought lie on the shoulders of Harry Kane. The Tottenham Hotspur striker, who recently joined Bayern Munich, had a prolific season, scoring an impressive 45 goals in 45 games. Despite his personal success, Kane is still chasing his first major career honor, making him even more determined to make an impact at Euro 2024.
Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious French striker, is the bookmakers’ favorite for the Golden Boot. At the age of 25, Mbappe has already scored an impressive 46 goals in just 77 appearances for Les Bleus. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe is hungry for more success and aims to lead France to their third European Championship triumph.
Rasmus Hojlund, a rising star of Danish football, has already made a name for himself on the international stage. The 21-year-old forward made a stunning debut, scoring a hat-trick against Finland in March 2023. With Manchester United signing him for £72m, Hojlund has had a successful season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, including the FA Cup final.
Scotland’s talisman, Scott McTominay, played a crucial role in their qualification for the European Championship. The 27-year-old midfielder finished as Scotland’s top scorer during the qualifying campaign, netting seven goals. Building on his success at Manchester United, McTominay will be eager to continue his goal-scoring form in Germany.
Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, is ready to make his mark at the European Championship. With 57 goals in 89 appearances, the 29-year-old striker topped Serbia’s scoring charts during qualifying. Mitrovic’s prolific season in the Saudi Pro League, where he scored 39 goals, makes him a dangerous threat in front of goal.
Zeki Amdouni, one of the breakout stars in European qualifying, has been instrumental in Switzerland’s success. The 25-year-old forward scored six goals in just five appearances, helping his team secure their sixth successive major tournament. If Switzerland aims to go far in Euro 2024, Amdouni’s goal-scoring prowess will be crucial.
Alvaro Morata, the experienced Spanish forward, will not only lead the line but also captain the team. With 34 goals in 74 international appearances, Morata brings leadership and goal-scoring abilities to the Spanish squad. As Spain aims for their third European Championship title, Morata will be determined to make his mark.
Niclas Fullkrug, who made his international debut at the age of 29, is seizing the opportunity to shine. The 31-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker has scored an impressive 11 goals in 15 international appearances. Fullkrug’s goal-scoring prowess helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final last season, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
As the battle for the Golden Boot unfolds at Euro 2024, these players will undoubtedly captivate fans with their goal-scoring abilities. From Lukaku’s record-breaking performances to Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance, the tournament promises to be a showcase of footballing excellence. Only time will tell who will emerge as the top scorer and claim the prestigious Golden Boot.