European Golden Shoe 2024-25: Kylian Mbappe beats Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski to win

It's impossible to ignore Kylian Mbappe right now. The French star finally made his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid, arriving in Spain with six straight Ligue 1 Golden Boots to his name. He scored 31 goals in his debut season in Madrid and won the Golden Shoe.

Since making the switch from Roma to Liverpool in a £36.5 million ($47.15m) deal, Mohamed Salah has cemented his status as an Anfield icon. During his time at the club, the Egyptian forward has amassed an enviable collection of silverware, lifting the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Salah was in scintillating form this season, topping the Premier League charts for both goals and assists.

The last player to defend this accolade back in 2022, Robert Lewandowski was aiming to claim the honor for the third time in five years.

Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Poland's record-breaking striker showed no signs of slowing down, delivering some of his finest goal-scoring performances well into his thirties. Teaming up with Raphinha and rising star Lamine Yamal, he became a pivotal figure in Barcelona's La Liga triumph.

Harry Kane didn't just run away with the Bundesliga Golden Boot again — he added silverware to the mix this time.

After topping the scoring charts with ease last term, the England striker repeated the feat this season, but with a major trophy now in his back pocket. With the Bundesliga campaign officially wrapped up, Kane ends the year with a final haul of 26 goals — a mark of his ruthless consistency in front of goal.

Hailing from Argentina and having honed his craft in the youth setups of River Plate and Boca Juniors, Mateo Retegui has emerged as Italy’s unexpected new star, thanks to his heritage.

After showing glimpses of his potential with Genoa last season, Retegui has truly flourished since his summer move to Atalanta, stepping in as a late replacement for fellow Azzurri forward Gianluca Scamacca.

Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, a manager renowned for maximizing the talents of attacking players, Retegui has hit new heights, proving to be another masterstroke for the experienced coach.

Carabao Cup winner Newcastle United face a tricky situation in contract discussions with star striker Alexander Isak, fueling concerns that the Swedish forward might consider a move away next summer. Despite the uncertain future, the contract situation hasn't impacted the striker's performances a bit. After a season disrupted by early injuries, the Swede international has returned to form, consistently finding the back of the net with ease.

The Norwegian missed out on the European Golden Shoe award to Kane by a long distance and failed to give Mbappe competition in the 2024/25 season.

Omar Marmoush has gone from promising to prolific. The Eintracht Frankfurt attacker showed flashes last season with a 12-goal haul, but this year he’s kicked on in style.

The Egyptian was red-hot in the first half of the campaign, scoring in 11 of the first 17 league matches. His standout moment? A jaw-dropping display against Bayern Munich where he notched two goals — including a dramatic late leveller — and laid on another in a thrilling 3-3 draw, which was enough for Man City to pull the trigger on his release clause to take him to England mid-season.

Dembele joined PSG in the summer of 2023 for half the price Barcelona paid for him in 2017. The French champions forked out just north of €50m (£42m/$53m) for the pacey winger. Dembele's value may have decreased in recent years, but he has continued to show glimpses of his world-class talent.

Even with just 19 starts in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen, Patrik Schick has more than pulled his weight.

The Czech frontman has been razor-sharp in front of goal, finding the net every 80.3 minutes and smashing his expected goals tally by a whopping 8.3. Call it what you want — clinical, lethal, or simply top-tier — he's proving he's the real deal up top.

Serhou Guirassy may have had a slow burn to life at Borussia Dortmund, but once he found his rhythm, the goals started flowing. The powerful forward wrapped up his Bundesliga campaign with 21 goals — a tally that included a stunning four-goal blitz against Union Berlin and six in his final five league appearances. Add to that an impressive 13 goals in the Champions League, and Guirassy’s status as one of Germany’s deadliest strikers is beyond doubt.

Ante Budimir lit up La Liga last season with an impressive haul of 17 goals for Osasuna, earning him the honor of finishing as the league’s fifth-highest scorer.

While his name may not carry the same weight as some of the competition, Budimir was only two goals shy of stars like Robert Lewandowski and Jude Bellingham. The Croatian forward plays a pivotal role for Osasuna, often leading the line as the team’s lone striker. Despite making just 29 starts during the campaign, there’s potential for him to feature more prominently, given his importance as both the squad’s target man and primary penalty taker.

An aerially dominant old-fashioned target-man striker, Wood initially underwent scrutiny from some quarters of the Forest fanbase for not making quite the impact everyone had hoped for since joining from Newcastle - at first on loan, then permanently.

However, the New Zealand international changed the narrative by bagging some crucial goals late in the 2023-24 season and has carried over that form into the 2024-25 campaign as Forest went from the brink of the Championship to sealing European football.

Mason Greenwood, capped once for England, embraced a fresh adventure in France after sealing a high-profile move from Manchester United during the summer of 2024. Following a stellar campaign at La Liga outfit Getafe, where he was named Player of the Year, Greenwood has seamlessly carried his impressive form into his stint at Stade Velodrome.

Bryan Mbeumo has lit up the Premier League this season, delivering his finest campaign yet in a Brentford shirt.

The dynamic winger played a starring role as the Bees soared to a commendable tenth-place finish, becoming a constant threat down the flanks. At 25, Mbeumo featured in all 38 league outings and racked up an impressive haul of 20 goals and seven assists, firmly establishing himself as one of the division’s top performers.

With Ivan Toney making a high-profile switch to Saudi Arabia, the responsibility of leading Brentford’s attacking line fell firmly on the shoulders of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa this past season — and the duo didn't disappoint.

While Mbeumo has long been a cornerstone of Brentford’s frontline since their rise to the Premier League, Wissa has truly come into his own over the last couple of campaigns. The DR Congo international showcased his clinical finishing with both feet, combining flair and finesse with a burst of pace that made him a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations.

Formerly a Newcastle United star, the Tenerife native has been pretty consistent as far as scoring goals for Villarreal this past season, finishing with a career-high total of 19 goals.

It's been eight years since Moise Kean etched his name into Juventus history, becoming their youngest-ever debutant and the first player born in the 2000s to grace both Europe’s top five leagues and the UEFA Champions League. During his debut season, he secured a domestic double before embarking on a loan spell at Hellas Verona.

Since those early days, Kean’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, with stints at Juventus, Everton, Paris Saint-Germain, and a return to Turin. A potential January 2024 move to Atletico Madrid was on the horizon, but the transfer fell through when a medical check-up revealed his tibia injury required an additional three weeks of recovery.

Despite this promising start, his career path has been far from straightforward. Now, though, Kean appears to have finally rediscovered his form, shedding the label of "golden boy" and evolving into a dependable forward capable of shining on the biggest stage.

Raphinha has stepped in whenever required and more so has found the net even in Lewandowski's absence.

The Mainz skipper has scripted a superb comeback tale. Once seen as one of Germany's most promising young No. 9s, his career was derailed by a serious knee injury in 2022-23. It took nearly a year on the sidelines, but Burkardt returned stronger than ever. With Bo Henriksen's arrival breathing new life into Mainz, Burkardt hit his stride.

He notched 18 league goals this season, leading from the front with decisive doubles against Augsburg and Hoffenheim, and a crucial winner at Leipzig — the goal that ultimately sealed Mainz's ticket to the UEFA Conference League.

After an impressive 23-goal campaign with Villarreal, Alexander Sørloth made the switch to Atlético Madrid, bringing a fresh attacking dimension to Diego Simeone's usually defense-first lineup. However, the Norwegian forward has yet to deliver on the high expectations that accompanied his arrival.

Arnaud Kalimuendo has displayed significant potential in Ligue 1 with Rennes, where his impressive performances have caught the eye of multiple clubs.

Alvarez is thriving in his debut season with Atlético de Madrid. After making the switch from Manchester City earlier this campaign for a fee of around £81 million, the Argentine has quickly become a key fixture in fellow countryman Diego Simeone's starting lineup.

Jonathan David is also among those in the running for the Golden Shoe this season.

Tim Kleindienst might've taken the scenic route to the top, but the former Heidenheim frontman is making up for lost time. After banging in 12 goals during Heidenheim's debut Bundesliga campaign, he earned a well-deserved move to Borussia Mönchengladbach — and hasn't looked out of place one bit at Borussia-Park.

That blistering form also catapulted him into the Germany squad last October, and he’s wasted no time, scoring four goals in just six international outings. Not bad for a so-called late bloomer.

Watkins, Villa's talisman with 19 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 season, continued his fine goal-scoring form from last season, albeit the 29-year-old England international striker faced some dry patches through the campaign.

Oihan Sancet has elevated his game to new heights this season. After making waves in previous campaigns, the young midfielder has truly cemented his place as a pivotal figure in Athletic Club's impressive form across all competitions during the 2023-24 season.

The past year has been transformative for Sancet, who also earned his first cap for Spain. He attributes much of his growth, both on and off the pitch, to Athletic's head coach Ernesto Valverde.

A versatile, right-footed forward with the ability to excel both as a central striker and from wide positions, Brazilian attacker Cunha has shown impressive form this season for Wolves despite the team's relegation battle.

Known for his skill in dribbling, positioning, and playmaking between defensive lines, he's been a standout in what has been a challenging campaign for the Molineux side and has earned plenty of interest from big sharks, including Newcastle and Manchester United.

The lanky Frenchman has truly hit his stride since swapping PSG for Frankfurt in January 2024. Despite his towering 6ft2in frame, Ekitiké moves like a winger and links play with ease. He's clicked brilliantly with Marmoush up top and has grown more clinical as the season's gone on — regularly getting on the scoresheet and even turning provider when needed. A quietly lethal addition to Frankfurt's forward line.

Cole Palmer has thrived since his move from his childhood club, Manchester City, to Chelsea. The 22-year-old netted 25 goals across all competitions during an outstanding debut season. Palmer's stellar performances earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season, PFA Fans' Player of the Year, and PFA Young Player of the Year honors.

Even though the young playmaker has had a tricky second part of the 2024-25 campaign, nobody should forget just how exceptional his form was in the first few months.

Ermedin Demirovic stepped into big shoes at Stuttgart following Serhou Guirassy's departure, and while it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, the Bosnian hitman has largely delivered. Fresh off a stellar stint with Augsburg, he came out firing with five goals in his first six Bundesliga appearances. Though his scoring touch cooled off in the middle of the campaign, he still wrapped up the season with a solid 15-goal haul.

The standout moment? A sensational hat-trick in a 4-0 demolition of Bochum on Matchday 28 — a timely reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he’s in the mood.

Riccardo Orsolini proved his worth for Bologna last season. The Italian winger featured regularly for Bologna since 2018 after arriving on a loan deal first before the club made the move permanent. The 27-year-old usually featured as a right winger, and his red-hot form helped his side massively surpass expectations this season by achieving a top-four finish. He carried over that form into the 2024-25 season, wrapping up with 15 goals to his name.

The Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, endured somewhat lackluster stints with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City earlier in his career, but he has undoubtedly elevated his game to new heights.

In the 2024-25 season, Lookman has been in scintillating form for Atalanta, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net across all competitions. His current contract with the Italian club runs until June 2026, but his impressive performances have sparked a flurry of rumors about his future. A host of clubs are reportedly vying for the talented forward's signature.

When Inter snapped up Marcus Thuram following the expiration of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, they had to beat out a fair bit of competition to do so. There was a feeling that he was a long-term signing who might take a few months to find his feet.

But that didn't prove to be the case. He well and truly hit the ground running and was super decisive in the final third, alongside goal-machine and partner-in-crime Lautaro Martinez. Thuram has had several injury setbacks throughout the 2024-25 season. Despite his persist fitness issues, he has managed to rack up a very respectable 14-goals season tally.

In recent seasons, Crystal Palace have shown a talent for recruiting forwards who, at their peak, possess the physical prowess and technical skills to elevate any team. They can be a nightmare for defenders with their clever movement and lethal finishing but lack consistency.

For much of his time at the club, Jean-Philippe Mateta seemed to fit that same mold—capable of producing moments of brilliance but often vanishing in games. However, the arrival of Oliver Glasner as head coach has breathed new life into the Frenchman's career. Mateta has cemented his place as the focal point of Palace's attack, making that elusive striker role his own this past season.

Jørgen Strand Larsen's debut season at Wolves was never expected to be smooth sailing — but even so, it turned out to be a rockier ride than many had forecast, with the team underperforming for much of the campaign.

Yet, in a year dominated by the grind of a relegation scrap — one that Wolves ultimately pulled away from comfortably following Vítor Pereira’s arrival — the Norwegian striker has offered a rare glimmer of genuine promise.

Snapped up from Celta Vigo for a reported £26 million last summer, Strand Larsen arrived to plug a glaring hole: a traditional number nine.

Barcola is on the money for Paris Saint-Germain with his consistent strike rate in Ligue 1.

Romelu Lukaku ended the campaign as Napoli's top marksman, both in Serie A and in all competitions. The Belgian striker, who made the switch from Chelsea last summer, proved his worth by bagging 14 goals and supplying 10 assists in the league, leading the charge in attack for the Partenopei.

Although the Lyon captain's contract at the Groupama Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season and there's been little talk about an extension, the standoff hasn't impacted the former Arsenal striker's performances on the pitch as he continues to flourish in front of goal despite limited minutes since the arrival of Paulo Fonseca at Les Gones.

Blistering speed to exploit space, dominance in the air, and a clinical finishing touch – it's no exaggeration to say that Benjamin Sesko is among the most sought-after talents in European football. Standing tall at 6ft 5in, he commands attention in the attacking third, combining imposing physicality with exceptional athleticism.

Luis Diaz's future at Anfield hangs in the balance ahead of the new campaign. The Colombian winger has been heavily tipped for a summer departure, and with Florian Wirtz reportedly on the verge of joining, speculation around his exit has only intensified.

Despite the uncertainty, the £50 million man has just wrapped up a standout season, and there's still a real possibility he remains part of the Reds’ plans when the new term kicks off. Whether the club cashes in or keeps him in the fold remains one of the more intriguing subplots of the transfer window.

Justin Kluivert could be among the high-profile names heading for the exit at the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his camp reportedly exploring options away from Bournemouth.

The Dutch forward has enjoyed a standout campaign, finishing as the Cherries’ leading marksman with 12 Premier League goals, two of which came in the form of hat-tricks.

Kluivert's sharp eye for goal played a key role in propelling Bournemouth to their highest-ever points total in the top flight.

Despite Ipswich Town's drop back to the Championship, Liam Delap was a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders, finishing the season with an impressive return of 12 goals from 37 appearances.

With a £30 million (€36m / $41m) relegation release clause written into his contract, the young striker has become a tempting option for top-flight clubs looking to bolster their attack without blowing the bank. For Premier League sides navigating tight financial waters, Delap offers both value and potential in one tidy package.

Jamal Musiala has firmly established himself as a standout talent within Bayern’s ranks and will aim to continue delivering crucial goals for the team throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

With Harry Kane leading the line, Musiala's main task will be to provide opportunities for the star striker. However, the versatile midfielder is more than capable of leaving his mark on the scoresheet as well.

By his lofty standards, Lautaro Martinez hasn't hit the same goal-scoring heights this season for Inter Milan. But when the chips have been down, the Argentine has stepped up in the moments that mattered—delivering key contributions both in Serie A and on the European stage to remind everyone why he's still the heartbeat of this Nerazzurri side.

Kike Garcia, the 6ft 1in, 12-stone, 35-year-old centre-forward for Deportivo Alaves, carries an old-school vibe reminiscent of the 80s. A striker with shades of yesteryear, he may not be the most prolific in front of goal, but his presence on the pitch speaks to a different era of football.

Jarrod Bowen has been instrumental for West Ham once again this season, regardless of whether it was under the tutelage of Julen Lopetegui earlier in the campaign or now with Graham Potter in charge.

A player able to impose himself physically in the middle of the park with his 6ft 4in frame whilst also banging in crucial goals, often through headers, Scott McTominay has been the driving force behind Napoli's Serie A triumph this past campaign.

Sevilla is far from the powerhouse it once was. However, one player capable of pushing the team forward is Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian forward, who made the move from Germany's Hertha Berlin to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last summer, currently leads the squad with five goals this season. Besides his impressive scoring form, Lukebakio brings much-needed aggression to Sevilla’s attack—charging at defenders and delivering powerful shots on goal.

Artem Dovbyk surfaced as one of last season's breakout stars thanks to his tremendous campaign with Girona, where he scored 24 goals and delivered 10 assists. His excellent performances caught the attention of Roma, who placed a significant wager on the Ukrainian striker, shelling out over €30m to secure his signature. However, Dovbyk's introduction to life in the Italian capital has been underwhelming, drawing early criticism from the Giallorossi faithful.

The forward initially struggled to make an impact for his new club. As the pressure mounted from supporters and the club's hierarchy, Dovbyk eventually rose to the occasion and has proven his worth sooner rather than later.

Alassane Plea has been a real thorn in the side of defenders all season, with his sharp movement, clever link-up play, and knack for finding pockets of space causing constant headaches. Hitting double figures in goals, his ruthless efficiency in front of goal has been nothing short of outstanding, firmly cementing his role as a driving force behind Gladbach's European push.

Since joining Bayern Munich, Olise has been absolutely dazzling, consistently racking up goals and assists. His rapid adaptation to Vincent Kompany's lineup has been so impressive that it has even sidelined Leroy Sane from the starting eleven—a clear reflection of the Frenchman’s talent and relentless drive.

Since waving goodbye to Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Christian Pulisic has hit a new gear in Italy. The American winger has rediscovered his groove at the San Siro, thriving with consistent minutes and a clearly defined role. He's reached new personal bests in both goals and assists, and for the second straight season, he's cracked double digits in Serie A goals—proving he's not just back, but better than ever.

Lorenzo Lucca is quickly making waves as one of Italian football's brightest emerging talents, with a red-hot start to the season turning heads across Europe. The 24-year-old striker's eye-catching displays didn't go unnoticed, earning him a first-ever Italy call-up in October — and he marked the occasion by making his Azzurri debut in a showdown with Israel.

Jiménez's future at Fulham remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire at season’s end. However, that hasn’t hindered the Mexico international, who continues to fly under the radar with his steady and reliable goal-scoring displays.

Valentin Castellanos has made significant strides as a marksman under Marco Baroni's guidance. His growth in composure, accuracy, and movement—both inside the penalty area and beyond—marks a notable improvement from prior campaigns.

Castellanos has been instrumental for Lazio, contributing both goals and creative play. His knack for stepping up in crucial moments has been evident, with key strikes in matches against Nice in the UEFA Europa League and AC Milan in Serie A showcasing his ability to shine under pressure. This impressive form not only boosts Castellanos' reputation as a forward but also strengthens Lazio's attacking prowess. With a reliable focal point up front, the team now has a solid foundation to enhance and refine their offensive strategies for the long term.

Vinicius Junior's hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Osasuna and some more strikes in La Liga has the Brazilian in the mix.

Nikola Krstovic has quietly become one of Serie A's breakout stars this season. The Lecce frontman from Montenegro is turning heads with a well-rounded skill set that's hard to ignore. Blending raw strength with aerial prowess and a sharp eye for goal, he's proving to be a nightmare for defenders.

More than just a finisher, Krstovic brings the full package — he can spearhead attacks, hold up the ball with ease, and cause havoc inside the box. In a league that values tactical intelligence and grit, he's ticking all the boxes of a modern-day No. 9. No surprise several top-tier clubs are starting to circle.

After emerging as one of Europe’s most electrifying attacking talents during his breakthrough season at Villarreal in 2022-23, Nicolas Jackson secured a £32 million move to the Blues last summer.

The Senegalese forward experienced a mix of highs and lows during his inaugural Premier League campaign but still managed an impressive return of 14 goals. This season, he'll be determined to raise the bar and eclipse that total.

There's no doubting James Maddison's brilliance as a creative engine in midfield. Renowned for his flair and sharp eye for goal—highlighted by his brilliant two-goal display at the Etihad—the playmaker has consistently demonstrated his attacking finesse. In the past, however, Maddison was sometimes viewed as more of a luxury asset for Tottenham, occasionally falling short in the defensive intensity demanded by Ange Postecoglou's high-energy system.

This season, though, the English midfielder has stepped up to prove his value at both ends of the pitch. If Spurs can seamlessly integrate the £40 million acquisition from Leicester City into their tactical setup, it could elevate the North London side to new levels of success.

Cody Gakpo has become an indispensable asset for Liverpool, stepping up with decisive goals in crucial moments. This season, the Dutch star has thrived under Arne Slot, who has restored him to his favored position on the left wing. After spending much of his time under Jurgen Klopp being rotated across various attacking roles, Gakpo has rediscovered his best form in his natural wide berth, highlighting both his adaptability and impact.