The European Golden Shoe, often called the European Golden Boot, goes to the top league goalscorer across the whole of Europe. It is not a simple goal count: goals in stronger leagues are worth more, so 30 goals in the Premier League beat 35 in a smaller league.
This guide tracks the live race: the strikers most likely to win, how the points system works, and who has won it before. For live scoring, check each league's top scorers on the top leagues page.
Live Golden Boot standings
Current-season league goals from Europe's top seven leagues, multiplied by the official factor.
Standings are temporarily unavailable.
Main contenders
- 1Erling HaalandManchester City · Premier League · ×2
Two-time winner and the most efficient finisher in Europe. Every Premier League goal is worth two points, so a 35-goal season puts him close to 70.
- 2Kylian MbappéReal Madrid · LaLiga · ×2
The 2024-25 winner. Takes penalties for Madrid and plays in a top-five league, the two things a Golden Shoe campaign needs.
- 3Harry KaneBayern München · Bundesliga · ×2
Won it in his first Bundesliga season. Bayern create more chances than almost any side in Europe, and Kane finishes most of them.
- 4Mohamed SalahLiverpool · Premier League · ×2
Combines goals with assists, but the award counts goals only. Still a regular 25-plus scorer in the Premier League.
- 5Robert LewandowskiFC Barcelona · LaLiga · ×2
A two-time winner who keeps scoring into his late thirties. Minutes, not finishing, are the limit now.
- 6Viktor GyökeresArsenal · Premier League · ×2
Scored at a remarkable rate in Portugal, where goals counted 1.5. A move to the Premier League doubles the value of each goal.
How points work
- ×2 — the top five leagues: Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1
- ×1.5 — leagues ranked 6 to 22 by UEFA, such as Portugal and the Netherlands
- ×1 — every other European league
Winners usually need 60 to 75 points. Only league goals count, so strikers who score heavily in the Champions League gain nothing. Our xG guide explains how to tell a sustainable scoring run from a lucky one.
Past winners
- 2024-25Kylian Mbappé · Real Madrid · 31 goals
- 2023-24Harry Kane · Bayern München · 36 goals
- 2022-23Erling Haaland · Manchester City · 36 goals
- 2021-22Robert Lewandowski · Bayern München · 35 goals
- 2020-21Robert Lewandowski · Bayern München · 41 goals
- 2019-20Ciro Immobile · Lazio · 36 goals
- 2018-19Lionel Messi · FC Barcelona · 36 goals
- 2017-18Lionel Messi · FC Barcelona · 34 goals
- 2016-17Lionel Messi · FC Barcelona · 37 goals
- 2015-16Luis Suárez · FC Barcelona · 40 goals
- 2014-15Cristiano Ronaldo · Real Madrid · 48 goals
Compare the strikers
Common questions
What is the European Golden Boot?
The European Golden Shoe is given each season to the top league goalscorer in Europe. Only domestic league goals count, weighted by the strength of the league.
How are Golden Boot points calculated?
Each league goal is multiplied by a factor based on the UEFA league ranking: 2 for the top five leagues, 1.5 for leagues ranked 6 to 22, and 1 for the rest. The player with the most points wins.
Do cup and Champions League goals count?
No. Only goals in the domestic league count. Champions League, cup and international goals are ignored.
Do penalty goals count?
Yes. Penalties scored in league matches count the same as any other league goal.
Who holds the Golden Boot record?
Lionel Messi scored 50 La Liga goals in 2011-12, worth 100 points, the highest total ever. He has won the award six times, more than anyone.