World Cup 2018 – Race for the Golden Boot
One of the most coveted individual accolades that can be bestowed on a player in world football is without doubt the Golden Boot, the award given to the player that finds the back of the net on the most occasions during the World Cup.
Looking back in history there are some pretty illustrious names on the list of past winners, Ronaldo (2002), Gerd Müller (1970), Eusébio (1966), Thomas Müller (2010) and last time out in Brazil James Rodriguez.
However, what stands out in this list, is that while most of these players were exceptional talents, there is an argument that quite a few of these former winners weren’t initially favourites to lift the award when you take into account the runners-up down the years.
Look at Mexico in 1986 for example, with Gary Lineker winning the award ahead of Diego Maradonna, or Gabriel Batistuta and Christian Vieri finishing behind Davor Šuker in France 1998.
In recent times there are two noticeable absentees from that list, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Few would argue these two are not only the greatest goal scorers of the generation, but possibly of all time. Their collection of silverware at club level is unprecedented, not to mention their scoring records, however you can bet adding the Golden Boot to their respective collections will be very much part of their mindsets coming into the tournament.
That said there is plenty of quality in front of goal, with a lot of the favourites coming into the tournament in a rich vein of form. You have to think the winner will come from the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France or possibly Uruguay, a team that will go deep into the tournament, then James Rodriguez secured the boot in 2014 with his side only making the quarterfinals.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 candidates for the Golden Boot.
Golden Boot outsiders
Some decent quality outside of the bookies top 10 favourites, although much depends on how far their respective teams can go in the tournament.
Robert Lewandowski 29/1
Hard to believe there is so much quality outside the top 10 in the bookies view of who will win the Golden Boot. Robert Lewandowski at 29/1 has had a very prolific season scoring 49-goals in 54-matches during the 2017/18 season, and while he looks a decent bet, a lot will be determined by how far Poland will go in the tournament. If he can weigh in with some early group stage contributions, then who knows.
Thomas Muller 29/1
It is hard to believe the German is still only 28! He might have had an average season for Bayern, however on the big stage we know he has the temperament to deliver. In 2010 he won the Golden Boot, while last time out he finished runner-up to Rodriguez. Germany are expected to go deep into the tournament and if they do, then Muller should be up there challenging.
Kylian Mbappe 19/1
The 19-year-old Mbappe is a fantastic young talent and will get plenty of game time alongside Griezmann for the French. His scoring stats this season are not spectacular, 21 from 49, however this is a stage for him to shine and one that he is more than capable at delivering on.
Golden Boot Top 10 Favourites
The winner is very likely to come from the list below. Which player will drive their team to World Cup success and individula glory?
Luis Suarez 19/1
Suarez is never far from controversy as seen in the last two tournaments, although one can’t deny his quality in front of goal. Since the last World Cup and his move to Barcelona he has racked up an incredible 110 goals in 130 matches! Remarkable to think that during most of this period both Messi and Neymar were playing with him.
Edinson Cavani 19/1
Another goal scoring machine from Uruguay that forms a very dangerous partnership alongside Suarez. Since Ibrahimovic’s departure from PSG he has really come into his own for the French giants with 40-goals in 50-matches this season for both club and country. On the international stage he has 42 from 100, another impressive stat that makes him a tempting bet if they go deep into the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo 15/1
Prolific is an understatement when describing the five time Ballon d’Or winner. During his 15-year club career to date with Sporting, Manchester United and Real Madrid he has found the back of the net on 573-occassions from 763-matches! This season his haul of 50 from 50-games played is quite remarkable, not to mention his 81-international goals from 150-caps.
Romelu Lukaku 15/1
At just 25-years-of-age Lukaku has already amassed over 100-goals in the Premier League, and while the Manchester United forward is highly talented, one can’t help thinking the only reason he is on this list is because he plays in front of two of the very best assist players on the planet in Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard.
Harry Kane 12/1
The Spurs talisman is the very best Premier League goal scorer since Alan Shearer, but he needs to start producing this form on the big stage with more regularity. This could very well be that time considering England’s young and fearless attacking approach. For club and country, he has one of the best records in Europe this season with 46 from 53-games.
Gabriel Jesus 15/1
Much like Mbappe, Jesus is one of the young crop of exciting talent that will grace the pitches for the next few World Cup’s. The Brazilian has settled into life under Guardiola at Manchester City really well and is now starting to showcase his potential on the international stage.
Timo Werner 13/1
This guy is a superstar in the making and been key in the recent success of RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. It is only a matter of time before that big money offer comes in for him and one can’t help thinking that this summer shop window could very well be a pivotal time in his career.
Antoine Griezmann 10/1
The form of Griezmann is the key to Didier Deschamps and his French team’s aspirations this summer. His form with Atletico has been outstanding this season although he does face a huge decision about his club future, stay in Madrid or move over to Barcelona. He may have made this decision already, although if not, let’s hope it doesn’t weigh him done affect the job at hand.
Lionel Messi 10/1
Perhaps the greatest goal scorer of all time, is what we will be saying about the Argentine superstar when he finally calls time on his career. He has won everything at club level with Barcelona, and every individual accolade possible. He has enjoyed another incredible season of 48-goals in 58-games for the Catalan giants, although that debate still rages on about his lack of silverware on the international stage. So near but yet so far for Argentina in the Copa America and last time out in Brazil. Could this be Messi’s World Cup? There are many that are hoping it will be.
Neymar 7/1
Incredible to think that despite a long injury lay-off the Brazilian still comes in as favourite. Despite missing a large chunk of the 2017/18 season, he still amassed 28-goals, however his International record is quite incredible with 55-goals in 85-appearances for Brazil! He is surrounded by attacking talent and the Samba Boys are expected to at least make the final. This race could very well be between the two former Barca teammates, Neymar and Messi.
