The Golden Boot is the prize awarded to top scorer of each edition of the World Cup and was awarded for the first time in the World Cup of Spain, in 1982although the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) usually retrospectively recognizes the top scorers of the eleven previous editions.
According to FIFA, due to errors in the records of the first 11 tournaments, there are discrepancies about the figures of some players, especially regarding the number of goals scored by the Czech Oldřich Nejedlý in Italy in 1934, the Brazilian Leônidas da Silva in France in 1938 and the Croatian Dražan Jerković in Chile in 1962.
An example of this is that, during the World Cup Germany 2006FIFA officially recognized a fifth goal from Oldrich Nejedly more than seven decades later. With this, the left wing of Czechoslovakia became the only top scorer of the World Cup held in Italy 1934a tournament that the hosts won.
This is because, as a curious fact, only twice has the Golden Boot winner managed to win the World Cup: the Italian Paolo Rossiin the World Cup Spain 82and the Brazilian Ronaldoin the edition of Korea-Japan of the 2002. Therefore, more than two decades have passed since the top scorer was crowned champion.
The candidates for the Golden Boot of the 2026 World Cup
10. Folarin Balogun – United States
The forward of AS Monaco, France, and the United States national team, Folarin Balogunstands out for his speed, mobility, scoring instinct and definition. Furthermore, the 24-year-old attacker is characterized by being a modern footballer, with agility and techniquewhich could help the US in its first three group stage matches.
9. Luis Díaz – Colombia
The Colombian Luis Diaz He is a left winger with great technique and speed, recognized internationally, mainly in Germany and England, for his imbalance in one-on-one, his ability to make defensive sacrifices, his scoring nosehis tactical discipline and his style of play boldso it is lethal in short spaces.
8. Vinícius Júnior – Brazil
The left end of the real Madrid and the Brazilian team, Vinícius Juniorstands out internationally for his speed, his dribbling and his finishing ability. Likewise, in addition to scoring goals, the 26-year-old Brazilian stands out for his ability to assist and attract brandswhich generates more spaces for all his colleagues.
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7. Julián Álvarez – Argentina
The Argentinian Julian Alvarez He is a forward recognized in Spain and England for his constant mobility, defensive pressure and association capacity. The attacker of Atlético de Madrid It also stands out for its tactical intelligence to attack spaces, his definition in the area and his versatility to serve as an offensive reference.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
The Portuguese Christian Ronaldo is a footballer known for his scoring ability, work ethic and competitive mentality. Likewise, the Portuguese stands out for his speed, vertical jump, handling of both legs and physical and mental discipline at 41 years old, qualities which have led him to win multiple titles, including five Champions Leagues.
5. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Considered one of the best footballers of history, the Argentine Lionel Messi He is famous for his left leg, his agilityhis vision of the game and his ability to dribble in small spaces, since his control allows him to keep the ball glued to his foot even when he runs at maximum speed and dodges multiple defenders.
4. Mikel Oyarzabal – Spain
The Spanish footballer Mikel Oyarzabal stands out for performing at a high level as much as center forward like on the left wing. The one born in Guipuzcoa He contributes goals, assists and defensive work thanks to his left-footed technical profile, tactical intelligence and association capacity, both with the Spanish national team and with the Royal Society.
3. Erling Haaland – Norway
The Norwegian Erling Haaland He is a center forward recognized in Germany and England for his physique, speed, starting power and finishing ability. Given this situation, among the main characteristics of the attacker of the Manchester City highlight their scoring instinct inside the area, his long stride and his effectiveness in front of the arch.
2. Kylian Mbappé – France
The Real Madrid player and captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappéis a forward recognized in Spain for his speed, dodge and ability to define in front of the goal, since the Frenchman combines physical conditions and a technical and tactical evolution that have consolidated him among the most featured of his generation.
1. Harry Kane – England
the english Harry Kane He is a center forward recognized in Germany for his scoring instinct, technique and tactical intelligence to delay his position and generate play. At Bayern Munich he combines a good aerial game with precision in shooting with both legs, which is why he does not respond to the profile of the center forward traditional static.
