Top 5 Contenders for the European Golden Boot 2026: Kylian Mbappé Trails Behind

The European Golden Shoe, also known as the Golden Boot, is a prestigious football award based purely on goals scored. Unlike the Ballon d’Or, this award is straightforward: the player with the most goals wins, regardless of team success. Kylian Mbappe, for instance, secured the award in his first season at Real Madrid in 2024/25, despite his team’s disappointing performance.

As we look toward 2026, the question remains: Will Mbappe win again? Will it come at the expense of Real Madrid’s success? Or will Erling Haaland surpass him?

5. Stuttgart FW Deniz Undav

Deniz Undav is an unexpected contender. He’s transitioned from a lower division player to one of the top scorers in the Bundesliga while also being among the league’s most creative talents. With eight goals in just nine starts, Undav is proving to be an exceptional all-around player.

4. Inter Milan ST Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez currently has eight goals in 14 appearances. Though he’s a bit behind other contenders, his streaky scoring ability makes him a threat. While Inter Milan struggles without coach Simone Inzaghi, Martinez’s talent remains formidable compared to others like Ferran Torres.

3. Real Madrid CF Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has netted 18 goals, placing him just behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. While he’s a talented player, there are concerns about his contributions to team play at Real Madrid. His impressive goal tally includes padding against less competitive teams—his performance against top teams often falls short.

2. Bayern Munich ST Harry Kane

Harry Kane is arguably the best all-around striker today. His competition with Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot makes for an exciting race. With 19 goals, Kane continues to shine, although his three assists don’t fully capture his playmaking abilities and defensive effort as seen in Bayern Munich’s recent matches.

1. Manchester City ST Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland of Manchester City is in a prime position to focus solely on scoring. His potential for even more goals could increase with new signings like Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, who may enhance his assist numbers. While there may be some sharing of goals, these additions are expected to elevate Haaland’s overall performance.