New Delhi: As the FIFA World Cup is coming close to the end, the buzz around the top goal scorer and the Golden Boot has begun. The top goal scorer of FIFA’s most elite tournament gets the Golden Boot. The fight for the award is getting tighter as the tournament has entered the semi-finals stage where only four teams will compete for the top two spots.
Overall, German player Miroslav Klose with his 16 goals in the FIFA World Cups, holds the record for the most number of goals in the tournament while among the current players Thomas Muller is at the top.
In the Qatar World Cup, French forward Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals. Check out the list of 5 players at the top:
1. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has scored five goals and two assists in five games in the tournament and is in his top form. He is one of the big reasons why France made it to the semis and is eyeing the trophy now. He has four goals in the 2018 World Cup and five goals in just six games during the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers to his name. The PSG forward is known for his high speed on the field and has played an attacking brand of football. With his team still in the tournament, he is one of the top contenders for the Golden Boot.
2. Lionel Messi
Argentina’s captain and star player Lionel Messi is second on the list with four goals and two assists. He has a total of nine World Cup goals and is undoubtedly a legend of the game. His tactical skills and good aim have made him one of the top contenders for the Golden Boot. While his fans want him to lift the World Cup trophy this year, a Golden Boot along with it would just add to the celebrations.
3. Olivier Giroud
With four goals in the Qatar World Cup, this has been the tournament of the French player Olivier Giroud. He also became France’s leading goal scorer during the round of 16 game and made his team book a spot in the semis with an amazing header against England. He has been a late bloomer, but now when he has arrived, the Golden Boot awaits him.
4. Richarlison
Brazil’s Richarlison has scored three goals in four goals and who can forget his bicycle/scissor kick in the tournament? With Brazil’s unexpected exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022, the 25-year-old’s dream to win the Golden Boot this year has been shattered. While his goals will not be forgotten, there is another Brazilian legend in making.
5. Goncalo Ramos
It took just a single game for Goncalo Ramos to score a total of three goals. He scored the first hat trick of the Qatar World Cup while playing against Switzerland in the round of 16 match. He is having a fine year as playing for Benfica in the Primeira Liga (Portuguese League), he has been the top scorer with nine goals in 11 games. Portugal’s heartbreaking exit from the tournament has finished his chance of getting his hands on the Golden Boot.
