Premier League's Hottest Strikers Battle for Golden Boot Glory

Following consecutive Erling Haaland victories, Mohamed Salah climbed back to the summit of the Premier League's goal-scoring rankings last campaign, with both players anticipated to compete for Golden Boot glory in 2025–26.

This accolade has been presented to the top scorer(s) in each Premier League campaign since the league's establishment in 1992.

Many of football's most prolific marksmen have showcased their skills in England, and one current superstar, Haaland, has looked set to dominate this scoring honor since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The Scandinavian scoring sensation shattered the Premier League's single-campaign goal record in his debut year and, following his defeat to Salah last term, is playing like a forward intent on regaining the prestigious individual trophy.

Here's an examination of the 2025–26 Premier League Golden Boot competition.

5. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Matches Played: 11
Goals: 6

Jean Philippe-Mateta's performances in south London have secured him a much-deserved selection for the French national squad at 28 years old.

A true Premier League stalwart who arrived too late to be officially recognized as such, Mateta had an outstanding goal-scoring campaign in 2024–25 and recorded his second Premier League treble during Crystal Palace's thrilling 3–3 stalemate with Bournemouth in October.

4. Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Matches Played: 11
Goals: 6

The experienced forward had never reached double figures for goals in a Premier League season until innovative German manager Fabian Hürzeler arrived.

Following his ten-goal haul in the league for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, Welbeck appears set to surpass that figure in 2025–26. There have even been suggestions of an England return, having last represented his nation in 2018.

3. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Matches Played: 11
Goals: 6

Antoine Semenyo experienced a few subdued performances heading into the November international break and was at fault for squandering a spot-kick in Bournemouth's 4–0 loss at Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, the dynamic and adaptable winger has been among the campaign's standout performers, with his powerful shooting ability from either foot surprising numerous goalkeepers.

2. Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Matches Played: 11
Goals: 8

Following an injury-plagued first season, Brentford are now benefiting from Igor Thiago's contributions.

Brought in as Ivan Toney's successor, Thiago lacks the creative prowess Toney displayed in west London, but the Brazilian is a clinical finisher who possesses an instinct for finding scoring positions.

The Bees' opportunistic striker is currently positioned to challenge the two-time champion.

1. Erling Haaland (Man City)

Matches Played: 11
Goals: 14

It's been another remarkable beginning to a Premier League campaign for Erling Haaland, who appears destined to claim a third Golden Boot.

Manchester City had been completely dependent on his clinical finishing early in the season, but recent displays indicate Pep Guardiola's team are rediscovering their dominant collective rhythm. They will be contenders in the title race, and Haaland's goals will be crucial.

At this pace (1.27 goals per match), Haaland will surpass his record from 2022–23.

Last Five Premier League Golden Boot Winners

Premier League Golden Boot History

The early era of Premier League football was characterized by the 4-4-2 formation and domestic goal scorers, with the initial seven Golden Boots claimed by English players.

Nevertheless, international talent began making its mark toward the late 90s, and the wealth of overseas quality imported this century means Harry Kane remains the sole England international to capture the Premier League Golden Boot since 2001.

The league's second-highest all-time scorer has triumphed three times, with only Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah (four victories) claiming the award more frequently. The Egyptian secured a fourth triumph during Liverpool's championship run last season.

Kane matched Alan Shearer's three victories in 2021, with Shearer being one of only two players to earn the honor for different clubs. Robin van Persie is the other, achieving it in consecutive seasons; initially with Arsenal, then Manchester United.

Michael Owen, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, Didier Drogba and Haaland have also captured the Golden Boot on multiple occasions. Both of Owen's victories involved sharing the award, which has occurred five times, most recently between Salah and Son Heung-min in 2021–22.

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