The 2020/21 season has reached the business end and the race for the European Golden Shoe is already heating up. Although Robert Lewandowski leads the scoring charts, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are catching up with the Bayern Munich striker. Here are the top 6 standings.
Robert Lewandowski – 36 goals
Lewandowski has been in terrific form this season, racking up 36 goals in Bundesliga and his overall goal and assist tally has crossed 50 in all competitions. After ending up third in the Golden boot race last season, the Polish international is on course to win the award this time around. Perhaps, Lewandowski averages more than a goal per game this season despite missing out around six games due to a ligament injury. With only three games left in Bundesliga, the 32-year-old will look to add a few more goals to get his hands at his first-ever Golden shoe.
Lionel Messi – 28 goals
Many would have played down Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi after an uncharacteristic start to the season. But it took only around four months from the start of this year for the six-time Ballon d’Or to get back to his usual best. It can be argued that no player has been as productive as Messi in 2021 – 26 goals and 9 assists. Currently sitting at the top of the La Liga scoring charts with 28 goals, Messi is separated by eight goals from Lewandowski in the Golden shoe rankings. Although the distance looks so large with only a few games left, Messi can’t be ruled out of the equation at any moment and we all know that it will only take a little Messi magic for him to reach the top. Having won the European Golden shoe more than any player in history (5 times), there couldn’t be anyone better than Messi to know how to scrape this award.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 27 goals
Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo ended up short in the last season’s golden boot race, losing to Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who lifted the award for the first time in his career. Ronaldo has been once again impressive for an otherwise out of sorts Old Lady this term. Scoring 27 goals in 30 Serie A appearances, the Portuguese has still got four games left to better his tally.
Erling Haaland – 25 goals
Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has grown into one of the most sought-after players in Europe, thanks to his surreal goal scoring form this season. The Norwegian youngster has also been tipped to take the mantle from modern-day greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and it alone serves as a testimony of how good he has become.
He was part of great transfer drama, orchestrated by his agent Mino Raiola, as most of the big clubs are ready to outdo others, to sign him.
Andre Silva – 25 goals
Frankfurt striker Andre Silva has been a surprise package this season after scoring 25 goals in Bundesliga thus far – his career-best tally. The Portuguese international has pushed himself to be around in the discussion of Europe’s finest players this season. Silva’s form has helped Frankfurt to be in contention for the top-four race.
Kylian Mbappe – 25 goals
The Paris Saint Germain striker had an average season in Ligue 1, but that was enough for him to rank as top goal-scorer in Europe. The Frenchman is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and was not in starting eleven for PSG again crucial UCL semifinals against Manchester City.
His contract situation at PSG, is not yet settled, but we can expect some action time with Paris club, before Euro.
