FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Race

• Valencia and Mbappe Currently lead as the Top Scorers
• The Golden Boot is every striker’s dream
• More Goalscorers fight to be at the top to win the shiny boot

With the second round of games being played and teams trying to assert dominance in this year’s Qatar 2022 World Cup, players have stood out from the rest. With the potential to win the shiny golden boot award at the end of the tournament.

Here at SportLeo, we look at the top goal scorers in the Group Stage so far.

Golden Boot Records

The top footballers in the world, including some footballing icons, will compete in Qatar 2022 for the coveted title.

Germany’s Thomas Muller, who is competing in Qatar, has scored 10 goals in four World Cups, the most of any player (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022).

Miroslav Klose, a fellow German who scored 16 goals in four seasons, owns the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014).

Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who has 15 goals to his credit, is Klose’s closest rival.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal opened his account in 2006 and became the first player to score in five straight World Cups at the FIFA World Cup 2022. In the opening match against Ghana, the striker converted a penalty kick for his first goal in Qatar. Ronaldo currently has eight goals.

The record for the most goals scored by a male player in international football belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo.

With seven goals each in FIFA World Cup games, Luis Suarez of Uruguay and Lionel Messi of Argentina are not far behind.

Each game saw an average of more than two goals scored in each of the 21 previous FIFA World Cups.

1. Enner Valencia – Ecuador| 3 Goals

With a brace against the hosts Qatar, Enner Valencia made his World Cup debut and led Ecuador to a 2-0 victory. If not for VAR overturning a goal, he might have scored three goals.

After the first half, he instantly equalized for Ecuador against the Netherlands to extend his amazing scoring streak.

Enner Valencia scores a Penalty. |PHOTO: Sky Sports|

2. Kylian Mbappe – France| 3 Goals

Against Denmark, the French superstar scored his second and third goals of the competition, passing Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, who had also scored three goals in two games.

Mbappe scored both of his team’s goals in a victory over Denmark, advancing France to the Round of 16. That occurred the day after Valencia scored a goal to tie the score against No. 8-ranked Netherlands, though there are concerns regarding the former Premier League forward’s right knee injury.

3. Cody Gakpo – Netherlands| 2 Goals

In the crucial Group A matchup with Ecuador, Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead with a brilliant finish before Valencia’s equalizer, giving the Netherlands two for the World Cup group stages thus far.

4. Richarlison – Brazil| 2 Goals

Richarlison started the game as the number 9 in Brazil’s four-man assault but struggled to make an impact due to the tenacious Serbian defence. But his goal, which came off the Serbian goalkeeper’s rebound following Vini Jr.’s strike, gave the Brazilians a 1-0 lead in the match.

He collected Vini Jr.’s ball into the box mid-air and delivered a strong overhead kick for his second goal, giving Brazil a 2-0 advantage.

Brazil celebrates Richarlison’s Goal. |PHOTO: FIFA|

5. Olivier Giroud – France| 2 Goals

France won their first game against Australia thanks to Giroud’s two goals. He is currently tied with Thierry Henry for the most goals scored in the nation and could soon surpass the former Arsenal player to make history.

6. Ferran Torres – Spain| 2 Goals

Ferran Torres, a Spanish forward, scored a brace in a decisive victory in the opening game. In Spain’s opening game, Torres displayed outstanding form as he converted a penalty and added a stunning goal to bring his goal tally to 2.

7. Bukayo Saka – England|2 Goals

Bukayo Saka made an impressive World Cup debut by scoring twice against Iran. England won their first game 6-2 thanks to the winger’s two outstanding goals in either half.

8.  M.Taremi – Iran| 2 Goals

While Iran couldn’t do much against England’s domination, their frontman Taremi managed to get a brace against 2018’s semi-finalists. A rousing finish off the cross-bar and a penalty helped the striker reduce the deficit marginally.

9. Lionel Messi – Argentina| 2 Goals

Messi celebrates goal against Mexico. |PHOTO: Goal|

While Lionel Messi’s well-taken penalty against Saudi Arabia gave him his first World Cup point, it wasn’t enough to keep Argentina from losing their opening match.

He added his second of the tournament after scoring a long-range screamer to inspire Argentina in a much-needed win against Mexico.