Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

Who has scored the most goals at a World Cup without winning the Golden Boot?

Jairzinho scores for Brazil in the 1970 World Cup final
Jairzinho scores for Brazil in the 1970 World Cup final, taking his tournament tally to seven. Photograph: Kurt Strumpf/AP

“Who has scored the most goals at a World Cup finals without winning the Golden Boot?” asks Sam Edwards.

With Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé already on six goals and leading an elite bunch in the 2026 race, we may well see the men’s record broken this summer. As it stands, Messi shares the record – as if he needs another one – with the Brazil great Jairzinho.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.