Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at Russia 2018
(Picture: Getty Images)The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is now upon us as the game’s leading players take to the biggest tournament in sport.
While one player clearly does not make a team, the battle for the Golden Boot is always one of the most fascinating to keep a track of.
Harry Kane led the way in Russia four years ago and is the favourite to do so again as England look to improve on their semi-final finish in 2018.
Still, Kane is not only the only marksman in the running for the iconic award.
Here’s a look at the runners and riders for the Golden Boot award.
Cristiano Ronaldo
His future at Manchester United may be up in the air but the 37-year-old remains a key player for Portugal. Ronaldo has scored 117 times for his country, a world record in men’s international football, and he would love to win the Golden Boot in what is likely to be his last World Cup. He will feel he has a point to prove following his extraordinary interview with Piers Morgan in which he attacked United, and will see the tournament as a shop window as he bids to leave Old Trafford and join a new club in the January transfer window.
International goals: 117
World Cup goals: 7
Kylian Mbappe
Four years after electrifying the last World Cup as a teenager, Mbappe forms a fearsome frontline with Karim Benzema for defending champions France. The 23-year-old is arguably the best player in the world, but his tournament build-up has been full of off-field issues. Mbappe is intent on leaving Paris Saint-Germain amid tension with the club and Mathias Pogba has alleged his brother Paul tried to "curse" Mbappe via a witch doctor. But Mbappe has scored 39 goals this season and his pace will strike fear into opposition defences.
International goals: 28
World Cup goals: 4
Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid striker is looking to cap a fine year in which he has won the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and La Liga. Benzema turns 35 the day after the final next month but is still one of the deadliest marksmen in the world. After missing France’s win in 2018 during a six-year international exile, he will be determined to make his mark in Qatar. Benzema has struggled with his fitness this season, but he insists he is ready, and his heroics in the Champions League last season show he is a man for the big occasion.
International goals: 28
World Cup goals: 2
Lionel Messi
At 35, this could be his last World Cup, so he is desperate to get his hands on the one trophy that has so far eluded him. Messi had a disappointing tournament in 2018, as Argentina crashed out in the last 16, but they are a much-improved team. Messi guided them to the Copa America last year and that triumph has lifted a weight of international failure off his shoulders. The hope in Argentina is Messi will have his best World Cup, and he warmed up by scoring as they beat the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in their final warm-up match yesterday.
International goals: 91
World Cup goals: 6
Neymar
With 75 international goals, he is just two behind Pele’s record as Brazil’s all-time goalscorer. Neymar will expect to beat that total in Qatar, but there is still a sense he is yet to produce his best on the biggest stage of all. Now 30, this could be his last World Cup and, like in 2014 and 2018, expectation will be huge. But a Brazil team with a wealth of young attacking talent will take some weight off his shoulders. Neymar has also built up a brilliant understanding with West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta and the two look to play off each other.
International goals: 75
World Cup goals: 6
World Cup 2022 Golden Boot winner latest odds
Harry Kane: 7/1
Kylian Mbappe: 7/1
Lionel Messi: 10/1
Neymar: 11/1
Lautaro Martinez: 18/1
Cristiano Ronaldo: 20/1
Memphis Depay: 20/1
