Golden Shoe 2022-23: Haaland, Lewandowski & European football's top scorers

Manchester City knew what they were getting when snapping up Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, with the Norwegian striker boasting power and pace in abundance, and one of the most sought-after talents on the planet did not disappoint when bursting out of the blocks for the Premier League champions.

England captain Harry Kane has earned a reputation as one of the most fearsome No.9s in world football, with the Tottenham forward fully deserving of that standing among the elite as a three-time Golden Boot winner and a man with over 180 Premier League goals to his name.

A standing as the best player in world football may now be up for grabs, and Kylian Mbappe – given all that he has achieved for Paris-Saint Germain and as a World Cup winner with France – appears to be the most likely candidate to step into shoes once occupied by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been a major component in Napoli’s winning juggernaut this season. The 24-year-old has had his share of fitness issues, but he is a dynamic game-changer when he is available, and Osimhen can fire Napoli to the Scudetto if he can steer clear of injuries.

Jonathan David’s stock has been on the rise for some time, with Canada’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup set to further that cause, and it appears to be only a matter of time before the pacey forward spreads his wings outside of Ligue 1.

The Lyon legend has returned home after a spell with Arsenal and Lacazette has instantly found back his scoring boots, regardless of OL's difficult start to the season.

Since becoming a starter for Toulouse, Ben Yedder has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in football currently. For AS Monaco he has scored 15+ goals and looks well on his way to repeating the same feat this season.

New York-born, England U21 international Folarin Balogun has been held in high regard at Arsenal since he started to make a name for himself in their academy ranks, with a loan spell in France’s top flight allowing the promising youngster to unlock further potential on a prominent stage.

It was not all that long ago that Ivan Toney was strutting his stuff in League One with Peterborough United but, having helped to fire Brentford to promotion into the Premier League, he is now a top-flight star and a man that is starting to earn international recognition with England.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has already cemented a standing among the all-time greats, but he will believe that he has something to prove after choosing to walk away from the comforting surrounds of Bayern Munich and try his luck in Spain with La Liga giants Barcelona.

Niclas Fullkrug was a star turn for Werder Bremen as they secured promotion back into the Bundesliga during the 2021-22 campaign, as he hit 19 goals in the second tier, and that fine form has been maintained since returning to the big time.

Plucked from the relative obscurity of Belgian outfit Kortrijk by Lorient in October 2020, Terem Moffi is another highly-rated attacking talent from Nigeria that has set Ligue 1 alight with his remarkable exploits in the final third of the field.

Rashford has had a rollercoaster ride since Louis van Gaal promoted him to the first-team squad half a decade ago. After a tough spell in front of goal in the last couple of season, the English international has been in fine form for club and country this season, with new boss Erik ten Hag having a transformational effect on him.

The Argentina international remains one of the best attackers around in the game and his form this campaign has been crucial to keep Inter's chances of Serie A success alive early on.

Openda was a sensation for Vitesse in both the league and Europe last season with 28 goals in 50 games. He will be hoping to continue in the same vain at new club Lens and further make a name for himself amongst the biggest clubs in football today.

Diallo's excellent start to the campaign could mean that the Strasbourg striker surpasses his highest-ever tally of 12 Ligue 1 goals easily this season.

Questions have been asked of Neymar’s commitment to the collective cause, and his general end product, across an eventful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, but there has never been any doubting the Brazilian’s talent and ability to be a match-winner on any given day.

One of the greatest players of all time, is it any surprise to see Messi on this list? His move to PSG didn't go exactly as planed last season, but with his ability goals are inevitable and they are even more so when Neymar and Mbappe are your strike partners!

The Frenchman had a sensational season last time out and was attracting attention from all over Europe before signing a new contract in Germany this summer. He will be looking to repeat his 35 goals in all competitions and prove why elite clubs were tracking his progress.

Enes Unal has been a silver lining in a shambolic season for Getafe. The Turkish international has scored the maximum goals for the Spanish side this summer.

Thuram has started the 2022-23 campaign in fine form and appears to be well on his way to his best-ever season from a goal scoring perspective.

The Frenchman netted 10 times in 31 Bundesliga appearances in 2019-20, which remains his personal best to date.

It's not taken much time for Lookman to adapt to his new surroundings, with the former Leicester City striker quickly becoming Atalanta's lead marksman this season.

Embolo was once touted as one of the best talents in the world, however, wasn't able to quite fulfil his potential at previous teams. With Monaco, he will be looking to show everyone they weren't wrong about how talented he really is.

Having previously flopped in England at Stoke and Newcastle, the experienced frontman has become a regular source of goals in La Liga - with a productive spell at Alaves now being followed by another at Espanyol.

Nzola had a bit of a dud last season with only 2 league goals in the entire campaign. However, he has started this season on top form and may beat his combined total from the previous two years.

Iago Aspas may have famously failed to record a single Premier League goal during a disastrous spell in England with Liverpool, but the veteran frontman remains the most reliable of options in La Liga and is fast closing in on 200 career strikes for Celta Vigo.

Wahi continues to impress from last season for Montpellier, and could very soon attract attention from some of the bigger clubs.

Having once been a regular source of end product for Real Zaragoza and Espanyol, Borja Iglesias has showcased his keen eye for goal across a productive stint at Real Betis that has made him a model of consistency and a full senior international for Spain.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation since arriving in Napoli in July after a €10 million purchase from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi. The 21-year-old has made a habit of terrorizing opposition defences with his exhilarating mazy dribbles, sharp change of pace and venomous strikes.

Vincenzo Grifo, 29, has been in sizzling goal-scoring form for surprise-package Freiburg in Bundesliga this season.

Gabriel Martinelli has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League this season, taking his productivity in front of goal higher by a few notches. He'll be key if Mikel Arteta is to help Gunners lift their first Premier League trophy since 2004.

Serbian striker Mitrovic has attracted criticism in the past for supposed inability to translate form in the Championship – where he has always been prolific – onto a Premier League stage, but a powerful frontman is determined to silence those doubters in style.

The 2021-22 Pichichi and UEFA Champions League Golden Boot winner has had to battle with injuries in the current season, but is still among the goals as Real Madrid aim to replicate the success under Carlo Ancelotti's first season.

The Paraguayan speedster has enjoyed a remarkable redemption arc to resurrect his faltering Newcastle United career. While his work-rate, intent pressing, and defensive efforts were never in doubt, he has added goals to his game to silence his doubters.

Mohamed Salah is a name you'd expect to be in this running for the Golden Shoe every season, although not as low as he is in this list. However, he is gathering pace and upping his goalscoring form as Liverpool attempt to revive their ship in the second half of the season.

Kolo Muani caught the eyes of the world with his World Cup performance, however, his outings for Frankfurt have been even more impressive and have led to attention from big clubs.

This is the season where the boy wonder of German football went from promising youngster to regular starter at Bayern and it seems unlikely he will be losing his starting berth any time soon if he can keep up his impressive form in front of goal all season.

Rodrigo Moreno has been in electric form for Leeds United over the course of the 2022/23 campaign in a sharp upturn on his first two seasons after his £27m move from Valencia, where he struggled to find the back of the net.

Leeds haven’t been able to rely on the goals from Patrick Bamford regularly enough this season owing to form and fitness issues, heightening Rodrigo’s importance.

Once a sought-after goal machine at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Muriqi has revived his career with Spanish minnows Mallorca. His rich vein of goal-scoring form played a decisive part in the club managing to stave off relegation last season. Indeed, the fan favourite striker has carried that form into this season.

The effervescent, elusive, and dimunitive winger, Bukayo Saka, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top from the Hale End academy. Despite his tender years, the 21-year-old has continued to perform with extraordinary consistency for both club and country, having recently shone at the World Cup.

He will be looking to keep chipping in with goals and assists to help Arsenal in their Premier League title-push.

Despite his future being uncertain at the club, Morata remains one of Atletico's top performers and their current lead marksman.

The Chilean star has had a resurgence of sorts along with his club, as leads them into a title race as their leading marksman.

Dallinga has continued to be clinical in front of goal despite making the jump from the second division of Dutch football to Ligue 1 this year.

The 25 year-old Senegalese forward, Boulaye Dia continues in good form after making an impact for Unai Emery's Villarreal last season where he scored five goals and assisted another five.

Baldé has had a stellar beginning to this campaign, with the striker set to beat his best ever total with less than half the season played.

Martin Ødegaard has been at the heart of the success that Arsenal have enjoyed under Mikel Arteta this season, leading the Gunners' title charge by becoming a potent goalscorer from midfield.

Having started the season as a player who swapped between the main team and the Celta Vigo B side, the 20-year-old Spaniard is one of La Liga's breakout stars this season, thanks to his incredible eye for goal from midfield.

Terrier was Rennes' ace last time out with 21 league goals in 37 games. He has picked off right from where he ended last season and continues to be his club's leading marksman.

An eye-catching dribbler, and a ruthless finishing machine, Gouiri has been one of Rennes' best performing this season. The 21-year-old former Lyon product, renowned for his speed and trickery, has a bright future ahead of him, and is already an established Ligue 1 forward.

Maddison has been on excellent form this season and has been more or less carrying an otherwise dismal Leicester City on his back. His absence is heavily noticeable as the Foxes' performance drops down considerably.

While there were some doubts over whether Serge Gnabry could replicate his form from the previous campaigns after a slow start to the season, the German winger has quickly regained his form. With former ace Robert Lewandowski leaving this summer, he has turned up with other teammates to make up for the lack of goals.

One of the most exciting young talent in the world, let alone the Premier League, Foden is flourishing under Pep Guadiola at Manchester City. The 'Stockport Iniesta' is a deadly playmaker with an eye for goal and will certainly be a household name for years to come.

Ciro Immobile has only once dipped below 20 goals in all competitions across any given campaign for Lazio, with the Italy international frontman one of the most consistent forwards in European football and a former Golden Shoe winner from 2019-20.

Sørloth has hit the ground running in his second loan stint at Real Sociedad and could help them reach the Champions League next season.

Atletico Madrid playmaker Antoine Griezmann is enjoying his football again back at the Wanda Metropolitano after his time with Barcelona came to an early end.

The Frenchman also sparkled with France at the World Cup, as his team finished as runners-up to Argentina. The 31-year-old has been deployed deeper on the pitch in a midfield position, where he has acted as a creator-in-chief under Diego Simeone as well as a potent goal-scoring threat.

The French midfielder's future at Juventus might be filled with immense doubt, but that hasn't prevented him from being clinical in front of goal from midfield.

Paulo Dybala received a hero's welcome when he joined AS Roma from Juventus. One of the biggest signings in Roma's recent history, Dybala has proven to be a game-changer.

Beto is in red-hot form for Udinese and is their top-scorer this season as they look to impress under new manager Andrea Sottil.

Watkins has been the standout performer for Aston Villa since Unai Emery took over from Steven Gerrard. If he maintains his current momentum he could beat his previous best of 14 league goals this campaign.

Renowned for his prodigious goalscoring skills and versatility, Gaëtan Laborde has proven to be a shrewd pick by OGC Nice from fellow Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais in the summer of 2022. After a slow start, he has been firing goals for Les Aiglons on a regular-basis as they hunt European places this season.

While Leicester have underperformed for the most part this season, Barnes has maintained his standards from previous campaigns and would've reached double digits already if not for medical niggles.

The Belgian attacker has developed into one of the best attackers around in the Premier League and will be a crucial part of Brighton's push to qualify for European football this term.

Vlahovic is among the favourites to land the Serie A top scorer title and is arguably one of the best young strikers around in the game.

Manchester United were linked with a move to take former West Ham star Marko Arnautovic back to English football during the summer of 2022, and it is easy to see why as the enigmatic Austrian forward has impressed many since returning to Europe from a stint in China.

Serie A's MVP last season, the Portuguese winger continues his top form this campaign as well. He hasn't let the pressure that comes with being his side's ace and attraction from top clubs elsewhere bog him down from playing at his best.

Mattia Zaccagni was never known for his goal-scoring prowess, however, he has been clinical in front of goal at the start of this season and may double his highest goal tally if he continues this form.

Lukebakio hasn't scored 10 goals in the league since his debut season with Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2018/19. However, his start to this campaign could finally see him reach the benchmark again and in all likelihood surpass it.

A fast, tricky, and tenacious player, Karim Onisiwo has been an ever-present for FSV Mainz this season, and the 30-year-old Austrian centre-forward has been back amongst the goals lately, after enduring several disappointing goal-scoring campaigns in the German top-flight.

The Montpellier skipper is already on his way to surpassing his league total from last season, with more than half of the campaign still remaining to be played.

It took some time, but it finally came. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder-turned-striker, Oihan Sancet, has truly burst onto the scene this season as Athletic Club stake their claim for European qualification.

Sancet, 22, joined Athletic Club’s prestigious academy in 2015 and has been one of the most bright prospects on the club’s books ever since.

Choupo-Moting has been a revelation for Bayern this campaign and may save them from spending on a Robert Lewandowski upgrade if he continues his current form.

Vinícius Júnior had a scintillating 2021-22 season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, 17 of which came in the league. His drastic uptick in goalscoring will be key to Real Madrid's ambitions this season as well.

Although Niklas Fullkrug has had all the spotlight following his exploits in the Bundesliga this season, his strike partner Marvin Ducksch has been impressive too, scoring goals and supporting Fullkrug well.

Mönchengladbach's ace continues to be a problem for their opponents this season as he was in previous campaigns. Hofmann will look to beat his tally of 12 goals from the previous year.

Bought from Union Berlin for a measly €2.3m fee in the summer of 2021, Marcus Ingvartsen has proven to be a steal for FSV Mainz. He has featured reguarly for the Bundesliga outfit, and has been finding the back of the net at a respectable rate.

It hasn't taken Gregoritsch long to adapt to his new surroundings at Freiburg, and the Austrian looks well on his way to beat his previous best of 13 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign.

Not the Liverpool man you would expect in this list but Roberto Firmino has provided a spark in a season that is yet to get going for Liverpool. The Brazilian has not only scored goals, but provided a few assists for the Reds this season.

Olivier Giroud has been a player reborn even since leaving Chelsea's bench for regular football with AC Milan in Italy. The 2018 World Cup winner and France's all-time leading goal-scorer has become a protagonist in Milan's ambitions by finding the net in clutch moments.

The 36-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down, and has shown consistently that he can still operate at the highest level. 

The 21-year-old striker has been a relevation for Rennes, continuing the fine form in front of goal which he displayed in the previous two seasons at Lens.

One of the most underrated forwards in football, Dzeko continues to be clinical in front of goal despite being 37 years old and added competition from Romelu Lukaku.

Kamada has been an absolute revelation for Frankfurt and has been unstoppable times. Few people will have expected the Japan international to be this prolific, but he might be an outsider for the Bundesliga top scorer title in this form!

Demirović has adopted quickly to life at Augsburg after his free transfer from Freiburg last summer and is their top-scorer in the league.

A product of the famed academy system at Eredivise giants Ajax, Sheraldo Becker has never been the most prolific of strikers in front of goal across his career to date – with the Suriname international yet to reach double figures in any given campaign – but all of that could be about to change.

Méndez has been Real Sociedad's top performer this season. His performances have caught the eye of many elite clubs, with recent rumours suggesting interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Diaby has picked off from where he left last season this campaign, and could easily improve upon his previous high tally of 17 goals.

Ávila has already beaten his tally from the previous season, and may help Osasuna reach the Europa League in the next campagin.

While Randal Kolo Muani maybe getting all the plaudits, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been as crucial for Frankfurt this season.

A consistent goalscorer in most of the clubs he's played at, Gameiro is once again showing his clinical finishing for Strasbourg this year.

The predatory striker, who has had frustrating time with consistent injuries throughout his Premier League career, has been on fire this season, and thanks to his goals, Newcastle have elevated themselves into a genuine top-four contenders in the upper echelons of the English top-flight.

Tete, who left Lyon to join Leicester City in the winter transfer window, is a rapid left-footed winger and a strong finisher. Known for his quick feet and tricks that help him to fly past his marker like a ghost, the 22-year-old Brazilian maestro will look to help the Foxes steer clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League with his goalscoring prowess.

A goal-machine from wide areas in Serie B, Brazilian winger Gabriel Strefezza has finally translated his end product in Serie A this season, and has been shining as a chief creator and goal-scorer for newly-promoted Lecce, scoring important goals for a side looking to stay afloat in the Italian top-flight at the end of the season.

Formerly of Schalke and Brentford,Philipp Hofmann signed for newly-promoted outfit VfL Bochum in the summer transfer window, and his form in front of goals will play a decisive role in Der Blau's chances of survival in the German top-flight.

In a season where Hoffenheim are battling relegation, the club's all-time top scorer is once again leading from the front which his goals and Hoffenheim will hope the Croatian continues to produce the goods in front of goal.

Carlo Ancelotti said in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign that Valverde should always be hitting double figures with his abilities and the Uruguay international seems to have taken that feedback at heart.

After a tumultous tenure with Barcelona, Martin Braithwaite didn't have to go far to start showing his worth again in Spain, moving to cross city rivals Espanyol, where he's enjoying his football again, and scoring goals at an admirable rate.

Brandt has come under fair a bit of criticism during the early stages of his Dortmund career due to a tendency to go missing in the big games, a lack of physicality when needed, and lapses in concentration.

However, the silky playmaker has enjoyed superb for of late, and has been a amongst the goals. Known for his intelligence, vision to pull the strings, break lines and ability to make things happen, he has added strength and aggression in his game.

Solly March has always had talent, but couldn't unlock an end product from his game until this season. March is a player transformed under Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian head coach has brought the best out of March, who is in the most prolific spell of his career in front of goal.

The 20-year-old forward has been in fine goalscoring form for the Italian club this season. Hojlund is already proving his value since signing for Atalanta.

After helping Schalke regain promotion to the Bundesliga, German winger Marius Bülter has been one of their lone bright spots this season, and his goals will be key if Schalke are to avoid the drop.

After excelling in his debut season at Roma, Tammy Abraham has found life tougher in his second campaign, which saw him omitted from Gareth Southgate's Three Lions World Cup roster. However, the English hitman has rediscovered his scoring boots lately, as he looks to finish the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on a high note.

More of a physical presence in the final third that helps to bring those around him into play, Florian Sotoca has shown that he can find a way to goal himself and could be on course to post a personal best return in the current campaign.

The Italian winger's goals and on-field leadership have been key for Sassuolo as they aim to break into the top half of the Serie A table.

The diminutive right winger has been one of Rayo Vallecano's best players and is one of the protagonists behind making Rayo an exciting team in La Liga.