Heading into the second half of the season, Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool are duking it out for the 2024-25 season’s Golden Boot winner. Other hopefuls hot on their heels are Alexander Isak of Newcastle, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford.
It’s been an unpredictable term so far, and all the five leading Golden Boot contenders stand a chance of finishing the season at the top of the rankings. Let’s dive in and review their journey and their chances with over 18 games remaining.
MOHAMED SALAH (LIVERPOOL)
Mohamed Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s position at the top of the table in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. With 18 goals, he’s leading the scoring charts, and the right winger has chipped in on the creative front with 13 assists.
Liverpool are title favorites mainly due to Salah’s contributions, and they show no signs of slowing down. The allure of leaving Anfield with the Premier League trophy in his last season will no doubt drive Salah to fight to the end for the Golden Boot.
ERLING HAALAND (MANCHESTER CITY)
Having won the Golden Boot in the last two seasons, Erling Haaland is looking to make it three in a row and record a feat that only Alan Shearer has achieved. His 16 goals put him two behind Mohamed Salah. The Norwegian striker will hope for a better second of the season to seal the top scorer competition.
Haaland has experienced a dip in form that coincided with Manchester City’s struggles. After going seven matches with only a single goal, he bounced back towards the end of 2024 and has registered three in his last two games.
Haaland’s chances at the Golden Boot will largely depend on City’s form. He’ll hope his teammates step it up and keep up their positive performances to ensure he gets the chances to add to his tally.
ALEXANDER ISAK (NEWCASTLE UNITED)
A surprise contender is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has 13 goals so far. With a conversion rate of 24%, Isak has proven to be a clinical goalscorer. We can expect him to thrive even with the limited chances created for him. For context, Haaland’s conversion rate is 20%.
The Magpies’ favorite has earned the right to be in the race for the Golden Boot this season. His cause has been strengthened by Newcastle’s upturn in form, with Eddie Howe’s charges closing in on the top four at the halfway point of the season.
COLE PALMER (CHELSEA)
In this list filled with strikers, Cole Palmer is the only midfielder with a good chance of competing for the Golden Boot. The Chelsea player has 13 goals so far this season and will hope his good form continues as the term progresses.
The Manchester City academy graduate has been instrumental in Chelsea’s surprise performances this season, which see them in the top four. He’s in the conversation for the Golden Boot race this season, albeit as an outsider.
BRYAN MBEUMO (BRENTFORD)
Bryan Mbeumo has capably stepped up to fill the gap that Ivan Toney left when he departed for the Saudi Pro League. His 13 goals so far (0.65 goals per 90) place him in the top percentile of Premier League goalscorers.
The pacey forward’s contributions have primarily come at home. Should Thomas Frank’s men maintain their good home form, Mbeumo will be a long-shot pick for the Golden Boot.
THE UPSHOT
Despite his goal drought towards the end of 2024, Erling Haaland remains the favourite for the Golden Boot. The will, however, largely depend on whether Manchester City maintain churning out positive performances.
Mohamed Salah has the headstart that gives him the chance to finish as top scorer. He’ll be a formidable challenger to Haaland, and given Liverpool’s fortunes so far, he’s in a good position.
Beyond the pair, Cole Palmer, Alexander Isak, and Bryan Mbeumo are outside picks that stand to benefit from the EPL’s unpredictability. They’ll make sure the Golden Boot race remains a thriller down to the wire.
