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Which players are in line to win the FIFA Golden Boot at Qatar 2022?

As the World Cup approaches, predictions from fans and pundits alike have started on all things Qatar 2022. The Golden Boot is arguably the most prestigious individual accolade available to players in the competition – here is a look at some of the front runners to win it.

Harry Kane (England)


It would only make sense to start this list with the current holder of the award. England captain and Golden Boot winner Harry Kane led his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup before a defeat to Croatia in extra time. This heartbreak for the Three Lions was overtaken by further disappointment at Euro 2020, this time on penalties in the final to Italy. Despite failures at the team level, Kane himself consistently performs on the biggest stages, finishing joint-second in the Euro 2020 Golden Boot race

It is this international prowess that has granted Kane World Cup odds from Paddy Power of 7/1 to be awarded the FIFA Golden Boot for the second successive tournament. His international record, combined with a fine start to 2022/23 at club level with Tottenham, places him at the top of pundits’ World Cup predictions for the competition’s top scorer, regardless of England’s team performances. Nevertheless, Southgate’s side will have to reach the latter stages if Kane is to be in with a chance.



Karim Benzema (France)


After a period of international isolation that kept him out of Euro 2016 and France’s victorious World Cup 2018 campaign, Karim Benzema returned with intent at Euro 2020 by finishing joint-second alongside Kane, with four goals to his name. The 34-year-old followed this up with a joint-first place finish among scorers of the UEFA Nations League, and many believe it is inevitable he will go one step further in Qatar.

The reasoning behind such thinking goes beyond Benzema’s qualities at the international level. The Frenchman is in line to win the Ballon d’Or 2022 following his stellar performances at Real Madrid. He helped Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last season, with a staggering 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games. As a result, Paddy Power has him at 12/1 to finish Qatar 2022 as the top scorer, as France looks to defend their world title.



Neymar (Brazil)


Perhaps a surprise entry on this list for his performances at club level, the quality and commitment that Neymar brings to his national team cannot be underestimated. In his 121 caps for A Seleção, the 30-year-old has scored an impressive 75 goals, helping his nation win the 2013 Confederations Cup, as well as Olympic Gold in 2016.

Following defeat in the Copa America 2021 final to rivals Argentina, Neymar will be hoping to take Brazil back to the top of the world stage for the first time since 2002.

Being the tournament’s leading scorer will certainly help, for which Paddy Power gives odds equal to Karim Benzema at 12/1. In a team stacked full of creative talent, it seems Brazil will have plenty of opportunities to score goals. It remains to be seen whether Neymar will be the one scoring them.



As England, France and Brazil battle it out for the world title, their main men up top will quietly be eyeing up the tournament’s coveted individual prize. Other nations will of course have their say, however, as Qatar 2022 is set to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory.