Who will win the Premier League’s Golden Boot?

While the hunt for the Premier League title dominates much of the discussion among football circles, the race for the English top-flight’s Golden Boot award could prove just as intriguing this season.

With recent winners still in their prime, coupled with a blockbuster summer transfer window that has seen some of the world’s best attacking players grace English shores, this season could be the most competitive Golden Boot race for quite some time.

With that in mind, read on as we dissect some of the favorites to take home the esteemed award.

Erling Haaland

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is one of the best bets to win the Golden Boot. The Norwegian scored the most league goals in each of his first two seasons with the Sky Blues – doing so with 36 and 27 goals respectively.

Despite scoring 22 league goals last season while dealing with injury issues, Haaland lit up the pre-season and in his first league game of 2025-26, with the 25-year-old netting a brace in City’s 4-0 win over Wolves on opening day. 

If he stays fit in Pep Guardiola’s high-powered attack, he’s poised to reclaim the Golden Boot.

Mohamed Salah

Salah is looking to defend his 2024-25 Golden Boot crown, which saw him finish with 29 goals. It marked the fourth time in his career that he had won the award, putting him level with Thierry Henry for the most in Premier League history.

Salah picked up from where he left off at the start of the season – with the Egypt international getting on the scoresheet in Liverpool’s opener against Bournemouth – with the electric winger finding the back of the net with a classy and calculated finish in the 94th minute.

However, his participation may be disrupted by the Africa Cup of Nations (Dec 2025–Jan 2026), which is set to cost him several league matches.

Viktor Gyokeres

After multiple seasons of contending for titles without any silverware to show for it, Arsenal finally made the decision to spend big on a striker. After a breakout year from the Swede, the north London club signed Viktor Gyokeres on a deal worth up to £73 million.

Gyokeres’ signing was further proof of how the market shifts after team news breaks – with the Gunners shortening in the football odds once his acquisition was announced.

It’s understandable as to why – as Gyokeres scored 54 goals across all competitions for Sporting CP – and in doing so – established himself as one of the most sought-after strikers on the market.

Can he replicate that form in the Premier League? Or will the step up in competition prove too steep? Arsenal fans will take plenty of confidence from his outing against Leeds United in late August – a game in which he bagged a double.

Hugo Ekitike

One to keep an eye on is Liverpool recruit Hugo Ekitike. While Florian Wirtz was the signing that made most of the headlines for the Merseyside club, Ekitike could prove just as valuable an addition.

Many fans and pundits already consider Ekitike to be one of the most talented players in the league, which was on full display in Liverpool’s aforementioned win over Bournemouth. The Frenchman registered a goal and an assist in his side’s win – a performance that is likely to strike fear into many of his opponents.