As Euro 2024 draws to a conclusion tonight with England taking on Spain in the final, who have been the most prolific goal scorers of the tournament so far?
Ivan Schranz
Slovakian forward Schranz is one of the six joint top scorers of the tournament so far, having scored three goals.
Heading into the tournament, Schranz had only registered three goals for his country, with the last coming almost three years ago back in October 2021.
However, the 30-year-old had a brilliant tournament before his country was knocked out by England in the Round of 16, scoring an impressive three goals in four games to double his goal tally for his country.
The Slavia Prague player has made a name for himself during the tournament, showcasing his ability to step up in big games with crucial goals against the likes of Belgium, Ukraine and England.
Georges Mikautadze
Georgian striker Mikautadze played an important role in helping his country reach the Round of 16, in Georgia’s first-ever European Championship appearance.
Mikautadze continued his excellent club form on the international stage, having scored 14 goals in 22 games on loan at Metz from Ajax last season.
Goals against Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal saw the 23-year-old end the group stages as top scorer, as Georgia booked their spot in the knockout stages. However, Mikautadze was unable to continue his goalscoring form as the Georgians suffered a 4-1 defeat to finalists Spain in the Round of 16.
After impressing at the Euros Mikautadze is set to leave Ajax this summer, with Roma, Monaco and West Ham all reportedly interested in signing the player.
Jamal Musiala
Germany wonderkid Musiala is another player who grasped his opportunity at the Euros, impressing on the international stage.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young players in Europe, having become a key player for Bayern Munich and Germany.
The midfielder, who represented England at youth level but eventually opted to represent the country he was born in, netted his first goal of the tournament in Germany’s emphatic 5-1 win over Scotland in the opening fixture of the tournament.
Musiala then went on to double his goal tally with a goal against Hungary, before scoring his final goal of the tournament when he put the host nation 2-0 up against Denmark in the Round of 16.
The Germans were cruelly knocked out by a 119th-minute winning goal in extra-time from Spain’s Mikel Merino in the quarter-final, putting an end to Musiala’s tournament. However, it is clear the youngster has a bright future ahead.
Cody Gakpo
Liverpool winger Gakpo was a standout performer for the Netherlands during the Euros before the Dutch were knocked out by a late winner from England substitute Ollie Watkins in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old scored his first goal of the tournament in the Netherlands’ first fixture of the tournament against Poland, before scoring his second goal of the group stage against Ralf Ragnick’s Austria.
The Dutch winger also scored in what was arguably the Netherlands’ best performance of the tournament, a convincing 3-0 win over Romania in the Round of 16.
Gakpo will be hoping to continue his excellent goalscoring form for Liverpool next season, playing under the guidance of new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
Despite the players listed above currently holding the position of joint top scorers of the competition so far, they will not take home the Golden Boot trophy.
This is due to the rule that if players are tied on the most goals in the competition, the trophy is awarded to the player who has registered the most assists in the tournament. If this is also tied, it will come down to which player has played the fewest minutes in the tournament.
All of these players registered no more than one assist in the tournament before being knocked out. Spain’s Dani Olmo is currently on the same goal tally as these players, with three goals scored at the tournament so far, however, he has registered two assists.
This ensures that the Golden Boot will be awarded to a player from England or Spain, with the Golden Boot up for grabs heading into the final. So, who looks most likely to win the trophy?
Dani Olmo
Spanish midfielder Olmo is in prime position to take home the Golden Boot, having registered three goals and two assists at the tournament so far.
The RB Leipzig midfielder started most games on the bench in the early stages of the tournament, coming on in the second half and making an impact. This is exactly what he did against Georgia when he came on to score his first goal of the tournament in La Roja’s 4-1 Round of 16 victory.
From the quarter-final onwards, Olmo has flourished in Luis de la Fuente’s side.
After an injury to Pedri early in the quarter-final win against Spain, Olmo replaced the Barcelona midfielder and has become a key player in the Spain starting 11, having scored an important goal in the quarter-final and another in the semi-final against France.
After his outstanding displays in the knockout stages, Olmo could be set for a move this summer. The Spaniard currently has a £50M release clause which is set to expire on Monday, and according to Sky Sports, several clubs in the Premier League and La Liga are ready to pounce for the midfielder.
However, his sights will first be set on helping his nation win a fourth European Championship title, more than any other country.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is also in with a chance of securing the Golden Boot on Sunday night.
The Bayern Munich and England striker has not looked his sharpest at Euro 2024, however, he has not failed to do what he does best – score goals.
His first came in one of two draws England picked up in the group stages, a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
The England captain then scored his second goal of the tournament with a header in extra-time to give England a win over Slovakia in the Round of 16.
The 30-year-old also scored a crucial goal in England’s 2-1 win over Netherlands on Wednesday, making no mistake from the penalty spot to level proceedings after the Dutch took the lead through Xavi Simons.
After his goal on Wednesday, Kane now has more knockout stage goals (9) in World Cup/Euros than any other player. The goal was also the former Spurs striker’s 7th European Championship goal, tying Alan Shearer for the most in England’s history.
Kane will no doubt have aspirations of winning the Golden Boot in mind heading into Sunday, as the Three Lions look to win the men’s European Championship for the first time.
Other Contenders
Despite Olmo and Kane being the clear front runners to win the Golden Boot heading into the final, they are not the only players in contention to win it.
England’s Jude Bellingham and Spain’s Fabian Ruiz are close behind on two goals each and could be in with a chance of winning the Golden Boot should they find the back of the net in the final.
Fabian Ruiz is best placed to win it out of the two midfielders, having registered two assists so far at the tournament.
Who do you think will win the Golden Boot?
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