Home of football statistics and historyThe 2024/25 Golden Boot race lacked the nail-biting drama that punters and fans typically crave, as Liverpool’s ever-reliable Mohamed Salah led the scoring charts from start to finish—defying most bookmakers’ odds.
Football betting markets, both in the UK and internationally, including platforms like casino New Zealand online sportsbooks, had heavily favoured Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to retain his crown. Yet, the Norwegian superstar settled for third place, outscored by Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
It was a season that stunned casual bettors and seasoned gamblers alike. Haaland, who started as the odds-on favourite at nearly every major online casino and sportsbook, delivered his lowest tally since joining the Premier League—an outcome that shifted betting lines significantly across the board.
Meanwhile, Salah—viewed by many betting analysts as a longshot—delivered a masterclass, winning over fans and frustrating tipsters who’d placed early-season bets elsewhere. His 28-goal haul at age 32 lit up prediction markets and betting forums around the world.
Bryan Mbeumo and Chris Wood were the only two other Premier League stars to hit a 20-goal landmark in a season dominated by unexpected breakout performers and underachieving heavy hitters.
Mbeumo’s dazzling performances have attracted interest from Manchester United, while Wood came close to helping Nottingham Forest secure a seat at Europe’s top table.
Perhaps a switch to Old Trafford could establish the Cameroon international as a genuine Golden Boot candidate in 2025/26, with Express Sport claiming the transfer rests on Ruben Amorim.
Without further ado, let’s look at the five best picks for next season.
#1 Erling Haaland – clear-cut favourite
It’s hard to look past the Norwegian powerhouse for the award, even though he and Man City were not up to their high standard for the best part of the 2024/25 season.
Haaland’s 22-goal haul was a far cry from his record-breaking exploits in 2022/23. Yet it’s worth noting that he has achieved a 20+ goals milestone in all three seasons in the Premier League.
As such, he remains the natural choice, with Pep Guardiola and his squad determined to bounce back after failing to win a trophy last season for the first time since 2016/17.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund star’s knack for stat-padding in the games the Cityzens dominate ensures he consistently boosts his numbers, making him a standout contender for the prize.
#2 Mohamed Salah – evergreen contender
Salah turned 33 in June, and while he enters the autumn of his playing career, few would dare to bet against him.
While not beyond the realms of possibility, it would be shocking if the former Chelsea winger didn’t challenge Haaland’s Golden Boot credentials.
Staying fit would probably be Salah’s biggest challenge. Otherwise, his sharpness and consistency are likely to set him apart as one of the league’s most lethal finishers once again.
Liverpool’s title defence will, in all likelihood, hinge on him, and the Egyptian superstar is nothing if not unplayable when it matters most.
#3 Alexander Isak – genuine candidate
Although the odds were heavily stacked against him before last season’s kick-off, Isak fared outstandingly, helping Newcastle secure Champions League qualification for the second time in three years.
With 23 goals and six assists, Isak contributed directly to 42.6% of the Magpies’ Premier League goals last term, emerging as one of the division’s fiercest attacking threats.
The 2024/25 campaign wasn’t just a one-off as the 25-year-old Swede bagged 21 goals the previous year, solidifying his reputation as a dependable and prolific striker.
Whether the third time could be the charm remains to be seen, but with his proven track record and growing experience, Isak could upset bookmakers’ predictions for 2025/26.
#4 Liam Delap – dark horse
Liam Delap enjoyed a stellar breakout season at Ipswich Town despite the Tractor Boys’ immediate return to the Championship.
In his first season in the Premier League, Delap tallied 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances for a side that spent the whole campaign in the bottom three.
The 22-year-old’s sterling exploits at Portman Road earned him a place in England’s national team and a £30 million transfer to Chelsea, where he is expected to take Nicolas Jackson’s spot in attack.
Delap may not be among the betting favourites to claim the award, but his rapid rise and proven goalscoring ability make him a potential dark horse in the Golden Boot race.
#5 Viktor Gyokeres – incoming threat
One of Europe’s most sought-after goal-getters is reportedly on the verge of joining Arsenal after turning down two ‘monster’ offers from the Saudi Pro League, via the Daily Mirror.
Viktor Gyokeres is strong, fast and known for his clinical finishing – qualities that make him a perfect fit for Arsenal’s long-standing need for a reliable centre-forward.
At 27, he is at his peak and ready to prove himself in the world’s most demanding league following two impressive years of commanding performances with Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga.
Gyokeres could be the final piece of the puzzle to help Mikel Arteta improve on three successive runner-up finishes and perhaps follow in Haaland’s footsteps by winning the Golden Boot in his first season.
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