The European Golden Shoe, originally known as the Golden Boot, was introduced in the 1967-68 season by the French newspaper L’Equipe to honour the highest scorer in top-flight leagues across Europe. Since 1997-98, the award has been managed by European Sports Media, which implemented a points structure based on a coefficient system connected to UEFA rankings.
The European Golden Shoe, originally known as the Golden Boot, was introduced in the 1967-68 season by the French newspaper L’Equipe to honour the highest scorer in top-flight leagues across Europe. Since 1997-98, the award has been managed by European Sports Media, which implemented a points structure based on a coefficient system connected to UEFA rankings.
Goals scored in the five highest-rated divisions—La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1—carry a multiplier of two points each. In competitions positioned between sixth and 22nd in these rankings, including the Portuguese Primeira Liga, each strike is valued at 1.5 points. Any goal registered in remaining European domestic competitions is calculated at one point.
Tie-breaking regulations were updated in 2019-20. Players level on points are separated by minutes spent on the field, with the award favouring the individual who needed less time on the pitch. Should equality remain, assists are considered next, followed by the number of penalties converted. Only after these factors would a shared award occur.
As the season approaches its halfway stage, three prominent figures are separated by a marginal gap in the standings. England striker Harry Kane sets the pace on 19 goals, delivering 38 points from 15 Bundesliga fixtures for Bayern Munich. Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has matched that return with 19 goals and 38 points from 17 Premier League appearances.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe occupies third place with 18 goals, producing 36 points after 18 La Liga matches. Behind the trio, Darko Lemajic of RFS sits fourth, collecting 28 goals to generate 28 points in Latvia’s calendar-year championship. Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda holds a share of fifth with 18 goals and 27 points from 17 Eredivisie outings, while the rest of the leading group belongs to players competing in divisions with seasons aligned to the yearly schedule.
Icons of the sport have lifted the trophy throughout its 59-year existence. Portugal forward Eusebio clinched the inaugural prize in 1968 with 42 goals for Benfica and secured a second in 1972-73. Lionel Messi holds the record with six triumphs during his Barcelona career, including a historic benchmark of 50 goals—worth 100 points—in the 2011-12 season. He remains the only player so far to win the honour in three straight seasons, from 2016 to 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo first received the accolade in 2007-08 at Manchester United before claiming three more at Real Madrid. Ian Rush became the first individual to win the distinction with an English side, reaching the milestone with 32 Liverpool goals in 1983-84.
The trophy has exchanged hands every year for the last three campaigns. Haaland prevailed in 2022-23 through a Premier League record of 36 goals, matching Kane’s 36-goal total when the Englishman topped the list for Bayern Munich the following term. Mbappe is the reigning winner after producing 31 goals for Real Madrid in 2024-25. The same trio command attention again this season, with Kane narrowly holding first position.
