The European Golden Boot isn’t just a trophy — it’s the ultimate validation of a striker’s brilliance. It’s the crown worn by football’s sharpest sword. For over a decade, this coveted honor has told the story of goals, glory, and greatness.
As Kylian Mbappé adds his name to this exclusive club for the 2024/2025 season, we take a walk through the last 10 winners — a list dominated by royalty from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with Lionel Messi still casting the longest shadow, even years after his European exit.
The Last 10 European Golden Boot winners
- Kylian Mbappé (2024/2025) – Real Madrid
After scoring 31 goals in his debut season in the league for Los Blancos. The Frenchman finally claims the Golden Boot after years of dominance in Ligue 1. A statement year on the biggest stage.
- Harry Kane (2023/2024) – Bayern Munich
His debut Bundesliga campaign was nothing short of sensational. Kane silenced the doubters with a ruthless goal tally, showing England’s best can thrive abroad.
- Erling Haaland (2022/2023) – Manchester City
The Norwegian bulldozer took the Premier League by storm, breaking records and netting goals with machine-like consistency. One of the most feared finishers alive. He won it with 36 goals.
- Robert Lewandowski (2021/2022) – Bayern Munich
Even in his final Bundesliga season, Lewy was unrelenting. His movement, poise, and finishing made him an easy pick for the top scorer in Europe with 35 goals.
- Robert Lewandowski (2020/2021) – Bayern Munich
A historic season where he surpassed Gerd Müller’s Bundesliga record with 41 goals. Cold, clinical, and charismatic in front of goal.
- Ciro Immobile (2019/2020) – Lazio
The surprise winner. Immobile’s incredible 36-goal Serie A campaign reminded Europe that Italy still produces goal kings. A fairytale season for Lazio.
- Lionel Messi (2018/2019) – Barcelona
Another artistic season from the GOAT. His left foot danced, defenders crumbled, and nets rippled with 36 La Liga goals. A poetic footballing masterclass.
- Lionel Messi (2017/2018) – Barcelona
Goals came easy for Messi as he painted La Liga with moments of magic. Free kicks, solo runs, and chips — a complete scoring portfolio. He won it with 34 goals.
- Lionel Messi (2016/2017) – Barcelona
The Argentine genius struck again with 37 league goals. Always two steps ahead, always in control, always the king.
- Luis Suárez (2015/2016) – Barcelona
The only man to interrupt the Messi-Ronaldo era at their peak. Suárez bagged 40 goals and added flair, ferocity, and fire to Barça’s frontline.
Here’s the European Golden Boot winners from 1967 to 2024
Even after three years in MLS, Messi’s legacy remains untouchable. The Golden Boot is his kingdom, and others are merely trying to catch up. He has 6 of them while his eternal rival, Ronaldo follows with 4 — a testament to his own devastating consistency.
Barcelona’s golden generation and Bayern’s dominance ensured their frontmen stood tallest. But with Mbappé’s rise and other strikers surging, the next decade could tell a different story. One thing remains clear: goals win games, but Golden Boots write history.
