The FIFA World Cup began in 1930, and its 23rd edition is currently underway. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a fierce battle for the Golden Boot is unfolding between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Messi leads the list with 7 goals, while Mbappé is in second place with 6 goals. Notably, Mbappé won the Golden Boot in the previous World Cup (2022), but this time he is facing a tough challenge from a legend like Messi—and the task is by no means easy. Let us take a look at the players who have won the Golden Boot in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Who could win the Golden Boot at FIFA 2026?
Lionel Messi is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, it is difficult to say how long he will remain at the top, as France captain Mbappé is in second place with six goals. Additionally, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland also have five goals each. Consequently, the Golden Boot rankings could shift dramatically, as all these players are performing brilliantly and constantly overtaking one another.
Who won the first Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup?
The first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Argentina's legendary footballer Guillermo Stábile scored 8 goals in 4 matches and won the Golden Boot. Subsequently, in 1934, Oldřich Nejedlý of the Czech Republic won the Golden Boot by scoring 5 goals in 4 matches. Additionally, Brazil's Leônidas (1938), Brazil's Ademir (1950), and Hungary's Sándor Kocsis also won the Golden Boot.
List of FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Winners
| Year | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 8 |
| 2018 | Harry Kane | England | 6 |
| 2014 | James Rodríguez | Colombia | 6 |
| 2010 | Thomas Müller | Germany | 5 (won via assist tiebreaker) |
| 2006 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 5 |
| 2002 | Ronaldo | Brazil | 8 |
| 1998 | Davor Šuker | Croatia | 6 |
| 1994 | Oleg Salenko Hristo Stoichkov |
Russia Bulgaria |
6 6 |
| 1990 | Salvatore Schillaci | Italy | 6 |
| 1986 | Gary Lineker | England | 6 |
| 1982 | Paolo Rossi | Italy | 6 |
| 1978 | Mario Kempes | Argentina | 6 |
| 1974 | Grzegorz Lato | Poland | 7 |
| 1970 | Gerd Müller | West Germany | 10 |
| 1966 | Eusébio | Portugal | 9 |
| 1962 | Garrincha Vavá Leonel Sánchez Florian Albert Valentin Ivanov Dražan Jerković |
Brazil Brazil Chile Hungary Soviet Union Yugoslavia |
4 4 4 4 4 4 |
| 1958 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 (All-time single tournament record) |
| 1954 | Sándor Kocsis | Hungary | 11 |
| 1950 | Ademir | Brazil | 8 |
| 1938 | Leônidas | Brazil | 7 |
| 1934 | Oldřich Nejedlý | Czechoslovakia | 5 |
| 1930 | Guillermo Stábile | Argentina | 8 |
Six players won the Golden Boot in 1962; find out what the rules are
In 1962, a total of six players won the Golden Boot: Flórián Albert (Hungary), Valentin Ivanov (Soviet Union), Garrincha (Brazil), Vavá (Brazil), Dražan Jerković (Yugoslavia), and Leonel Sánchez (Chile). Additionally, two players achieved this feat in 1994: Oleg Salenko (Russia) and Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria). At that time, the player who scored the most goals in the tournament was considered the top scorer, and since the goal tallies were tied, all these players were declared winners. This was because FIFA did not have tie-breaking rules based on assists or minutes played back then; consequently, whenever goal counts were equal, the Golden Boot was awarded to all the players involved.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Most Goals: Current Golden Boot Standings
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