The FIFA World Cup 2022 is underway in Qatar. Whether you’re a massive football fan or just into sports betting, there’s no denying that we are all curious about the outcome and who will win the Golden Boot!
Top 5 Players Likely to Win Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar
The 2022 edition is the first to be held in winter and only the second in Asia. Nevertheless, season or geography hasn’t altered the amazing goals and beautiful moments we’ve experienced since the tournament kicked off on the 20th of November.
In the spirit of true football lovers, we’ll explore the five players most likely to win the Golden Boot award in Qatar. Our list is based on past success, team strength, and player quality. Enjoy!
Cristiano Ronaldo
Who better to start our list than the greatest goalscorer in football history? The 37-year-old Portuguese legend became the first man to score at five World Cups when he netted Portugal’s first in their opening 3-2 win over Ghana. This marked his 8th goal in the tournament and made him the second-oldest scorer in the cup’s history.
In the last World Cup edition, Ronaldo was only two goals behind eventual winner Harry Kane and showcased several moments of brilliance like the mind-blowing hattrick against Spain and an amazing solo performance in a win against Morocco. This year, Portugal came to the World Cup with an even stronger team filled with exciting youngsters like Joao Felix, Rafael Leo, and Diogo Dalot.
With experienced midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in front of Veteran defenders like Pepe and Ricardo Perriera, Ronaldo is left to fully focus on doing what he knows how to do best, converting chances. An impressive outing against Ghana and the drive that comes with playing at the last major international tournament is a sure guarantee Cristiano Ronaldo will be out to score as much as he can.
Harry Kane
For the past six years, Kane has proven to be one of the world’s most elite strikers. He showed his quality for England in the previous World Cup, and despite a disappointing fourth-place finish, the Englishman left Russia with the Golden Boot boasting an impressive six goals.
Four years later, Harry Kane enters the World Cup again as one of the world’s most prolific strikers. His 12 goals in 15 Premier League games this season place him second in the league, and he was the highest goal scorer alongside Memphis Dupay in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
England, considered favorites in Qatar, has so far accumulated four points thanks to a dismantling 6-2 win over Iran and a goalless draw against the US. Kane is yet to register a goal in this tournament, but with two assists and multiple created chances, there’s no doubt he’ll be on the scoresheets soon and vie for the Golden Boot.
Kylian Mbappe
At just 18, Kylian Mbappe showed the world his incredible talent when he guided France to their second World Cup title in Russia. The Frenchman netted three goals in the tournament, as well as a well-struck screamer in the final win against Croatia.
Since then, Mbappe has become one of the world’s best players and has finished in the Ballon D’or top ten for five consecutive seasons. However, France suffered several injury setbacks weeks before the tournament, and with the champions’ curse at their backs, they were touted by both media and critics to have a tough tournament.
Nevertheless, they became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages after 4-1 and 2-1 victories over Australia and Denmark, respectively. Mbappe has already netted three times in this year’s tournament and is expected to increase his tally and chances of winning the award when they meet Tunisia at the Education City Stadium for their final group game.
Lionel Messi
Like his football rival and competitor Cristiano Ronaldo, this is Messi’s last World Cup, and he goes into it captaining an Argentine team that is labeled favorites. However, their opening game saw them come out on the bitter end of one of the tournament’s biggest-ever upsets after a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia despite Messi scoring the opening goal with a 10-minute penalty.
Argentina restored their qualification chances with a 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Messi scoring and assisting. Should Argentina finish first in Group C and France finish first in Group D too, the South Americans have a favorable run in the knockout stages and could help Messi rack up goals.
Richarlison
With two goals already, Richarlison is definitely on course to make this World Cup memorable. The Brazilian’s season before Qatar was rather mediocre. Since his $60 million transfer to Tottenham in the summer, the former Evertonian forward has struggled to find form. His season has been marred by a series of injuries and poor performances.
Yet, Richarlison has continually impressed the Brazil national team in the few friendlies they have had and has managed to win the trust of head coach Tite. He rewarded that trust with an amazing brace in their opening World Cup win over Serbia.
Brazil is stocked with creative forwards and midfielders like Vinicius Jnr, Raphinha, Neymar, and Paqueta and is in a favorable group. However, Richarlison, who’s already being called ‘R9,’ might end up as the tournament’s surprise package.
The Bottom Line
There’s nothing quite like the World Cup. With 32 nations and hundreds of players fighting for glory, it’s easily the greatest sports tournament in the world. You can watch through live streaming onbet site for further references. The 2022 edition is here and is already becoming a certified classic. From Saudi Arabia’s surprising win over Argentina to Ronaldo becoming the first man to score at five different World Cups, there’s no doubt that Qatar 2022 is special.