Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 Premier League Golden Boot

Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 Premier League Golden Boot is your ultimate guide to the sharpest strikers and most prolific forwards set to light up the league. As the new season approaches, the race for the coveted Golden Boot promises intense competition, bold performances, and plenty of surprises. This article dives deep into the form, fitness, and tactical roles of each major contender. From goal-scoring machines like Erling Haaland to hungry young talents aiming for their breakout season, we analyze who has the best shot at claiming the top scorer crown.

Whether you’re a die-hard Premier League fan, a fantasy football strategist, or just love thrilling football narratives, this list offers insights that matter. Will Mohamed Salah or Ollie Watkins emerge as serious challengers? Could a new signing shake things up and steal the spotlight? Featuring expert analysis, updated stats, and bold predictions, this countdown keeps you informed from opening day to the final match. The Golden Boot battle is more than just goals—it’s a story of ambition, pressure, and legacy. If you want to follow the season’s most exciting individual race, this is the preview you can’t afford to miss. Get ready for a season of fireworks!

10. Liam Delap (Chelsea)

Liam Delap has emerged as a potential surprise contender for the Golden Boot this season. After signing for Chelsea, Delap is expected to play a more prominent role in a revitalized attack under their new manager. Despite his youth, he has already shown maturity beyond his years, finishing the 2024/25 season with 12 goals in limited starts. Now, with Joao Pedro arriving as well and a more structured support system, Delap’s movement, physicality, and hunger for goals could thrive.

What makes Delap’s case even more intriguing is the context of Chelsea’s rebuild. With multiple playmakers like Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens feeding passes into the box, Delap is positioned to benefit directly. He’s also shown an eye for scoring in tight matches and is excellent in aerial duels—a key asset in the Premier League. Though he isn’t among the bookies’ top favorites, his odds offer real value for those backing an underdog story. If Chelsea starts strong and builds momentum, expect Delap to quietly rack up goals and potentially climb the scoring charts. He’s young, fearless, and in a system designed to create chances—which could make him one of the season’s surprise packages.

9. Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

Omar Marmoush might not be the first name that comes to mind in Manchester City’s star-studded squad, but the versatile Egyptian forward is increasingly becoming one of Pep Guardiola’s secret weapons. After joining in January 2025, Marmoush turned heads with a stunning 14-minute hat-trick that showcased his pace, instinct, and ability to exploit space in and around the box.

He operates comfortably across the front three and is often used to stretch defences when City rotates their lineup. While he may not start every match, his minutes are productive, and with injuries or rotation likely over a long season, Marmoush could find himself playing key roles in several games. His intelligent positioning and sharp link-up play with the likes of Reijnders and Cherki make him a serious scoring threat.

As teams often focus on marking Erling Haaland, Marmoush takes advantage of the pockets left behind. His odds remain long, but that only adds to his appeal as a dark horse. Should he see increased minutes due to fixture congestion or Guardiola’s tactical flexibility, Marmoush could end up closer to the top of the scoring charts than many expect. His finishing touch and confidence are rapidly growing—keep an eye on this under-the-radar contender.

8. Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)

Jørgen Strand Larsen enters the 2025/26 campaign with increasing responsibility on his shoulders at Wolves. Following Matheus Cunha’s departure, Strand Larsen is now the focal point of their attack and is expected to deliver goals consistently. His powerful frame, clever off-the-ball movement, and strong aerial presence give Wolves a reliable presence up front.

Last season, Larsen quietly notched 14 league goals, and with the team now structured around his strengths, that number could climb significantly. His chemistry with Wolves’ midfield—particularly in counter-attacking scenarios—positions him as a high-volume shooter, especially against teams that allow space in behind.

What separates Strand Larsen from others in this race is the fact that he will be Wolves’ clear first-choice striker. With no heavy rotation expected, he could rack up minutes, and in turn, chances. His finishing continues to improve, and as confidence builds, so will his stats. While he may not play for a top-six club, that often works in a striker’s favor—less rotation, more reliance, and more direct football. If he starts strong, he could remain in the Golden Boot conversation deep into the season. A sleeper pick for many, but not to be underestimated.

7. Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur)

Mohammed Kudus is known more for his creativity and flair, but don’t be surprised if he finds himself among the top scorers by season’s end. Now at Tottenham Hotspur, Kudus brings with him a dangerous combination of dribbling ability, finishing quality, and positional unpredictability. Whether cutting inside from the wing or making late runs into the box, Kudus consistently gets himself into goal-scoring positions.

His move to Spurs could be career-defining. Under a new attacking system likely shaped by Frank, Kudus will have more freedom to roam and attack the final third. With players like Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso around him, his chances of playing quick one-twos and breaking through defensive lines have increased significantly. He’s also shown improvement in set-piece situations and long-range shooting, which adds to his goal potential.

Kudus may not start the season as a traditional No. 9, but his versatility means he’ll play in every big match. His ability to turn half-chances into goals makes him a dangerous option against top and bottom-tier teams alike. If he maintains fitness and rhythm, Kudus could be Spurs’ most potent attacker this season—and a serious Golden Boot outsider.

6. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)

Matheus Cunha is one of the most intriguing Golden Boot contenders heading into the new season. After a £62.5 million switch from Wolves to Manchester United, Cunha now finds himself leading the line for a team desperate for a reliable finisher. His sharp movement, vision, and knack for finishing make him a perfect fit under new boss Rúben Amorim’s fluid attacking setup.

During his time at Wolves, Cunha hit 15 goals despite inconsistent service. Now, with better midfield supply and more possession-based football, his goal tally could explode. His experience in the Premier League means there’s no adaptation period—Cunha is ready to deliver from day one. With Amorim’s system designed to get players into scoring positions quickly, Cunha will likely be the primary target.

What strengthens Cunha’s case is his versatility. He can drift wide, drop deep, or act as a traditional poacher, which makes him difficult to mark. He’ll share the pitch with Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo—all capable of creating chances. If he hits the ground running, Cunha could easily climb into the top three in the Golden Boot race. His blend of hunger, tactical fit, and proven finishing makes him a real contender.

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5. Joao Pedro (Chelsea)

Joao Pedro’s £55 million move to Chelsea was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer—and for good reason. After a solid spell at Brighton, where he scored double-digit goals despite limited chances, Pedro now steps into a team that’s being rebuilt to play attacking, possession-based football. With creative support from Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens, Pedro could flourish in a system tailored to his strengths.

He’s technically gifted, quick, and clinical inside the box. What makes him different from traditional strikers is his ability to drift into space and link play, which helps open up the pitch. That intelligence could see him rack up both goals and assists this season. Moreover, Chelsea lacks an out-and-out No. 9, which means Pedro could get extended runs in the central role.

Expect him to take penalties and free kicks in some games, further boosting his stats. Chelsea’s push to return to Champions League football will demand goals, and Joao Pedro could be the man to supply them. If he stays injury-free and keeps a starting role, he’s a serious Golden Boot candidate. This could be a breakout year that elevates him into elite Premier League forward status.

4. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

Viktor Gyökeres might be new to the Premier League, but he arrives with massive expectations and an incredible goal-scoring pedigree. Signed for a reported £63–64 million, Gyökeres scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season at Sporting CP. That kind of form can’t be ignored—especially at a club like Arsenal that creates an abundance of chances per game.

Under Mikel Arteta, Gyökeres will be the primary outlet in a structured and fluid attack featuring Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli. His physicality and movement offer something Arsenal lacked last season—a true No. 9 with ruthless finishing instincts. His ability to press high, hold up play, and finish inside the box fits perfectly into Arteta’s tactical vision.

Gyökeres has already shown signs of adapting quickly during preseason. If he hits the ground running, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leading the scoring charts by the halfway point. His odds have been dropping rapidly due to fan hype and strong early impressions. With penalties likely under his belt and a consistent role up top, this could be the season Gyökeres not only makes a name for himself in England but also becomes a serious contender for the Premier League Golden Boot.

3. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

Alexander Isak has quietly become one of the most reliable goal scorers in the Premier League. With three consecutive 20+ goal seasons under his belt, the Swedish striker is the spearhead of a Newcastle United team that continues to punch above its weight. His calm finishing, silky dribbling, and exceptional movement make him a nightmare for defenders—and a fan favorite at St. James’ Park.

What sets Isak apart is his composure and precision. He rarely needs multiple chances to find the net. Eddie Howe’s system suits his style perfectly, offering him flexibility to drift wide or drop deep before making cutting runs into the penalty area. With Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimarães behind him, Isak won’t be short on service.

Newcastle’s attacking game plan often revolves around quick transitions and width, giving Isak ample space to exploit. He also takes penalties and is rarely rotated, giving him more minutes to chase the Golden Boot. If Newcastle maintains their high-scoring form and Isak stays injury-free, he has every tool to challenge the league’s top scorers. Quietly efficient but deadly in front of goal, Isak is a serious Golden Boot threat who might just go all the way this season.

2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah is a name that needs no introduction when it comes to the Golden Boot race. The Egyptian King has won the award three times and was narrowly behind Haaland last season with 29 league goals. As Liverpool enters a new era with Arne Slot, Salah remains the club’s most dangerous weapon—still bursting with pace, technique, and that insatiable hunger for goals.

What keeps Salah in this conversation every season is his consistency. Whether it’s through penalties, counter-attacks, or close-range finishes, he finds ways to score. With new signings like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike expected to freshen up Liverpool’s attack, Salah may benefit from more space and improved service in the final third.

Slot’s tactics emphasize possession and vertical movement, which suits Salah’s runs behind the defense. He’s also set to continue penalty duties, boosting his numbers further. At 32, he’s showing no signs of slowing down physically or technically. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts and needing his goals to stay in the title hunt, Salah is expected to be heavily involved from the start. Another 25–30 goal season looks well within reach—and so does a potential fourth Golden Boot.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland remains the undisputed favorite to win the 2025/26 Premier League Golden Boot—and it’s not hard to see why. The Norwegian powerhouse claimed the award in both of his first two seasons, combining terrifying pace with elite-level finishing. In Pep Guardiola’s ever-evolving Manchester City system, Haaland is the focal point. Every attack is tailored around getting him in front of goal—and that’s bad news for defenders.

Despite facing occasional criticism for being “just a finisher,” Haaland continues to silence doubters by breaking records. He thrives in tight games, open spaces, and even against deep blocks. What’s scarier is that City have strengthened further with the arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït‑Nouri, and Rayan Cherki—all of whom bring creativity and fresh supply lines to their attacking patterns.

Haaland is also Guardiola’s trusted penalty taker and rarely misses big games. His athleticism, mentality, and positional awareness make him almost impossible to stop over 38 games. If he stays fit, there’s no realistic argument against him leading the charts again. Whether it’s hat-tricks against weaker sides or clutch goals in title-deciders, Haaland remains the apex predator of the Premier League—and the clear favorite for a third Golden Boot in a row.

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