Football

AI Predicts the 2025/26 Champions League Top Scorer Race – Ranked

The Champions League always produces incredible goalscorers, and the 2025/26 campaign promises to be no different. From proven legends to exciting new names, here are the top 50 predicted contenders for the Golden Boot, starting from the bottom and climbing to the very top.

50. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) – 4 goals

Eberechi Eze
Photo: Arsenal.com

Eze’s flair and creativity give Arsenal another weapon in Europe. Even if he isn’t a regular starter, his ability to score from distance and exploit space could make him a surprise contributor in the group stage.

49. Gonzalo García (Real Madrid) – 4 goals

Gonzalo
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

The young forward will get limited minutes but has the instincts to score when chances come. Expect him to grab a few key goals if Madrid rotate heavily.

48. Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) – 4 goals

Vangelis Pavlidis
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

The Greek striker is a reliable finisher with clever movement. He should make his mark against weaker defenses in the early rounds.

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47. Brennan Johnson (Tottenham) – 4 goals

Brennan Johnson
IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Johnson’s pace and direct style give Spurs an outlet on the break. His finishing can be inconsistent, but he will likely chip in during group matches.

46. Pedro Neto (Chelsea) – 4 goals

pedro neto
Dziurek / Shutterstock.com

Neto’s dribbling and agility help Chelsea unlock tight defenses. Injuries may limit him, but when fit he’s capable of spectacular goals.

45. Noni Madueke (Arsenal) – 5 goals

Madueke
Photo: arsenal.com

Madueke brings flair and pace from the wings. If given consistent starts, he could surprise with a solid return.

44. Richarlison (Tottenham) – 5 goals

Richarlison
sbonsi / Shutterstock.com

The Brazilian thrives in scrappy moments inside the box. He’s unlikely to lead the charts but will always be a nuisance for defenders.

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43. Leroy Sané (Galatasaray) – 5 goals

Leroy Sané
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Now at Galatasaray, Sané remains a speedster with a rocket of a left foot. Expect him to score in bursts, particularly in group play.

42. Rodrygo (Real Madrid) – 5 goals

Rodrygo
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Rodrygo has developed a reputation for scoring in the Champions League. Even if he rotates with Madrid’s attacking depth, his composure in knockout matches makes him dangerous.

41. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) – 5 goals

Anthony Gordon
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Gordon’s relentless running and pressing make him valuable in transition. His finishing touch is improving, and he could catch opponents off guard.

40. Nico Williams (Athletic Club) – 5 goals

Nico Williams
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Williams is a rapid winger with growing end product. This could be his breakout European campaign.

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39. Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund) – 5 goals

Karim Adeyemi
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Adeyemi’s pace on the counter is devastating. If Dortmund progress far, his numbers will rise.

38. Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) – 5 goals

Patrik Schick
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Schick remains one of Europe’s most clinical finishers when fit. Leverkusen will look to him in tight knockout matches.

37. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – 5 goals

Ademola Lookman
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Lookman’s pace and direct dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders. After shining in Serie A, he looks ready to carry his form into the Champions League and deliver crucial goals for Atalanta.

36. Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) – 5 goals

Marcus Thuram
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Thuram’s power and versatility add another dimension to Inter’s attack. He thrives in physical battles and aerial duels.

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35. Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) – 5 goals

Dominic Solanke
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Solanke’s career has taken off, and he now leads Tottenham’s line in Europe. His strength and composure make him a solid dark-horse candidate.

34. Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – 6 goals

Omar Marmoush
Giannis Papanikos / Shutterstock.com

Marmoush has surprised many with his energy and pressing ability. With City’s midfield supplying him, he could notch a strong tally.

33. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 6 goals

Michael Olise
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Olise’s left foot and creativity bring balance to Bayern’s attack. If he adapts quickly, he’ll become a decisive scorer.

32. Jonathan David (Juventus) – 6 goals

Jonathan David
Photo: juventus.com

David’s composure in the box makes him reliable. Juventus will lean on his finishing in tight matches.

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31. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) – 6 goals

luis diaz
Photo: FCBayernMünchen.com

The Colombian winger thrives on dribbles and direct runs. At Bayern, he’ll get plenty of service to convert chances.

30. Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid) – 6 goals

Alexander Sörloth
OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com

Sørloth’s aerial power and physical presence give Atlético a new weapon. He may not score often, but when he does it’s usually decisive.

29. Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli) – 6 goals

De Bruyne
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

De Bruyne’s long-range shooting and late box runs make him a scoring threat despite being a playmaker. His leadership could carry Napoli far.

28. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) – 6 goals

Cody Gakpo
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Gakpo’s adaptability across the front line keeps him valuable. His calm finishing will add to Liverpool’s attacking depth.

27. Marcus Rashford (Barcelona) – 6 goals

Rashford
Photo: fcbarcelona.com

Now in Catalonia, Rashford has the service to thrive. His pace in behind and lethal finishing on the break could be key.

26. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – 6 goals

Victor Osihmen
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Osimhen’s move makes him the centerpiece of Galatasaray’s attack. His strength and aerial ability will trouble any defense.

25. Dušan Vlahović (Juventus) – 7 goals

Dušan Vlahović
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Vlahović is a powerful striker with a rocket of a left foot. Juventus will rely heavily on his goals in the knockout stages.

24. Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 7 goals

Phil Foden
Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Foden’s intelligence and sharp finishing make him dangerous. City’s dominance ensures he gets plenty of opportunities.

23. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) – 7 goals

Florian Wirtz,
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Wirtz has joined Liverpool and adds creativity plus end product. His late runs into the box make him a genuine goal threat.

22. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United) – 7 goals

Nick Woltemade
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Now part of Newcastle’s project, Woltemade gives them a physical, mobile striker who can unsettle defenses. His size and finishing make him a potential surprise package in this season’s Champions League.

21. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund) – 7 goals

Serhou Guirassy
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Last season’s joint top scorer remains a lethal finisher. If Dortmund progress deep, he could repeat his success.

20. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 7 goals

Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Bellingham combines midfield dominance with attacking flair. His ability to score late goals makes him invaluable to Madrid.

19. Alexander Isak (Liverpool) – 7 goals

Alexander Isak
Photo: Liverpoolfc.com

Now leading Liverpool’s front line, Isak’s composure and technical finishing make him a natural fit for European football. With Salah alongside him, he should get plenty of service to deliver a strong Champions League tally.

18. Scott McTominay (Napoli) – 7 goals

Scott McTominay
ErreRoberto / Shutterstock.com

McTominay has reinvented himself in Italy, adding physicality and late-box runs to Napoli’s midfield. His ability to score clutch goals makes him a surprise contender to hit a respectable Champions League tally.

17. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain) – 7 goals

Bradley Barcola
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Barcola is fast becoming a key player in Paris. His confidence and one-on-one skill will earn him valuable strikes.

16. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) – 7 goals

Julian Alvarez
Photo: Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Álvarez’s pressing and movement fit Simeone’s style perfectly. He’ll make the most of every chance he gets.

15. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – 8 goals

Lautaro Martínez
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Inter’s captain is relentless in front of goal. His ability to strike with either foot makes him a constant danger.

14. João Pedro (Chelsea) – 8 goals

joao pedro
Photo: Chelseafc.com

Pedro has grown into a reliable forward at Chelsea. With penalty duties and sharp instincts, he could surprise many this year.

13. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 8 goals

Saka is Arsenal’s talisman in attack. His penalties and clutch goals give him a consistent edge in Europe.

12. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 8 goals

Palmer’s rise has been meteoric. Calm under pressure, he’s deadly from the spot and in open play.

11. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 8 goals

Lamine yamal
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

The teenage starlet plays with the maturity of a veteran. His dribbling and composure could make him one of the youngest UCL stars ever.

10. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – 8 goals

vinicius
OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com

The Brazilian winger remains one of the most electric players in Europe. His pace, dribbling, and growing efficiency in front of goal make him crucial for Madrid.

9. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) – 8 goals

Dembele
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

At full fitness, Dembélé is devastating down the flanks. His unpredictability makes him capable of both creating and finishing chances.

8. Raphinha (Barcelona) – 8 goals

Raphinha
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Last season’s co-top scorer has the confidence to repeat his success. His directness and eye for goal give Barcelona a constant attacking outlet.

7. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 9 goals

Harry Kane
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Kane is among the most reliable scorers in world football. His finishing and composure will be vital as Bayern push for another European crown.

6. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – 9 goals

Robert Lewandowski
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Lewandowski’s experience and positioning still make him lethal. Even as younger teammates shine, he remains a top-tier finisher.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 9 goals

salah
Javier Borrego / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool’s star forward continues to deliver on Europe’s biggest stage. His consistency and eye for the spectacular ensure another strong campaign.

4. Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) – 9 goals

Romelu Lukaku
Gennaro Di Rosa / Shutterstock.com

Lukaku’s power and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. If Napoli progress, he has the pedigree to push into the very top of the scoring charts.

3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 10 goals

Kylian Mbappe
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Now leading the line for Madrid, Mbappé is expected to terrorize defenses. His explosiveness and finishing put him among the favorites for the Golden Boot.

2. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) – 10 goals

Gyokeres
Photot:arsenal.com

Arsenal’s striker has settled quickly at the highest level. With service from Ødegaard and Saka, he looks ready to deliver a huge European campaign.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 11 goals

Erling Haaland
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Haaland remains the ultimate goal machine. With City feeding him constant service, he’s once again the safest bet for the Golden Boot.

Oliver Obel

Oliver Obel – Sports Content Creator & Football Specialist I’m a passionate Sports Content Creator with a strong focus on football. I write for LenteDesportiva, where I produce high-quality content that informs, entertains, and connects with football fans around the world. My work revolves around player rankings, transfer analysis, and in-depth features that explore the modern game. I combine a sharp editorial instinct with a deep understanding of football’s evolution, always aiming to deliver content that captures both insight and emotion.