Premier League Golden Boots: Top Scorers from Every Season Since 2000
The Premier League has long been home to some of the greatest goal scorers in football history. Each season, strikers battle for the prestigious Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer. From Thierry Henry’s dominance in the early 2000s to Erling Haaland’s record-breaking feats, the award has highlighted the most lethal finishers in English football. Some seasons have seen one player rise above the rest, while others have ended in dramatic ties between multiple stars. This list takes a look at every Golden Boot winner since the turn of the century, showcasing the elite goal scorers who have defined their era.
2000/01 – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (23 goals)
Chelsea’s Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink secured the Golden Boot with 23 goals in the 2000/01 season. His powerful shooting and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared forwards in the league. Despite Chelsea finishing sixth, Hasselbaink’s goals were a key part of their attack. His ability to score from anywhere, including long-range strikes and headers, made him a standout performer.
2001/02 – Thierry Henry (24 goals)
Arsenal’s Thierry Henry won his first Golden Boot with 24 goals in the 2001/02 season. The Frenchman’s pace, skill, and composure in front of goal helped Arsenal secure the Premier League title. Henry’s ability to create chances for himself and his teammates made him one of the most complete strikers in England. This was just the beginning of his dominance in the league.
2002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (25 goals)
Manchester United’s Ruud van Nistelrooy claimed the Golden Boot with 25 goals, leading his team to the Premier League title. The Dutch forward was a master inside the penalty box, known for his poacher’s instinct and lethal finishing. His movement and positioning made him a nightmare for defenders. Van Nistelrooy’s consistency was a key factor in United’s success.
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2003/04 – Thierry Henry (30 goals)
Henry was at his peak as he fired Arsenal to their historic “Invincibles” season, going unbeaten in the league. His 30 goals were a mix of breathtaking solo efforts, precise finishes, and cool penalties. Henry’s ability to glide past defenders and finish with ease made him unstoppable. This season cemented his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest players.
2004/05 – Thierry Henry (25 goals)
Henry continued his dominance with another Golden Boot, netting 25 goals in the 2004/05 season. Although Arsenal failed to retain their title, Henry’s form remained exceptional. His partnership with Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès was a joy to watch. His ability to score from almost impossible angles made him a unique attacking threat.
2005/06 – Thierry Henry (27 goals)
For the third consecutive season, Henry was the league’s top scorer, this time with 27 goals. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s final season at Highbury, delivering stunning performances. His blend of speed, skill, and clinical finishing was unmatched. Henry’s influence extended beyond scoring, as he also provided numerous assists.
2006/07 – Didier Drogba (20 goals)
Chelsea’s Didier Drogba won his first Golden Boot with 20 goals, helping the Blues secure a second-place finish. The Ivorian striker was known for his physicality, aerial ability, and powerful shots. Drogba’s knack for scoring in big matches made him one of the most feared strikers in England. His leadership on the field was also crucial for Chelsea’s success.
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2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo (31 goals)
Cristiano Ronaldo had a phenomenal season, winning the Golden Boot with 31 goals while leading Manchester United to the Premier League title. His dribbling, free-kick ability, and goal-scoring instincts made him the best player in the league. This was the season that established Ronaldo as one of the world’s greatest footballers. His performances earned him the Ballon d’Or later that year.
2008/09 – Nicolas Anelka (19 goals)
Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka won the Golden Boot with 19 goals in a season where multiple players were close in the scoring charts. The French forward’s movement and finishing ability made him a key player for the Blues. Despite not being the most prolific scorer in previous seasons, Anelka’s consistency in front of goal was crucial. His goals helped Chelsea finish third in the league.
2009/10 – Didier Drogba (29 goals)
Drogba claimed his second Golden Boot with 29 goals, leading Chelsea to the Premier League title. He played a key role in Chelsea’s record-breaking 103-goal season. His combination of strength, technique, and clinical finishing was on full display. Drogba’s ability to deliver in big matches once again proved vital for Chelsea.
2010/11 – Dimitar Berbatov (20 goals)
Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov shared the Golden Boot after scoring 20 goals in a season where United won the title. The Bulgarian forward’s calm and composed style made him a joy to watch. His hat-trick against Liverpool was one of the highlights of the season. Berbatov’s technical ability and elegant play made him a unique striker.
2010/11 – Carlos Tévez (20 goals)
Carlos Tévez matched Berbatov with 20 goals, helping Manchester City finish third. The Argentine striker was known for his relentless work rate and ability to score crucial goals. His leadership was crucial for City as they continued their rise as a Premier League powerhouse. Tévez’s passion and determination made him a fan favorite.
2011/12 – Robin van Persie (30 goals)
Arsenal’s Robin van Persie had a stunning season, scoring 30 goals and winning the Golden Boot. His clinical finishing and ability to score from outside the box made him lethal. Despite Arsenal struggling at times, Van Persie’s goals carried them to a third-place finish. His performances earned him a move to Manchester United the following season.
2012/13 – Robin van Persie (26 goals)
Now at Manchester United, Van Persie won back-to-back Golden Boots with 26 goals, leading United to the Premier League title. His arrival proved to be the final piece of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last great team. Van Persie’s stunning volley against Aston Villa remains one of the most iconic Premier League goals. His contribution was instrumental in United’s title win.
2013/14 – Luis Suárez (31 goals)
Liverpool’s Luis Suárez delivered one of the greatest individual seasons, scoring 31 goals despite missing the first few matches due to suspension. His dribbling, creativity, and finishing were at an elite level. Suárez almost guided Liverpool to the title, but they fell just short. His performances earned him a move to Barcelona in the summer.
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2014/15 – Sergio Agüero (26 goals)
Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero won his first Golden Boot with 26 goals, proving to be one of the league’s most consistent strikers. His ability to score from any situation made him a nightmare for defenders. Agüero’s quick movement and sharp finishing were key to City’s attack. He remains one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
2015/16 – Harry Kane (25 goals)
Tottenham’s Harry Kane won his first Golden Boot with 25 goals in a breakout season. His all-round ability, including link-up play and finishing, made him a complete forward. Kane’s goals helped Spurs push for the title, though they eventually finished third. This season established him as one of England’s top strikers.
2016/17 – Harry Kane (29 goals)
Kane continued his dominance by winning a second consecutive Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals. He finished the season in incredible form, scoring seven goals in the final two games. Kane’s finishing ability and composure under pressure made him unstoppable. His performances helped Spurs secure a second-place finish.
2017/18 – Mohamed Salah (32 goals)
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah broke the Premier League record for most goals in a 38-game season with 32. His speed, dribbling, and finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Salah’s incredible form helped Liverpool secure a top-four finish. This season established him as one of the world’s best forwards.
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2018/19 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (22 goals)
Arsenal’s Aubameyang shared the Golden Boot after scoring 22 goals. His pace and finishing made him one of the league’s deadliest strikers.
2018/19 – Sadio Mané (22 goals)
Liverpool’s Sadio Mané also finished with 22 goals, showcasing his improvement as a goal scorer.
2018/19 – Mohamed Salah (22 goals)
Salah made it back-to-back Golden Boots, tying with Aubameyang and Mané with 22 goals.
2019/20 – Jamie Vardy (23 goals)
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy won his first Golden Boot at the age of 33, becoming the oldest player to claim the award. The English striker scored 23 goals, leading Leicester’s attack with his trademark pace, movement, and clinical finishing. Vardy played a crucial role in Leicester’s push for Champions League qualification, though they ultimately finished fifth. His ability to exploit defensive lines with his quick runs behind defenders made him one of the deadliest forwards in the league. This Golden Boot was a testament to his incredible career resurgence, having risen from non-league football to Premier League stardom.
2020/21 – Harry Kane (23 goals)
Harry Kane won his third Golden Boot with 23 goals in the 2020/21 season. Despite Tottenham’s inconsistent form, Kane remained one of the league’s most outstanding strikers. In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, he also topped the assist charts, showcasing his ability as both a finisher and a playmaker. His skill in dropping deep to link play while still being a lethal presence in the box made him a unique attacking force. Although Spurs finished only seventh, Kane once again proved that he is one of the most complete forwards in world football.
2021/22 – Mohamed Salah (23 goals)
Mohamed Salah continued his dominance in the Premier League, once again finishing as the league’s top scorer. His 23 goals were instrumental in Liverpool’s title challenge, as they fought until the final day but finished second to Manchester City. Salah’s ability to cut inside and find the net with precision made him a constant danger. This was his third Golden Boot win, further solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s best attackers.
2021/22 – Son Heung-min (23 goals)
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min made history by becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot. Scoring 23 goals, he played a crucial role in helping Spurs secure a top-four finish. Son’s ability to score with both feet, combined with his speed and dribbling, made him one of the most exciting players in the league. Unlike many other top scorers, none of Son’s goals came from penalties, showcasing his natural goal-scoring ability.
2022/23 – Erling Haaland (36 goals)
Erling Haaland shattered records in his debut Premier League season, winning the Golden Boot with an astonishing 36 goals—the most ever scored in a single Premier League campaign. The Norwegian striker adapted instantly to English football, using his incredible physicality, movement, and finishing ability to dominate defenses. Playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Haaland thrived in a team that created countless chances, but his instinct for positioning and lethal touch made him unstoppable. His record-breaking season helped City secure the Premier League title, and his performances established him as one of the best strikers in world football.
2023/24 – Erling Haaland (27 goals)
Erling Haaland continued his goal-scoring dominance, securing his second consecutive Golden Boot with 27 goals. The Norwegian striker proved that his record-breaking debut season was no fluke, maintaining his incredible form for Manchester City. Haaland’s ability to finish from any position, combined with his strength and movement, made him a nightmare for defenders. His goals helped Manchester City in their title charge, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best strikers in Premier League history.
