Over the past two decades, the European Golden Boot has served as a symbol of individual excellence in front of goal. From traditional No. 9s to modern-day superstars redefining the striker role, the award has reflected both the consistency of legends and the rise of new icons.
This journey through 20 seasons of Golden Boot winners showcases the ever-changing face of elite goalscoring—from Toni and Totti to Haaland and Mbappé.
2004/05 – Luca Toni
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
The Italian striker took Europe by storm with 31 goals for Fiorentina. His powerful presence and clinical finishing earned him the Golden Boot.
AS Roma’s captain scored 26 goals to top the charts. Despite not being a traditional center-forward, his vision and precision made the difference.
2006/07 – Cristiano Ronaldo
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
A young Ronaldo exploded with 31 goals for Manchester United. It was a breakout year that marked the start of his global domination.
2007/08 – Diego Forlán
Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com
The Uruguayan hitman netted 32 goals for Atlético Madrid. His two-footed shooting and long-range strikes proved lethal in La Liga.
2008/09 – Lionel Messi
Photo: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com
Messi scored 34 goals and won his first Golden Boot. It was the beginning of an era defined by brilliance and records.
2009/10 – Cristiano Ronaldo
Dmytro Larin / Shutterstock.com
Ronaldo responded in style with 40 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. His athleticism and hunger were unmatched.
2010/11 – Lionel Messi
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com
Messi went even further with an incredible 50-goal campaign. His blend of dribbling, vision, and finishing stunned the football world.
2011/12 – Lionel Messi
Photo: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com
He followed up with 46 more goals for Barcelona. The Argentine continued setting impossible standards.
2012/13 – Lionel Messi
Fabideciria / Shutterstock.com
Another 46-goal season underlined Messi’s status as the best. His consistency was simply out of this world.
2013/14 – Luis Suárez & Cristiano Ronaldo
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com
Both stars ended with 31 goals apiece. Suárez was sensational at Liverpool, while Ronaldo maintained elite form at Madrid.
2014/15 – Cristiano Ronaldo
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com
Ronaldo reclaimed the title with a remarkable 48 goals. He was a scoring machine, thriving on power and precision.
2015/16 – Luis Suárez
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com
The Uruguayan hit 40 goals for Barcelona, outshining even Messi and Neymar. His aggression and technique were unmatched.
2016/17 – Lionel Messi
Photo: YES Market Media / Shutterstock.com
With 37 goals, Messi once again led the way. He continued to dazzle fans with his trademark magic.
2017/18 – Lionel Messi
A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com
He added another Golden Boot to his collection with 34 goals. His playmaking and scoring remained elite.
2018/19 – Lionel Messi
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Messi hit 36 goals to claim his sixth Golden Boot. It capped off another dominant La Liga season.
2019/20 – Ciro Immobile
Photo: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
The Lazio striker shocked Europe with 36 goals. His movement and finishing earned him Italy’s first Golden Boot since 2007.
2020/21 – Robert Lewandowski
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Lewandowski was unstoppable with 41 Bundesliga goals. He broke Gerd Müller’s long-standing record in sensational fashion.
2021/22 – Robert Lewandowski
MDI / Shutterstock.com
He followed up with 35 more goals for Bayern. The Polish striker was simply in a league of his own.
2022/23 – Erling Haaland
Photo: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com
The Norwegian scored 36 Premier League goals for Manchester City. His power, speed, and instinct made headlines all season.
2023/24 – Harry Kane
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Kane’s first season at Bayern saw him rack up 36 goals. The Englishman adapted instantly and led the line with class.
2024/25 – Kylian Mbappé
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com
Mbappé clinched his first Golden Boot with 31 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. The French star proved he’s ready to carry the biggest club on his shoulders.