A look back at the last three World Cup Golden Boot winners
As football fans sink their teeth into the 2022 Qatar World Cup, we’ve already seen how goal scorers have defined games over in the Middle East. Ecuador forward Enner Valencia set the tone for things to come with a brace in the opening game, as his two goals proved decisive in the South Americans beating hosts Qatar to kick off the tournament in style, in accordance to many World Cup betting odds.
Having an elite centre forward can be the difference in a nation going the distance or not, and with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski and Luis Suarez all leading the line in Qatar, it will be interesting to see who wins the illustrious Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer. While we’re on the topic, let’s take a look at the last three winners of the World Cup Golden Boot from recent tournaments. Read on to find out more.
Russia 2018 – Harry Kane
We start things off with England captain and talisman Harry Kane. Leading the World Cup Golden Boot odds, the Tottenham Hotspur striker has been a figure of consistency for his country and really set the tone for things to come with a great campaign in Russia four years ago. Having scored the majority of his goals from the penalty spot, Kane still found the back of the net six times including a crucial last-minute winner against Tunisia and the opener against Colombia as England reached the semi-finals for the first time in over 20 years.
There were moments throughout the game against Croatia where it looked as if Kane would add a seventh to his tally, but ultimately his decision to shoot instead of square the ball to Raheem Sterling, who virtually had the goal at his mercy, was one that must haunt the Three Lions captain to this day.
Brazil 2014 – James Rodriguez
The breakout star of Brazil 2014, James Rodriguez put his name in the spotlight with a fantastic run for Colombia. Although they were eliminated by Brazil, James enjoyed a great individual tournament, which included a stunning volley against Uruguay that would go on to win the Puskas Award.
The run of form earnt him a dream move to Real Madrid that summer after scoring six goals in five games on South American shores. Just 21 years old at the time, the attacking midfielder looked set for superstardom, and while he etched out a solid career with Real and Bayern Munich, he will still be remembered most for those nights in 2014.
South Africa 2010 – Thomas Muller
While the action throughout the 2010 World Cup was less exciting than the other two tournaments, the festival of football in South Africa saw many stars rise through the ranks. Germany were still four years away from the trophy but their run in the competition saw the breakout of Thomas Muller. Alongside Miroslav Klose, who would go on to break Ronaldo’s record for World Cup goals in Brazil four years later, the pair were deadly, with Muller scoring five goals for the Europeans. He would go on to win Young Player of the tournament as Germany finished third.
