Golden Boot WC 2022: With the World Cup within less than a week away, anticipation and thrill of the mega-event is slowly setting in from world over.
This World Cup is special in its own way given it is a first to be played mid-season of the footballing calendar and a first in Qatar as well.
It is a last chance for some of the greats to finish off their glittering careers with the top prize in football and will hope to inspire their nation to glory.
Goal-scoring remains a fine art and at the world stage, one always looks to end as top scorer.
Today, we look at the potential players who could win the Golden Boot in Qatar 2022.
Neymar
The Brazilian captain is probably having the best season of his career at PSG since his move to France.
With 11 goals and 9 assists from 14 matches, Neymar has been in electrifying form for PSG in the Ligue 1.
Brazil hopes to see him continue the same for nation in Qatar which could help them become a 6-time World champion.
Neymar hints that this World Cup could be his last 🥺 pic.twitter.com/jK5p9zBQ4S
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 12, 2022
The South American side has not won the World Cup since 2002 and Neymar who is set to be his last WC would want to end his international career with the medal.
Lionel Messi
When it comes to goals, this man isn’t far behind is he? Messi once again is part of a 5th World Cup and will be looking to lead his nation to the summit.
The Argentine has announced that this would be his last World Cup and all fans across the globe want to see the magical and mercurial lad hold the cup aloft.
Lionel Messi:🗣
“I never set out to be the best player in history. I think I’m just another footballer. On the pitch we are all the same and when the game starts I always try to improve myself.” pic.twitter.com/7cls9M8lp5
— Sports Status (@sportsstatus24) November 13, 2022
Messi remains a threat when it comes to finding the back of the net and will be the target man once again in Qatar.
Serge Gnabry
The German lad has been in good form for Bayern Munich this season with 8 goals and 3 assists in the Bundesliga.
Gnabry’s pace, aggression and ability to trouble defenders makes him a prime prospect for finding the back of the net.
Germany are potential title favourites as well and Gnabry is the ideal man to help them achieve their dream of being 5-time World Champions.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese captain returns for a potential last hurrah in a FIFA event and remains a goal-threat even today.
Despite the difficult start to the season in Manchester, Cristiano is a force for Portugal and Santos will be relying on his nation’s captain to deliver once again.
Ronaldo has scored 7 goals for Portugal in the 4 World Cup’s he has been a part of. Cristiano has won the Golden Boot at the Euros and is the current top-scorer in international football. A golden Boot at the World Cup stage coupled with the trophy is probably the fitting end to a legendary career for him.
Most goals in International Tournaments:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 (30 goals)
2. Ronaldo Nazario 🇧🇷 (29 goals)
3. Batistuta 🇦🇷 (27 goals)World Cup is coming, Ready to extent the record 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ENs5cRpocF
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 11, 2022
Aleksander Mitrovic
This is a surprise man in the offing for a potential World Cup Golden Boot prize. But Mitrovic remains one of the top strikers today.
He is a classic number 9 when it comes to being at the right place in finding the back of the net.
Mitrovic is a man for the occasions and will be looked at with keen eyes by opposition defenders.