SBOTOP Golden Hunt: Who’s Leading the Goal Race at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 electrifies stadiums across Switzerland, one competition within the competition has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike: the race for the Golden Boot. Every edition of the Women’s Euro crowns not only the best team in Europe but also the most lethal forward—the one who can turn half-chances into goals, light up the scoreboard, and etch their name into tournament folklore.

This year, with tactical revolutions and attacking talents blossoming across the continent, the goal race has been nothing short of breathtaking. Let’s take a deep dive into who’s leading the charge, the dark horses making noise, and what the data tells us about the quest for the crown of Europe’s most prolific striker.

Ewa Pajor Poland’s Powerhouse Striker

Poland’s rise at the Women’s Euro 2025 has been one of the tournament’s most heartwarming stories, and central to that has been Ewa Pajor. With 5 goals in four matches, she has not only led Poland to their first-ever semi-final but also turned herself into a household name across Europe.

A striker with incredible pace, strength, and sharp finishing, Pajor has been terrorizing defenses. Her hat-trick against Denmark in the group stage was a masterclass in movement and timing. With Poland still in the tournament, Pajor has a real shot at sealing the Golden Boot and leading her nation to an improbable final.

Alessia Russo England’s New Leader

After Ellen White’s retirement, England needed someone to step up. Alessia Russo has done exactly that. The Manchester United striker has matured into a leader and finisher, spearheading the Lionesses’ attack with flair and consistency. Her brace against Spain in the group decider and a crucial goal in the quarter-final win over Italy have made her a key player in England’s title defense.

What makes Russo dangerous is her versatility. Whether playing as a lone striker or dropping deep to combine with Lauren James and Ella Toone, she is central to England’s attacking rhythm.

Vivianne Miedema Back with a Bang

After missing the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to an ACL injury, Vivianne Miedema has returned stronger, hungrier, and more refined.

The all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands has reminded everyone why she is one of the best forwards in the world. Her four goals, including a sensational volley against Sweden, have reignited the Dutch hopes of repeating their 2017 European triumph.

Miedema’s intelligence and positioning have been unmatched. Her ability to drift between lines and create space for others is making her more than just a scorer—she’s also a creator.

The Supporting Cast Players in the Shadows

Behind the headline grabbers, several other players are quietly making a case for the Golden Boot, or at least for a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Delphine Cascarino (France): Two goals and three assists—she may not win the boot, but her influence is massive.
Lea Schüller (Germany): Often overshadowed by Bühl, Schüller’s movement and instinct have led to two timely goals.
Sophia Smith (Portugal): Yes, the American-born winger has Portuguese heritage and switched allegiance. With two goals and relentless dribbling, she’s been a revelation.
Stina Blackstenius (Sweden): The Arsenal forward has netted twice, including a last-minute winner against Norway.

Tactical Trends Why This Goal Race Is Unique

The 2025 Women’s Euro has seen a shift toward more aggressive attacking formations. Traditional 4-4-2s and rigid 4-2-3-1s have given way to flexible systems like the 3-4-3 and 4-3-3, emphasizing pressing, pace, and transition.

Teams like Poland and England are pressing high, forcing turnovers, and creating more goal-scoring chances. This trend has led to an average of 3.1 goals per game, the highest in the competition’s history.

Moreover, VAR and refined offside rules have favored attackers. Quick restarts and set-piece innovations have also contributed to a rise in scoring chances.

The Role of Set Pieces and Penalties

Interestingly, nearly 30% of the goals so far have come from set pieces or penalties. The likes of Miedema and Katoto have benefitted from clinical spot-kick execution. Players with strong aerial ability, like Germany’s Marina Hegering, have also chipped in with key headers from corners.

This raises the question: will the Golden Boot winner be decided by open play brilliance or set-piece mastery?

Youth vs Experience Who Has the Edge

Another fascinating subplot in the Golden Hunt is the battle between rising stars and seasoned veterans.

Rising Stars: Pajor (28), Russo (26), and Bühl (24) represent the new generation—fast, physical, and fearless.
Veterans: Miedema (29), Katoto (27), and even Germany’s Alexandra Popp (33) bring leadership and composure.

In tight knockout games, experience often proves decisive. But in a tournament dominated by speed and counter-attacks, youth might just have the upper hand.

What History Tells Us

The Golden Boot in past editions of the UEFA Women’s Euro has often gone to players who reach the final, for obvious reasons—they play more matches.

2017: Jodie Taylor (England) – 5 goals
2022: Beth Mead (England) – 6 goals
2025: TBD (but the race is intense)

Players like Mead and Taylor were both from teams with deep runs. If Pajor can carry Poland to the final, her current tally of 5 could be enough. Otherwise, a semifinal hat-trick or final brace from Russo or Miedema could tip the scales.

Fans’ Favorites and Social Media Buzz

Social media has also played a role in this year’s goal race. Fans across Europe are voting for their Player of the Match, sharing highlight reels, and engaging in polls about the Golden Boot winner.

#PajorPower, #RussoRising, and #VivTheQueen have all trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans passionately campaigning for their stars. Memes, tactical breakdowns, and even simulated FIFA matches have added a layer of fun and fan participation to the Golden Hunt.

Predictions Who Will Win the Golden Boot

With only two matches left for most teams, predictions become both exciting and nerve-wracking. Based on current form, remaining fixtures, and opposition strength, here’s a ranked forecast:

Ewa Pajor – If Poland reach the final, it’s hers to lose.
Alessia Russo – England’s firepower could give her a boost in the semis and final.
Vivianne Miedema – Always a danger, but Netherlands must stay alive.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto – Needs a multi-goal performance soon.
Klara Bühl – Germany’s tactical system limits her central role.