The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has brought with it a fresh wave of excitement, global viewership, and most notably, a fierce and unpredictable Golden Boot race. With the tournament now featuring 32 of the world’s best clubs and taking place across iconic cities in the United States, this year’s competition is not just about crowning the best club in the world—it’s also about discovering which striker can rise above the elite and claim the coveted top scorer’s prize.
So far, the group stage and early knockout rounds have delivered spectacular goals, historic performances, and a flurry of individual brilliance. From established global superstars to emerging sharpshooters, the Golden Boot race has become one of the central storylines of this year’s tournament.
This deep dive explores the leading contenders, tactical insights, key performances, and what lies ahead in the thrilling chase for the Golden Boot at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
A Tournament Reimagined The Expanded Stage
For the first time in history, the Club World Cup features 32 teams, mimicking the format of the men’s FIFA World Cup. This restructuring has allowed more clubs from Asia, Africa, South America, and North America to compete alongside traditional European powerhouses.
With more matches comes more opportunities for strikers to rack up goals, and as expected, the Golden Boot leaderboard has been dynamic, shifting almost daily as the goals pour in.
Early Standouts in the Golden Boot Race
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Goals: 6
Minutes Played: 335
Shot Conversion Rate: 28%
Key Game: Hat-trick vs. Ulsan Hyundai (Round of 16)
As expected, Erling Haaland has been a goal machine. The Norwegian forward opened his account with a double against Auckland City and exploded with a hat-trick against Ulsan Hyundai. His movement, clinical finishing, and physical dominance have made him the focal point of City’s fluid attack.
Manager Pep Guardiola, known for rotating his squad, has nevertheless leaned on Haaland in tight moments. With City through to the quarterfinals, Haaland remains the clear frontrunner for the Golden Boot—provided he keeps fit.
“It’s about rhythm, hunger, and winning. But yeah, I like scoring too,” Haaland joked after his Round of 16 performance.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
Key Game: 2 goals vs. Al Ahly
If Haaland brings power, Vinícius Júnior brings flair. The Brazilian has been Real Madrid’s most dangerous player throughout the tournament, not only scoring but also creating space for his teammates with dazzling dribbles and intelligent positioning.
His brace against Al Ahly in the group stage was a reminder of his growing maturity as a goal threat—not just a creator. Vini’s combination play with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo has overwhelmed defenses.
Should Madrid reach the semifinals, Vini has a strong chance of overtaking Haaland, especially considering his dual threat as a scorer and playmaker.
- Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord)
Goals: 5
Shot Accuracy: 70%
Key Game: Match-winner vs. Monterrey
Arguably the breakout star of the tournament, Santiago Giménez has been on fire. The Mexican striker, who had a strong season in the Eredivisie, has carried that momentum into the Club World Cup. His blend of movement, pressing intensity, and ice-cold finishing has put him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
Feyenoord’s underdog run has been one of the tournament’s feel-good stories, and Giménez is its heart. Even if Feyenoord don’t go the distance, his early goal tally keeps him in contention.
“I don’t just want to compete—I want to win,” Giménez told ESPN after his second goal in the group stage.
- Mohamed Salah (Al Ahly)
Goals: 4
Assists: 2
Key Game: 1 goal, 1 assist vs. Auckland City
Back at his boyhood club on loan for the summer, Mohamed Salah has made the most of his temporary reunion with Al Ahly. Despite limited expectations for the Egyptian giants to go deep into the tournament, Salah has produced moments of magic.
His leadership and experience have lifted Al Ahly beyond what most predicted. Even if their run ends soon, Salah has reasserted his class and may still finish in the top five for goals.
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Goals: 4
Key Game: 2 goals vs. Al Hilal
A surprise inclusion near the top of the list, Gabriel Jesus has been decisive for Arsenal. The Gunners’ attack has clicked in the Club World Cup, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard playing supporting roles while Jesus leads the line.
If Arsenal progress to the semifinals, Jesus could push his tally higher. His pressing, link-up play, and movement in tight areas have troubled defenders, showing why Mikel Arteta continues to trust him on the big stage.
Dark Horses and Emerging Names
Beyond the elite names, several lesser-known strikers and forwards have made waves in the scoring charts:
- Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Ittihad) – 3 goals
The Moroccan veteran has delivered poacher’s finishes and clinical headers. His experience has powered Al Ittihad into the quarterfinals, and he remains a threat in every match.
- Facundo Torres (Orlando City) – 3 goals
Representing the host nation’s MLS contingent, Torres has impressed with his dynamic play and fearless attitude, scoring key goals and earning rave reviews.
- Savio (Girona FC) – 3 goals
One of La Liga’s brightest young stars, Savio’s quick feet and lethal finishing from the wing position have lit up the group stages.
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