Whenever the biggest soccer event is celebrated every four years, the FIFA World Cup always generates plenty of excitement and intrigue. This time Qatar is hosting the 2022 tournament, becoming the first Middle East country to have such an honour, eagerly anticipating the arrival of national teams from around the globe.
No matter how national team head coaches assemble their squads, one key element is arguably more decisive than any other, which is the capacity to score goals. Putting the ball into the back of the net is ultimately what wins matches, therefore having reliable forwards is vital towards enhancing the overall chances of success.
Individually speaking, claiming the Golden Boot award is one of the top honours a player can achieve at any World Cup tournament, aside from lifting the iconic trophy with their team as champions. This also brings considerable pressure and expectations, often adding an extra burden upon the shoulders of leading strikers. But which attacking players are tipped to score the most goals at the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar?
Potent strikers with strong backing
Odds are prone to shifting and changing once the 2022 World Cup begins, largely based around current form when it comes to scoring goals, implying that comparing markets at different bookmakers is certainly worth exploring. Along with presenting a carefully curated list of top betting sites available, covering practically every country around the world, SBO provides detailed guides and valuable advice to bettors.
Currently enjoying the most backing for the Golden Boot award, England striker Harry Kane is the leading candidate heading into the World Cup, even if his international form has been somewhat sketchy with the Three Lions of late. His last goal wearing an England shirt came in June this year, during a 1-1 draw against Germany, although he has been in reliable form with Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 6 goals in 9 appearances.
After an exceptional 2021-22 campaign with Real Madrid, which included lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy, French star Karim Benzema is actually tipped to win the coveted Ballon d’Or award this year as best player in the world. Joining him in the attacking line for Les Bleus will be Kylian Mbappe, also tipped for success at the World Cup, following his impressive start to the 2022-23 campaign at Paris Saint-Germain.
Incredibly, within the top five Golden Boot favourites for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there are actually three Paris Saint-Germain forwards, and another just outside the leading candidates for the award. Brazilian talent Neymar Junior is up there, featured at just slightly longer odds than Mbappe, while they are joined by club colleague Lionel Messi with Argentina.
Surprising outside candidates for the Golden Boot
Having already looked at the top five favourites to win the Golden Boot, the World Cup this year will feature a who’s who of remarkable attacking players, all capable of banging in plenty of goals. But perhaps the most surprising outsider is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently holds the record for international goals, potentially making him a great value option with Portugal.
Another player with lengthy odds is Antoine Griezmann with France, who has appeared to struggle for scoring form at club side Atletico Madrid, although he was amongst the leading marksmen at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Likewise, the powerful attacking contribution of Romelu Lukaku with Belgium should never be underestimated, particularly given his exceptional club form with Inter Milan over the last couple of seasons.
Just as remarkable when it comes to bookie predictions, way down the list of potential Golden Boot contenders is Real Madrid man Vinicius, a player setting himself exciting and ambitious targets, both with his club and for Brazil at the World Cup. The same will apply to his fellow countryman Richarlison, who has been really impressive in the Premier League of late, following his move from Everton to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
Indeed, there is actually so much attacking talent ready to shine at the World Cup, it really could be wide open regarding who eventually tops the scoring charts, inevitably adding some additional interest and value to Golden Boot betting markets. Whoever you decide to back, let’s hope it’s a thrilling tournament in Qatar that everyone can enjoy, as we discover which players and teams will claim the top honours.
