Top 5 contenders for European Golden Shoe

Aside from the honors won as a team, individual honors have always had a special place in each footballer’s heart. One such award is the European Golden Shoe, which is awarded to the leading goal scorer plying his trade in any European top division. Ever since its inception, it has been hotly contested, but the past few years have been duopolised by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Is that set to change this season? And although there are some surprises so far this season, can anyone legitimately vie for the honor? So, let us take a serious look at the five favorites who stands a chance at getting the European Golden Boot.

5. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Having won the Golden Shoe in each of the last couple of season, Messi was odds on favorite to repeat that feat at the start of the season. However, injuries have curtailed his season thus far and has meant that he has just made 12 League appearances and scored only 8 goals so far this season. Having said that, ever since he came back from his injury layoff, Messi has gotten back to his goal scoring best, notching up a brace in both legs against Getafe in the Copa del Rey in the space of a week.

All of which mean that, you shouldn’t count him out of the running for the European Golden Shoe just yet. But the truth is, he is so far behind the eight ball at the moment (already 14 goals behind) that it is difficult to see him catching up and winning it. But, you wouldn’t bet against him, and if there is one player capable of doing that, it is Messi. And that is why, with another half of the season coming up, Messi is right up there, among the favorites.