Premier League Golden Boot: Ranking the 10 contenders for top scorer in 2025-26

Liverpool host Bournemouth in Friday's Premier League match at Anfield as the English top flight returns for the 2025-26 season. 

In the lead-up to the season's commencement, Pulse Sports walked you through the top appearance makers, leading goalscorers, key assist providers, goalkeepers with the most clean sheets, and the most controversial Premier League transfers since 1992-93. 

Mohamed Salah, last season's Golden Boot winner, enters this year's campaign aiming to hold on to the award and claim a fifth Golden Boot, thus surpassing Thierry Henry. 

That ambition may be threatened by the Egyptian's African Cup of Nations involvement - the tournament will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026 - which could see him miss between four and six matches, depending on his nation's progress, leaving him at risk of losing his crown.

However, who are the contenders to win the Golden Boot apart from the Liverpool star?

Alexander Isak was a vital contributor for Newcastle United in 2024-25, netting 23 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances, including four penalties. 

Isak ideally would be ranked higher — possibly in the top five — but the Swede’s highly uncertain transfer situation, amid links to Liverpool and his reported refusal to play for Newcastle, causes his poor ranking. 

If he stays at Newcastle, he remains their main striker and penalty taker. If he transfers to Liverpool, he is seen as an elite option, although the lack of a pre-season and Mohamed Salah being the key player at Anfield could result in fewer goals.

Joao Pedro joined Chelsea after a 2024-25 season with Brighton, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances, including five penalties. 

In 2023-24, he netted nine goals and provided three assists across 31 matches, including four penalties. 

At Chelsea, Joao Pedro is anticipated to adopt a traditional No. 9 role, leveraging Cole Palmer's creativity. Nonetheless, Palmer is Chelsea's main penalty taker, so the Brazilian will likely lose that opportunity. 

His career has shown explosive potential when healthy, but injuries have restricted his playing time. 

Joao Pedro’s success at Chelsea will rely on regular starting appearances and adjusting to his new role, which may no longer include primary penalty responsibilities.

Another player who should be involved at AFCON 2025 is Bryan Mbeumo, who had an outstanding 2024-25 season at Brentford, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 38 appearances, including five penalties. 

In 2023-24, he netted nine goals and six assists in 25 matches, with three penalties. He has now transferred to Manchester United, a club undergoing an attacking overhaul under Ruben Amorim. 

Mbeumo is expected to link up with new signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. While he was a primary penalty taker at Brentford, he is expected to take a lesser role behind Bruno Fernandes at United. 

Fernandes not making the cut is an upshot of United’s revamped attack, indicating they will rely less on the Portuguese attacking midfielder. 

The Red Devils’ absence from European football might provide an advantage due to fewer fixtures. Mbeumo’s adaptation to new teammates and the end of his primary penalty duties are key factors in his pursuit of the Golden Boot.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was a heroic figure for Crystal Palace, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in 37 appearances in 2024-25, including two penalties. 

In 2023-24, he netted 16 goals and five assists in 35 appearances, with two penalties. 

Under Oliver Glasner, Palace has transformed into a clinical, counter-attacking threat using a 3-4-2-1 formation designed to maximise players like Mateta. 

He shares penalty responsibilities with Eberechi Eze, who could still leave Selhurst Park this summer. 

Mateta's consistent form and his role in a tactically optimised system make him a strong dark horse. 

While his overall goal tally might not reach the very top, his consistent minutes and strong finishing within Palace's setup make him a viable contender for a high position.

Cole Palmer had a breakout 2023-24 season with 22 goals and 11 assists in 33 appearances, including nine penalties. 

His 2024-25 campaign saw him score 15 goals and provide eight assists in 37 appearances, with four penalties. Palmer is Chelsea's best creator and undisputed primary penalty taker. 

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea aim for a controlling, possession-based style with a counter-press, and Palmer is central to their attacking plans. 

Palmer’s consistent penalty duties provide a significant boost to his goal tally. His Golden Boot potential hinges on Chelsea's overall attacking output under Maresca and his ability to maintain his high level of performance.

Ollie Watkins consistently delivers high goal contributions for Aston Villa. In 2024-25, he scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 38 appearances, including two penalties.

His 2023-24 season saw him net 19 goals and an impressive 13 assists in 37 appearances, without scoring any penalties. 

Watkins is recognised as a strong all-around forward and is expected to be Villa's primary penalty taker. 

While there is reported transfer interest, Villa still aim to retain him. 

Chris Wood had a career-high 20 goals (three penalties) in 2024-25, along with three assists in 36 appearances, leading Nottingham Forest to European football. 

In 2023-24, he scored 14 goals and recorded one assist in 31 appearances. 

Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest employ a direct style with a potent counterattack, benefitting Wood, who is their primary penalty taker.

Although his form dipped towards the end of 2024-25 and reaching 20 goals again is seen as a long shot, his consistent double-digit tally and guaranteed penalty duties make him a perennial threat. 

However, managing domestic and European competitions could prove challenging for Forest, potentially affecting his minutes or form.

Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool's talisman, winning his fourth Golden Boot in 2024-25 with 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances, matching the record for most goal contributions in a Premier League season.

The Reds star converted nine penalties in the Merseyside club’s title-winning season. 

In 2023-24, Salah recorded 18 goals and 10 assists in 32 appearances. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool employ a flexible, high-intensity attacking system where Salah often plays higher to maximise his threat. 

The four-time Golden Boot winner is also Liverpool’s main penalty taker, indicating that his numbers could stay high. However, AFCON 2025 involvement could see him lose his grip on the individual honour.

After scoring 29 goals and providing  10 assists in 33 league games in 2023-24, Viktor Gyokeres arrives at Arsenal after a sensational 2024-25 season with Sporting Lisbon, scoring 39 goals (12 penalties) and providing seven assists in 33 Primeira Liga appearances, finishing as the European Golden Boot runner-up.

Arsenal had long sought a prolific No. 9, and Gyokeres's physicality, intelligence and work ethic are deemed a perfect fit for their tactical vision. 

While his penalty duties at Arsenal are uncertain, his prolific record suggests he will challenge Bukayo Saka for the role. 

Gyokeres's adaptation to the Premier League is the primary unknown, but his profile and Arsenal's tactical need make him a compelling contender.

Erling Haaland remains Manchester City's undisputed attacking focal point. 

Despite a 2024-25 season affected by injuries, during which he scored 22 goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances, his underlying metrics stay elite. 

In 2023-24, he was the league's top scorer with 27 goals and five assists in 31 appearances. With a rejuvenated Phil Foden and a new supporting cast, City's attacking power ensures a high volume of chances. 

If Haaland stays fit, he is the frontrunner to reclaim the Golden Boot.