Who Will Win the Premier League Golden Boot for Season 2025/2026: Salah, Haaland or Gyökeres?
Summary (Quick Answer)
Prediction: Based on early-season form, goal-scoring consistency, and team dynamics, Erling Haaland remains the frontrunner to win the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2025/2026 season, with Mohamed Salah and Viktor Gyökeres close behind.
However, Salah’s unmatched experience and Gyökeres’s explosive rise make this season’s race one of the tightest in years.
Introduction: The Golden Boot Race Heats Up Again
Every Premier League season brings its fair share of drama, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments. Yet, one battle stands above all — the race for the Golden Boot, the honour reserved for the league’s top goal scorer.
As the 2025/2026 campaign unfolds, three names dominate the conversation: Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Viktor Gyökeres.
Each represents a different football story:
- Salah, the Egyptian King, still defying age and rewriting records.
- Haaland, the goal machine, redefining what consistency means.
- Gyökeres, the rising Swedish star, lighting up the Premier League after conquering Portugal.
So, who truly stands the best chance of winning it this season?
Let’s dive into their stats, styles, and situations to uncover who might lift the Golden Boot in 2025/26.
Understanding the Premier League Golden Boot
Before we compare the contenders, it’s worth understanding what makes the Golden Boot so special.
What is the Golden Boot?
The Premier League Golden Boot is awarded annually to the player who scores the most goals in a single Premier League season. It’s a badge of honour — the symbol of a striker’s dominance in arguably the toughest football league on Earth.
Past Winners at a Glance
| Season | Winner | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Erling Haaland | 32 | Manchester City |
| 2023/24 | Erling Haaland | 36 | Manchester City |
| 2022/23 | Erling Haaland | 36 | Manchester City |
| 2021/22 | Son Heung-min / Mohamed Salah | 23 each | Spurs / Liverpool |
| 2020/21 | Harry Kane | 23 | Tottenham Hotspur |
Haaland’s dominance is clear — three consecutive wins since arriving at Manchester City. Yet, 2025/26 feels different.
Salah is in the form of his life again under Liverpool’s renewed attacking setup, and Gyökeres is adapting frighteningly fast to the Premier League pace.
Meet the Contenders: Salah, Haaland, and Gyökeres
Let’s break down what each of these forwards brings to the table in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Mohamed Salah – The Timeless King
Club: Liverpool
Age: 33
Position: Right Winger / Forward
If there’s one player who has redefined longevity in the Premier League, it’s Mohamed Salah. Year after year, pundits predict he’ll slow down — and year after year, he proves them wrong.
Why Salah Still Threatens Every Defence
- ⚡ Explosive pace and precision finishing — even at 33, Salah’s acceleration and shooting technique remain elite.
- 🧠 Football intelligence — his movement off the ball is unmatched. He knows exactly when to drift wide or cut inside.
- 🔥 Penalties and set pieces — as Liverpool’s primary penalty taker, he always has an edge in the Golden Boot race.
Liverpool’s New System
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have regained their rhythm — pressing with intensity and attacking with fluidity.
Salah’s chemistry with Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz is improving, and his freedom to drift centrally has boosted his goal count again.
Salah’s 2025/26 Season So Far
- Goals: 8 (after 7 games)
- Assists: 3
- Shots per game: 4.1
- Conversion rate: 22%
Those are elite numbers — reminiscent of his peak seasons between 2017 and 2020.
Erling Haaland – The Goal-Scoring Machine
Club: Manchester City
Age: 25
Position: Striker
If you were building the perfect striker in a lab, you’d end up with Erling Haaland.
At just 25, he’s already rewriting Premier League history books with his sheer consistency and physical dominance.
Haaland’s Greatest Strengths
- 💪 Unstoppable physique — strength, speed, and balance all in one.
- 🎯 Clinical finishing — whether it’s with his left foot, right foot, or head, Haaland rarely misses.
- ⚙️ Perfect system fit — Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City create chance after chance, feeding Haaland endlessly.
City’s Creative Core
With Kevin De Bruyne fit again and Phil Foden in dazzling form, Haaland’s service line has never been stronger.
Even when City rotate, the Norwegian still finds the net — because that’s what he does best.
Haaland’s 2025/26 Stats (So Far)
- Goals: 10 (in 7 matches)
- Assists: 1
- Expected Goals (xG): 9.8
- Conversion rate: 28%
He’s on pace for another 35+ goal season if he stays fit. And that’s the terrifying part — he’s not even at full throttle yet.
Viktor Gyökeres – The New Challenger
Club: Arsenal
Age: 27
Position: Striker
The Swedish powerhouse has arrived in England — and he’s making a statement.
After a record-breaking season at Sporting CP, Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025, and he’s wasted no time silencing doubters.
Why Gyökeres Could Surprise Everyone
- 🦁 Physical presence — strong, fearless, and dominant in duels.
- 🧩 Perfect fit for Arsenal’s style — his hold-up play and link-up with Saka and Odegaard have been seamless.
- 🚀 Finishing under pressure — Gyökeres thrives in tight spaces and never shies away from big moments.
Gyökeres’s 2025/26 Stats (So Far)
- Goals: 7 (in 7 games)
- Assists: 2
- Shot accuracy: 61%
- Chances created: 9
It’s rare for a new signing to adapt so quickly. But Gyökeres is no ordinary signing — he’s a striker with both power and precision.
Comparing the Contenders: Head-to-Head
| Category | Salah | Haaland | Gyökeres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals (2025/26) | 8 | 10 | 7 |
| Assists | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Minutes per Goal | 79 | 63 | 85 |
| Penalty Taker? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Team Creativity Index | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Injury Risk | Low | Medium | Low |
| Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Golden Boot Titles Won | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Form, Fitness, and Fixtures
Winning the Golden Boot isn’t just about scoring ability — timing, fitness, and fixtures matter too.
Form
Haaland has started faster, but Salah’s consistency and Gyökeres’s adaptation rate suggest all three are set for long, competitive runs.
Fitness
- Salah: Rarely injured and one of the fittest players in football.
- Haaland: Slightly higher risk — muscle fatigue and ankle issues have caused missed matches before.
- Gyökeres: Robust and strong; no major injury record so far.
Fixtures Ahead (Next 5)
| Player | Key Fixtures | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Salah | vs Man United, Spurs, Brighton | ⚠️ Tough |
| Haaland | vs Brentford, West Ham, Wolves | ✅ Easier |
| Gyökeres | vs Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle | ⚠️ Moderate |
Advantage: Haaland — his upcoming fixtures are more favourable for goal scoring.
Expert Prediction: Who Will Win the 2025/26 Golden Boot?
If the season continues at its current pace, it’s shaping up to be one of the tightest Golden Boot races in recent memory.
Haaland’s Case
✅ Unrivalled scoring rate.
✅ Plays in the most attacking team.
⚠️ Slight injury concern.
⚠️ Rotations during busy schedules could limit minutes.
Salah’s Case
✅ Still Liverpool’s main man.
✅ Scores penalties and crucial goals.
✅ Proven record — three-time winner.
⚠️ Age may affect consistency late in the season.
Gyökeres’s Case
✅ Hungry and motivated debutant.
✅ Arsenal’s system creates plenty of chances.
⚠️ Might share goals with Saka and Martinelli.
⚠️ No penalty advantage.
Final Prediction: Haaland to Win, Salah Close, Gyökeres Dark Horse
| Rank | Player | Predicted Goals | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Erling Haaland | 34 | Superior consistency + fixture advantage |
| 🥈 | Mohamed Salah | 27 | Penalty edge + leadership role |
| 🥉 | Viktor Gyökeres | 25 | Incredible debut season but slightly less prolific |
👉 Verdict: Erling Haaland is most likely to win the Premier League Golden Boot again, but don’t be shocked if Salah or Gyökeres push him all the way.
Pros and Cons Table (For Prediction or Betting)
| Player | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | – Consistent finisher- Plays in most creative team- Regular penalty taker | – Injury risk- Rotations during Champions League weeks |
| Mohamed Salah | – Reliable penalties- Strong start to season- Consistency over the years | – Ageing legs- Tougher fixtures ahead |
| Viktor Gyökeres | – Explosive debut- Arsenal’s tactical system suits him- High work rate | – No penalties- First full PL season |
FAQs – People Also Ask
1. Who won the Premier League Golden Boot last season?
Erling Haaland won the 2024/25 Golden Boot with 32 goals for Manchester City.
2. How many Golden Boots has Mohamed Salah won?
Salah has won three Golden Boots (2017/18, 2018/19, and 2021/22).
3. Can a new player like Gyökeres really win the Golden Boot?
Yes — if he maintains his current form. Many players have won it in their first or second season, such as Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah.
4. Who are the outsiders for the Golden Boot in 2025/26?
Players like Ollie Watkins, Darwin Núñez, and Alexander Isak are also strong contenders if they find consistency.
5. How Does taking penalties help win the Golden Boot?
Absolutely. Around 15–20% of Premier League top scorers’ goals often come from penalties.
Summary
| Key Takeaway | Insight |
|---|---|
| Likeliest Winner | Erling Haaland (Manchester City) |
| Main Challenger | Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) |
| Dark Horse | Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) |
| Reasoning | Haaland’s consistency and City’s attacking style give him a decisive edge. Salah’s penalty advantage and Gyökeres’s hunger make it a thrilling race. |
Conclusion: A Golden Boot Race for the Ages
The 2025/26 Premier League Golden Boot race feels special. It’s not just about goals — it’s about legacy.
Haaland is chasing immortality. Salah is proving that class is permanent. Gyökeres is writing a new chapter in Arsenal’s attacking story.
Each week will bring twists and surprises, but one thing is certain: this season’s Golden Boot battle will go down to the wire — and fans are in for a treat.
Disclaimer
All predictions are based on current form, data, and analysis. Football is unpredictable — always play or bet responsibly.
