Haaland's main rivals for the Premier League Golden Boot

Retold by Oddsrama · 18 August 2026

Erling Haaland enters the 2024-25 Premier League season as the odds-on favourite to claim a record-equalling fourth Golden Boot award. The Manchester City striker has dominated the race in three of his four English campaigns, including a stunning 36-goal haul in 2022-23 and back-to-back 27-goal seasons. With Mohamed Salah no longer in the league following his Liverpool departure, the path appears clearer than ever for the Norwegian to add another accolade to his collection. At 26 years old and with 112 goals in 132 Premier League appearances, Haaland will take considerable stopping—even under new City boss Enzo Maresca.

However, several strikers are positioning themselves as genuine threats to his dominance. Alexander Isak finished second in last season's race with 23 goals, despite significant injury setbacks at Newcastle before joining Liverpool for £125 million. The Swedish forward managed only four goals in 22 matches for the Reds but, if fitness permits and new manager Andoni Iraola provides consistent service, he could mount a serious challenge. Brentford's Thiago also looms large after an impressive 22-goal debut campaign, while Joao Pedro will look to build on his 15-goal return at Chelsea. Even established names like Ollie Watkins, who averages over 15 league goals per season since joining Aston Villa, remain contenders if they can find another level.

From a betting perspective, the Golden Boot race has shifted dramatically in recent years. Between 2018 and 2022, 23 goals typically sufficed to win it; now, 27–36 goals are required. This reflects Haaland's own influence in raising the standard. Interestingly, historically only 12 of 42 Golden Boot winners have actually won the Premier League title in those seasons, meaning strikers from mid-table or lower-finishing sides remain viable bets if their form aligns. Manchester United's Leny Sesko, still just 23, showed explosive form post-January—scoring at a rate that drew comparisons to top scorers—and could surprise if he maintains momentum under Michael Carrick.

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