The 2025-26 Premier League Golden Boot race is already beginning to take shape, with familiar faces, breakout stars, and big-money transfers all in the mix.
While Erling Haaland remains the obvious frontrunner, the competition around him is far stronger than in seasons past, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling goalscoring contest.
Much like the rising popularity of minimum deposit casinos that offer great rewards for low-risk bets, this season’s Golden Boot race promises high returns from players who don’t always require the biggest names to make the biggest impact.
Top 2025-26 Premier League Golden Boot Candidates
Erling Haaland – Man City
Haaland is still the man to beat.
After a relatively modest 22-goal season by his standards, the Norwegian striker will be hungry to reassert himself as the league’s most ruthless finisher. He’s the bookmakers’ favourite for a reason – his track record at Manchester City and the chances that team creates make him a near lock to hit 20+ goals again, if fit.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Right behind him is Egyptian Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool talisman showed no signs of slowing down last season, reclaiming the Golden Boot with 29 goals and 18 assists.
Even at 33, Salah’s consistency and ability to find space in tight areas remain unmatched. If he carries that momentum into the new season, back-to-back scoring titles are within reach.
Alexander Isak – Newcastle
Then there’s Alexander Isak. The Newcastle forward scored 23 league goals last season and continues to look more polished each year. And with him rumoured to have trained at Real Sociedad, there is speculation on where he might play this season.
His movement off the ball and clinical edge in front of goal make him a real threat, especially if Newcastle’s midfield can stay fit and functional over the course of the campaign.
Joao Pedro – Chelsea
Another major contender is Joao Pedro, who joined Chelsea this summer in a £60 million move from Brighton.
While he scored 10 goals in the league last season – half of which came from the penalty spot – he’s already made a strong impression at Chelsea, scoring in three goals in three games at the Club World Cup triumph.
If he nails down a consistent starting role, he could quietly put together a serious Golden Boot challenge.
Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Pedro’s teammate Cole Palmer is also worth watching. Despite struggles midseason, he still hit double digits for goal contributions, with 15 goals and eight assists.
Having rediscovered himself at the Club World Cup, Palmer will be expected to build on that form.
Honourable Mentions
The biggest question mark right now surrounds Arsenal’s new No.9 Viktor Gyökeres. With a ridiculously strong midfield containing the recent addition of Zubmiendi to Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, and a supporting cast including world class Bukayo Saka, everything could change as the Sporting CP striker signed with Arsenal.
Beyond the headline names, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins continues to be one of the most consistent strikers in the league.
He ended the 2024/25 season with 16 goals and eight assists. A strong start could see him enter the conversation again.
Don’t rule out Bryan Mbeumo either, who stepped up for Brentford with a career-best return in 2024/25. He might just unlock Manchester United’s attack.
Chelsea’s Liam Delap and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha also profile as dark horses.
But realistically, the top tier consists of Haaland, Salah, Isak, Pedro, and perhaps Palmer – players with the ability, systems, and momentum to hit that 20-goal mark or beyond.
If form holds and injuries stay away, this year’s race could go down to the wire. The frontrunners have all proven they can deliver. Now, it’s about doing it when it counts.