Only three contenders remain for the 2026 European Golden Shoe: the new dual stars plus Kane, all averaging over one goal per game.

The genuine contenders for the 2026 European Golden Shoe number only three: a seasoned veteran and two rising stars. These are Bayern’s 32-year-old English forward Kane, alongside the new duo—Real Madrid’s 27-year-old French striker Mbappé and Manchester City’s 25-year-old Norwegian forward Haaland. This season, regardless of Kane, Mbappé, or Haaland, the best way to describe their performance is with four words: goals galore!

Statistics of the three top forwards in the Big Five leagues this season:

• Kane: 32 years old, valued at €65 million, Bayern/Bundesliga, with 29 goals and 3 assists in 24 matches across all competitions this season, including 19 goals and 3 assists in 15 Bundesliga games.
• Mbappé: 27 years old, valued at €200 million, Real Madrid/La Liga, with 28 goals and 5 assists in 23 matches across all competitions this season, including 18 goals and 4 assists in 18 La Liga games.
• Haaland: 25 years old, valued at €200 million, Manchester City/Premier League, with 23 goals and 3 assists in 22 matches across all competitions this season, including 19 goals and 4 assists in 17 Premier League games.

Interestingly, the European Golden Shoe winners of the past three years are these same three players. The 2026 race might be the fiercest in recent memory, with all three strikers in exceptional form. Now, the battle comes down to maintaining fitness. Whether it’s Kane, Mbappé, or Haaland, as long as they stay healthy, each remains a goal-scoring machine for their respective teams.