HomeSports NewsFIFA World Cup 2022 Top Goal Scorer: The players still in the fray for the 'Golden Boot' ahead of Semi Finals

FIFA World Cup 2022 Top Goal Scorer: The players still in the fray for the 'Golden Boot' ahead of Semi Finals

These players will be locked in a battle to take home the 'Golden Boot' awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament. In case of a tie for goals scored, then the number of assists provided by the players are taken into consideration to break the tie. If players are tied on both counts, the winner is decided by who played the fewest minutes.

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By CNBCTV18.com December 11, 2022, 2:54:21 PM IST (Published)

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FIFA World Cup 2022 Top Goal Scorer: The players still in the fray for the 'Golden Boot' ahead of Semi Finals
The Knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has now entered the penultimate stage with only four teams left to battle it out for the most coveted trophy in Football. However, along with the trophy, there are a few who will also be locked in a battle to take home the 'Golden Boot' awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament.


In case of a tie for goals scored, then the number of assists provided by the players are taken into consideration to break the tie. If players are tied on both counts, the winner is decided by who played the fewest minutes.

At the 2018 World Cup held in Russia it was England captain Harry Kane who bagged the prize with his six goals before England bowed out in the semi-finals.

Here's a look at the leaders in the race for top scorer at the 2022 World Cup as we enter the semi-finals:

KYLIAN MBAPPE (France)

Mbappe France vs Poland (Image: AP)
Goals - 5 | Assists - 2 | Matches - 5 | Minutes - 387 | The 23-year-old scored against Australia in his side's opening Group D match and bagged a second-half double against Denmark as France booked their knockout spot. France's talisman failed to find the net as Tunisia recorded a famous upset in their final group match. He added two more goals to his tally in a 3-1 win against Poland in the last 16, but was unable to score in France's 2-1 quarter-final win over England.


LIONEL MESSI (Argentina)

Goals - 4 | Assists - 2 | Matches - 5 | Minutes - 491 | The Argentina great is playing in what he has said is probably his last World Cup. The 35-year-old opened his account by burying a spot kick in a shock Group C loss to Saudi Arabia, before scoring and assisting Enzo Fernandez in an emotionally charged win over Mexico.

Messi scored in Argentina's 2-1 win over Australia in the last 16, putting his side ahead after 35 minutes with a coolly taken low strike for his 94th international goal. He also assisted a goal and scored in Argentina's quarter-final win over the Netherlands.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at club level, and his fans around the world are hoping he can finally help deliver a World Cup for his country this time around.

OLIVIER GIROUD (France) 

Goals - 4 | Assists - 0 | Matches - 4 | Minutes - 317 | Giroud, 36, surpassed Thierry Henry to become France's all-time top scorer when he netted his 52nd goal in 117 appearances for Les Bleus in their 3-1 World Cup last-16 win over Poland.


He had drawn level with Henry on 51 after netting a double in France's 4-1 win over Australia in their opening Group D game. Giroud also scored in France's 2-1 quarter-final win over England.

Other players who are still in the fray: These players may not be near the top of the charts but still have an opportunity to catch up with the leaders when they take the field for the semi-finals and maybe eventually finals.

ANDREJ KRAMARIC (Croatia)

Goals - 2 | Assists - 0 | Matches - 5 | Minutes - 348

YOUSSEF EN-NESYRI (Morocco)

Goals - 2 | Assists - 0 | Matches -  5 | Minutes -391

JULIAN ALVAREZ (Argentina)



Goals - 2 | Assists - 0 | Matches - 5 | Minutes - 290

(Stats as of December 11 - With agency inputs)
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