The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.
Golden Boot: Rules
The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.
The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.
Historical Overview
Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.
Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.
Most Golden Boots win
Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).
Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.
Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet
Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)
1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

| Year | Goals | Team | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 34 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
| 2012 | 50 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
| 2013 | 46 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
|
2017 |
37 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
|
2018 |
34 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
|
2019 |
36 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

| Year | Goals | Team | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 31 | Manchester United | England Premier League |
| 2011 | 40 | Real Madrid | Spain La Liga |
| 2014 | 31 | Real Madrid | Spain La Liga |
| 2015 | 48 | Real Madrid | Spain La Liga |
3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

| Year | Goals | Team | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 31 | Liverpool | England Premier League |
| 2016 | 40 | Barcelona | Spain La Liga |
4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

| Year | Goals | Team | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 30 | Arsenal | England Premier League |
| 2005 | 25 | Arsenal | England Premier League |
5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

| Year | Goals | Team | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 41 | Bayern Munich | Germany Bundesliga |
| 2022 | 35 | Bayern Munich | Germany Bundesliga |
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