At the halfway stage of the 2025–26 campaign, the Premier League title race is not the only narrative gripping supporters. The contest for the coveted Golden Boot — awarded to the division’s top scorer — is unfolding with equal intrigue. The question dominating discussions is whether Erling Haaland will secure yet another scoring crown or whether a new contender will disrupt his dominance.
The Manchester City striker currently tops the scoring charts with 22 goals. After an uncharacteristic run of seven matches yielding just a single strike, Haaland has rediscovered his clinical edge, scoring twice across his last two appearances. His average of one goal every 97.5 minutes underlines both efficiency and consistency. Although surpassing his own remarkable 36-goal single-season record appears unlikely this term, he remains the firm favourite to claim what would be his third Golden Boot in four seasons.
Historically, only a select few have dominated the award. Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah share the record with four Golden Boots each — a benchmark Haaland may yet aspire to match. Yet this season he faces stern competition, notably from Brentford forward Igor Thiago. The Brazilian has amassed 17 goals, six from the penalty spot, to sit second in the standings. His movement within the penalty area and composure from twelve yards have proved decisive for Brentford in several tightly contested fixtures.
Elsewhere, Antoine Semenyo is enjoying the most prolific campaign of his career. Of his 13 league goals, ten were scored earlier in the season with AFC Bournemouth before his switch to City, where he has already added three in five appearances. His versatility and direct running have offered Pep Guardiola’s side an additional attacking dimension.
At Chelsea, the partnership of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro has flourished in recent weeks. The duo have combined for nine goals in their last five matches, with Palmer’s tally of five including four penalties. Tactical adjustments under head coach Liam Rosenior — particularly deploying João Pedro as a central No. 9 — have sharpened Chelsea’s attacking efficiency.
Similarly, at Manchester United, manager Michael Carrick has revitalised Bryan Mbeumo by utilising him centrally. Mbeumo’s goals against high-calibre opponents such as City, Arsenal and Tottenham have elevated his profile and enhanced United’s attacking threat.
Below is a summary of the leading contenders:
| Player | Club | Goals | Penalty Goals | Minutes per Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 22 | 4 | 97.5 |
| Igor Thiago | Brentford | 17 | 6 | 110 |
| Antoine Semenyo | Man City / Bournemouth | 13 | 2 | 130 |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | 12 | 5 | 115 |
| Joao Pedro | Chelsea | 11 | 1 | 125 |
As the season progresses into its decisive months, the Golden Boot race promises heightened drama. Haaland’s pedigree and relentless scoring record make him the man to beat, yet the emergence of ambitious challengers ensures that the battle remains finely poised. Whether established supremacy prevails or a new name ascends to the summit will shape one of the campaign’s most compelling subplots.