){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSV
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
SAS
){kind=small}
VER
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
ATH
){kind=logo}
ELC
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=logo}
WWF
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=logo}
RMA
AFCON 2025
)
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is one of the frontrunners for the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot
The Africa Cup of Nations has long provided a stage for elite strikers to assert their quality under extraordinary pressure.
AFCON 2025 is set to continue that tradition, with a group of forwards entering the tournament carrying reputations for decisive goalscoring.
Their respective countries will rely heavily on their form, but the Golden Boot race will demand consistency, composure, and the ability to succeed in tightly contested matches. From experienced icons to rising talents, these are the number 9s capable of finishing as top scorer.
Victor Osimhen — Nigeria
Victor Osimhen enters AFCON 2025 as one of the continent’s most dangerous forwards, combining explosive movement with clinical finishing.
His performances for Nigeria across World Cup and AFCON qualifiers have demonstrated an ability to score in all types of situations, whether through aerial power, instinctive reactions, or well-timed runs behind defenders.
)
Osimhen has maintained an impressive international scoring record, with 31 goals in 45 appearances for the Super Eagles, giving Nigeria confidence that he can dominate this edition of the tournament. Osimhen’s experiences across Europe, helping both Napoli and Galatasaray lift titles in Italy and Turkey, have heightened his status as one of the best strikers in the world.
Nigeria’s attacking system also benefits him. With skillfull wide players and midfielders who frequently deliver early balls, Osimhen is likely to receive a steady supply of chances.
His work rate forces defenders into mistakes, while his physical strength helps him hold up play long enough for support to arrive. If he remains fully fit, his ability to produce goals during tight matches places him among the strongest candidates for the Golden Boot.
Boulaye Dia — Senegal
Boulaye Dia has grown into an important figure for Senegal, providing a direct goalscoring option to complement the team’s wide threats.
His style suits AFCON conditions, as he excels at attacking loose balls, reacting quickly in crowded penalty areas, and producing accurate shots under pressure.
)
Dia’s performances in Serie A have developed his positional intelligence, allowing him to anticipate defensive errors and convert chances before defenders can recover.
Senegal’s midfield creates frequent crossing opportunities, and Dia’s movement between centre-backs makes him difficult to mark.
When given even small pockets of space, he can deliver decisive finishes with both feet. With Senegal expected to advance deep into the tournament, Dia will likely accumulate enough chances to remain firmly in the Golden Boot conversation.
His ability to score when matches become tense or physically demanding strengthens his case as a serious candidate.
Steve Mounié — Benin
Steve Mounié has long served as Benin’s most reliable attacking figure, particularly due to his aerial dominance.
His powerful heading ability allows him to influence matches even when Benin face more possession-oriented opponents. Mounié scored crucial goals during Benin’s impressive 2019 AFCON campaign, demonstrating that he can perform effectively against stronger defences.
His physical strength allows him to hold off markers and convert chances created from wide areas or set pieces.
)
While this means he may receive fewer chances than forwards from more expansive teams, his efficiency in the penalty area keeps him in contention for the Golden Boot.
If Benin manage to progress beyond the group stage, Mounié’s influence is likely to be central to any success they achieve.
El Bilal Touré — Burkina Faso
El Bilal Touré represents a new generation of Burkinabe attacking talent. His mobility, ability to shoot early, and sharp instincts around the penalty area provide Burkina Faso with a dynamic number 9 option.
Touré has already shown an ability to score in pressure situations for both club and country, adapting quickly to physical duels and tight marking.
)
His acceleration allows him to escape defenders in one-on-one situations, creating opportunities that suit his direct shooting style.
Burkina Faso’s fast transitional play creates ideal conditions for Touré, particularly when the team win the ball high up the pitch.
His potential to score multiple goals in short periods makes him a threat throughout the tournament. If Burkina Faso build upon their strong recent AFCON performances, Touré could develop into one of the standout forwards of the competition.
Lyle Foster — South Africa
Lyle Foster enters AFCON 2025 at an important stage in his career, having developed significantly in European football.
His combination of strength, timing, and improved finishing technique gives South Africa a dependable focal point in attack. Foster has shown an ability to score against compact defensive units, using his movement to create narrow shooting windows.
)
His performances for Bafana Bafana in qualifiers suggest he is capable of influencing matches even when service is inconsistent.
South Africa often rely on structured build-up play, which benefits Foster’s ability to hold possession under pressure and link effectively with attacking midfielders.
As he continues to mature, his decision-making in the final third has become more decisive. If South Africa progress beyond the group stage, Foster’s consistency may allow him to compete seriously for the Golden Boot, particularly in matches where tactical discipline is required to break down organised defences.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns to AFCON with a wealth of experience and a record that includes crucial goals for Gabon.
His pace remains a major threat, especially in matches where defences attempt to push high up the pitch. Aubameyang has scored in multiple AFCON editions, and even during Gabon’s inconsistent tournament runs, he has shown an ability to make an impact with limited service.
)
His club career across France, Germany, England, and Spain has reinforced his understanding of space and timing, giving him the capacity to convert half-chances into decisive goals.
For Gabon, progression through the group stage will likely depend on his output. The team is structured to provide Aubameyang with quick transitions and counterattacking opportunities, situations in which he has been particularly effective.
If Gabon secure favourable match dynamics early in the competition, Aubameyang could easily gather momentum. His combination of technical quality, composure inside the box, and experience in high-profile matches ensures he remains a genuine contender for the Golden Boot.