Osimhen finishes behind Haaland, Kane and Mbappe in Europe golden Boot race

Osimhen finishes behind Haaland, Kane and Mbappe in Europe golden Boot race

Joba Ogunwale 13:38 - 08.06.2023

The Nigerian striker had his best individual season this year, but it was not enough to earn him the top award.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen finished fifth in the race for the European golden boot this season despite finishing as Serie A’s top scorer. 

Osimhen was the top man in Italy’s top flight this season after scoring 26 goals to fire Napoli to their first league title in 33 years. 

Osimhen's best season yet

The former Lille striker finished five ahead of his closest rival, Lautaro Martinez, to become the first African player to win The Capocannoniere award in Italy. 

Osimhen won Serie A's golden boot
Victor Osimhen poses with the 2022-23 Serie A Best Striker Award/via Imago

It was Osimhen’s best-ever individual season, eclipsing his record last year. It was also the first time he scored over 20 league goals in his career. 

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However, despite enjoying his best season yet, Osimhen finished fifth in the race for Europe’s golden boot. 

Haaland wins Europe's Golden Boot 

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finished top, as expected, after scoring 36 goals in his debut Premier League season. 

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane finished second following his 30 league goals in England’s top flight. 

Erling Haaland scored 36 goals for Manchester City to win the golden boot in Europe
Erling Haaland is the most valuable footballer in the world at the moment.

Kylian Mbappe was third following his 29 goals for Paris-Saint Germain, with Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette taking up the fourth spot after scoring 27 goals for Lyon. 

Osimhen rounded up the top five with his 26 league goals for Napoli. Lille’s Jonathan David (24), Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski (23), Fenerbahce’s Ener Valencia (29), Lens’ Lois Openda (21) and Inter’s Martinez (21) made up the rest of the top ten. 

The European golden boot  is determined by the number of points, with a goal in Europe’s top five leagues equalling two points 

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