Goals are expected to pour in as UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off on June 15. Germany faces Scotland in the Group A opener at 12:30 AM IST, Saturday, in Munich.
Euro 2020 saw 142 goals in 51 matches, averaging 2.78 goals per game—the highest since Euro 1976. The tournament also recorded 11 own goals, surpassing all previous editions combined.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the top scorer in European Championship history with 14 goals, netting five in 2020, tied with Patrik Schick.
Here are the top five contenders for the top-scorer award at Euro 2024:
Lukaku, the top scorer during qualifying with 14 goals, also netted four in Euro 2020, tied with Harry Kane, Karim Benzema, and Emil Forsberg. Despite his talent, he has often underperformed in major tournaments. Leading Belgium’s attack in Germany, he aims to change that narrative.
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane was England’s top scorer in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers with eight goals, ranking fourth overall. With the England squad built around him and support from players like Phil Foden, he is poised to score heavily.
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund netted seven goals in the qualifiers, offering Denmark the striker they’ve been missing in major tournaments. His presence could change their fortunes in Germany.
After a high-profile move to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe will lead France’s attack. He scored nine goals in the qualifiers, placing third overall, and is a strong contender for the golden boot in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the joint top scorer in Euro 2020 with five goals, scored 10 in the qualifiers. He aims to lead Portugal to another Euro title, potentially in his final tournament.