World Cup Top Goalscorer

One of the more popular markets during a World Cup has proven to be the ‘Top Goalscorer‘ market, which in it’s simplest form means; who, as in player, will finish the 32 team tournament with the highest amount of goals. The ‘Golden Shoe’ (aka ‘Golden Boot’) is the official name for the award given to the player with the most amount of goals at the end of the tournament, and is second best only to winning the World Cup itself.

Some great names over the years have won the award, the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, Portugal’s Eusebio, even our own Gary Lineker, whom will be presenting coverage of the finals live on the BBC during the summers event, has a Golden Shoe in his trophy cabinet, while the current owner of the Golden Shoe belongs to Miroslav Klose of Germany. However, Klose didn’t have strain too much to land the award as his tally of just 5 goals was the joint-second lowest goal tally to have claimed the overall prize in the World Cup’s 80 year history.

So who will claim 2010’s Golden Shoe? Well, we’ve not had much luck predicting some of the previous years winners, with Klose not even on our radar back in 2006, but with some big names representing their countries over the summer, we’re fairly confident we’ll get closer this time around. Below is our brief assessment of some of the frontrunners in the betting market to win the 2010 FIFA Golden Shoe.

During the World Cup tournament we will update in regular intervals the World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer Ranking and quote their best odds to win the trophy.

In the End quite surprisingly the winner was Thomas Muller of Germany because Fifa took the number of assists as decisive criterion as 4 players had all scored 5 goals. Thomas Muller won the golden shoe for the best goalscorer of the World Cup 2010.

5 Goals: Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

4 Goals: Miroslav Klose (Germany), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

3 Goals: Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA)

2 Goals: Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Brett Holman (Australia), Elano (Brazil), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Tiago (Portugal), Lee Chung Yong (South Korea), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea), Arjen Robben (Holland), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Alvaro Pereira (Uruguay), Maxi Pereira (Uruguay)

World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot, Golden Shoe) Betting Odds

And here an always up-to-date goal scorer odds comparison table

More information on some of the favourites …

David Villa

Country: Spain

Club: Valencia

International Apps: 55

International Goals: 37

Club Form: 28 Goals in 42 Appearances

Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Ah, David Villa. One the most wanted strikers on the planet, and up their with the very best with a stunning goal return for both club and country. A fully fit David Villa is a scary thought for any opponent and he’ll be keenly watched over the course of the World Cup by every defender, although very few manage to keep the 2008 European Championship’s top goalscorer at bay for the entire length of a 90 minute game. He’s quick, skilful and so damn clinical in front of goal. You give him even the slightest whiff at goal and he’ll punish you with aplomb – This guy is deadly in and around the box and chances are you’ll see why.

Despite lacking in height (5ft 9in), Villa has this predatory presence in the opposing box, with any half-chance or defensive mistakes immediately snapped up by the little Spaniard. He also has so much to his game. An unlimited inventory if you like. He can take on a defender, weave in between the tightest of defences, take free-kicks and penalties under pressure, score from 30 yards… score from 2 yards; the man is a menace and it’s no wonder the bookies are no taking no prisoners by quoting Villa as the early favourite for the Golden Shoe award, although his price looks extremely generous considering he’s one of many world class players in the Spain squad. A team which will create plenty of chances during the course of the tournament, so Villa will get his fair amount of opportunities to score in South Africa and bolster his already mean International tally.

Fernando Torres

Country: Spain

Club: Liverpool

International Apps: 71

International Goals: 23

Club Form: 22 Goals in 32 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 Expekt

Liverpool’s No.9 is one half of a deadly striking duo for Spain. The name ‘Torres’ is now a household name around Europe after properly announcing himself on the scene after two prolific seasons in a tough and often gruelling English Premier League. In two seasons in England with Liverpool, Torres has built up a stunning goalscoring CV of 54 goals in just 77 appearances for the Reds, although his exploits for Spain are a tad more confined. Even so, the sheer sight of Torres on the starting sheet scares the living daylights out of defenders and he’s one of just a few who are almost guaranteed a starting berth for Spain in South Africa, that is providing he’s fully fit.

For all Torres’ amazing attributes; his lightening like acceleration and pace, his quick feet and skills, his composure in the final and his ability to position himself in the goalscoring areas… amongst others traits, he does seem prone to knocks and scrapes. Since joining Liverpool in 2007, Torres has endured a handful of injuries, some of which have kept him sidelined for several weeks at a time, and he’s had to deal with a stop-start season in England this year which will have affected his preparations for the World Cup somewhat. However, Liverpool’s talismanic forward appears to be back to his goalscoring best and if he keeps up his goalscoring form until the end of the season, his confidence should be sky-high, and so, Torres will surely be thereabouts on the top goalscorers list in South Africa.

Wayne Rooney

Country: England

Club: Manchester United

International Apps: 58

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 34 Goals in 44 Appearances

Odds: 12/1 SportingBet

One of the most energetic and enthusiastic players around is Wayne Rooney, of which he’s now added ‘Goalscoring Machine’ to his forte after a sublime season for his club in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Liverpool born forward has been enjoying his best ever seen for Manchester United, already lending a helping in hand in landing the Carling Cup trophy for the Manchester based club by scoring their winner at Wembley. Rooney will be hoping more trophies are still to come, with the biggest of them all being the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa, but Rooney hasn’t faired too well on the big stage for his country in past events; suffering a tournament ending injury in the 2004 European Championships before later seeing Red in the 2006 World Cup. On both occasions his country went out in the same encounter, so while many back home in England are pinning their hopes on the fiery, ginger faced Scouser, the omens aren’t heavily stacked in his favour.

What Wayne Rooney does have to offer though is some stunning form, both from his club and international duties. Rooney was pivotal during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing as their top goalscorer with 9 goals after 9 qualifiers. However, it’s his form at Manchester United which has catapulted him into Golden Boot contention after a blistering season in the Premiership. After 38 competitive games with man Utd, Rooney has netted on 32 occasions averaging nearly a goal every-other-game. He’s not just about goals though, far from it. Rooney’s model like work ethic is something for our kids back home in England to aspire to. We’ve yet to see a game yet where Rooney just hasn’t turned up and performed, especially for England. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most consistent players around and he’ll set the bar in South Africa for the rest of the England players to follow– Let’s hope the rest match his high standards.

Luis Fabiano

Country: Brazil

Club: Sevilla

International Apps: 36

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 21 Goals in 34 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 bWin

Surprise-Surprise, Brazil have a nifty goalscorer, although this one isn’t exactly your stereotypical showboating Brazilian striker like those preceded him. Don’t get me wrong, Fabiano does have plenty of skill and wit in his locker, but he’s not as bumptious as say a Ronaldo or a Romario, yet his record for his country is second to none and on course to be up their with the very best in Brazil. That is providing he gets enough games in the forthcoming few years as Fabiano was a late bloomer and has only recently come into the limelight at the age of 29

While Fabiano took a while to really make a name for himself, with one reason perhaps being the ultra competitive forward competition he’s had to face in previous years, the Sevilla forward has shown his worth for Brazil despite his country only recently demanding his regular services. His tally of 25 goals in 36 Internationals is just breathtaking, while his form during qualifying put him firmly in the hat for the summers Golden Boot award. That was until injury put his season on hold, with an ankle injury restricting his pitch time for Sevilla of late. Even so, he’s been averaging a goal every-other-game in Spain, and should he be fit and raring to go by the summer time, Fabiano will definitely pose a threat to those craving a Golden Boot – While this could be Fabiano’s last chance to claim the prize with age clearly not on his side any more.

Lionel Messi

Country: Argentina

Club: Barcelona

International Apps: 43

International Goals: 13

Club Form: 47 Goals in 53 Appearances

Odds: 16/1 Boylesports

Where do we even begin to describe the Golden Boot credentials of thee best player on the planet according to FIFA, and just about every honest footballing pundit. The lad is still just 22 years-of-age yet he’s already known worldwide for his footballing exploits. Messi not only has the potential to be the players of the tournament in South Africa but he could very well end up as the greatest ever player to embrace the beautiful game if he continues at this pace. The little Argentine has been in scintillating form for his club, Barcelona, in Spain, racking up a staggering 29 goals in just 31 appearances. He’s already on track to land the Golden Boot award in Spain, which would be some feat for a winger, but does he have the making of a Golden Shoe winner? Some would say perhaps not.

While there is so much to love about Messi; his silky touches, his mazy runs, the sublime pieces of skill and the downright audacious goals, the criticism with Messi, especially back home, has been that he doesn’t quite emulate his club form at International level, with some journalists back in Argentina claiming Messi only really produces his best for his club, Barcelona. His average goal return while on International duty is perhaps the evidence to back up these claims but we mustn’t forget that Messi is still very young, with his best years still ahead of him, and yet the pressure on the lad from fans and pundits back home must be enormous. He’s done extremely well not to over burn, yet he poured his heart and soul into a lacklustre Argentina qualifying campaign. It would have been a huge blow had Messi and Argentina not made the finals, but they are there and the FIFA World Player of the Year will set out to make a real impact in just his second World Cup finals appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Country: Portugal

Club: Real Madrid

International Apps: 69

International Goals: 22

Club Form: 33 Goals in 35 Appearances

Odds: 20/1 bWin

Despite claiming the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year award, the bookies don’t fancy the cheeky Portuguese star with Cristiano Ronaldo looking rather tasty at 20/1 to finish this summers finals as the most prolific player on the planet. The charismatic forward will certainly be eager to land the Golden Shoe award as it’s about the only accolade the Portuguese superstar, and captain, hasn’t won in what has been a glistering career up till now. There isn’t an awful lot Ronaldo can’t brag about, especially after his £80Million pound move to Real Madrid last summer from Manchester United after two very impressive years in England, even ending the 2007/2008 season as England’s deadliest forward with a sublime return of 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo now lays claim to being the most expensive footballer, not only on the planet, but to have ever lived.

Why is Ronaldo such big odds? Well, to put it bluntly, he will be spearheading one of Portugal’s poorest national sides in it’s history in South Africa and they’ll do well just to make it past the group stages. In a group consisting of Brazil and the Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to show some of his magic in order to drive Portugal deep into the competition. However, Ronaldo is another big name who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations when playing for his country, yet the burden of success upon his shoulders will be huge this summer as he will head into South Africa as the Portugal captain – God knows why as I couldn’t respect a player who spends a large portion of his game diving and winging, although the other half is usually spent scoring goals, so that’s probably why.

The Portuguese are now a one man team and if they are to go through, we have no doubts that Ronaldo will be to blame – and blame is the correct word as the inevitable will happen somewhere down the line where the winking, take my shirt off whenever possible, Ronaldo breaks English hearts for the third time in a row.

We will try to add others as we go along… But here are few other names, including their respective odds, that could challenge some of the more obvious selections at more appealing odds.

Gonzalo Higuain

Country: Argentina

International Apps: 4

International Goals: 2

Odds: 25/1 PaddyPower

Didier Drogba

Country: Ivory Coast

International Apps: 68

International Goals: 43

Odds: 33/1 bWin

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a player will score more goals during a football tournament if he plays more games. Therefore, it’s little surprise that only five men can win the 2010 World Cup Golden Shoe and that the quintet are all playing for teams left in the competition.

It’s been a highly competitive betting market this summer which saw Gonzalo Higuain installed as early favourite after a hat-trick against South Korea took the Argentina striker well clear of the chasing pack. However, the Real Madrid forward was only able to add one more goal to his tally and was leapfrogged by a Spanish striker in the form of his life on Saturday night.

David Villa has been nothing short of phenomenal in South Africa, with the Barcelona forward scoring in every match since that opening game defeat against Switzerland. His late winner against Paraguay has taken him a goal clear at the top of the scoring charts and he may not need to find the net again to add a world award to the European one that was landed two years ago. The 28-year-old is no bigger than 7/10 on betfair, with the fixed-odds firms no bigger than 8/15 (Sporting Bet).

Perhaps Villa will struggle to get any change out of Philipp Lahm, the German right-back and captain who is one of the best in the business. The Bayern Munich player will be looking to also get forward and support his club team-mate Miroslav Klose, who seems to turn from Clark Kent to Superman when he dons the international colours. Four years ago, the Munchen forward won the Golden Shoe and he’s 4/1 (Paddy Power) to repeat this achievement. If you back him at 4/1 and he dead heats with one other player, you will get half your stake paid at odds of 2/1.

Meanwhile Wesley Sneijder is right in the thick of things after FIFA made the odd decision to award Holland’s opening goal against Brazil to the Inter midfielder. Although the ball took a clear deflection off the head of Felipe Melo, the football body’s Technical Study Group has decided that the Netherlands’ number ten is worthy of the goal and that means he’s on four for the tournament with Uruguay lying in wait. Totesport offer a stand-out 12/1 that he finishes top of the pile and it’s possible that his team will fill their boots against the south Americans.

The final player in contention  is Diego Forlan, who stands on three goals after firing a brace home against South Africa and then managing an equaliser against Ghana on Friday night. The Atletico Madrid striker has been crucial to the team’s progress at this World Cup, although it’s asking a lot for him to manage a brace against the Netherlands, especially with strike partner Luis Suarez missing suspended. Ladbrokes offer 25/1 that the former Manchester United forward gets the goals he needs.

Argentina have now scored nine goals during this World Cup, so it’s little surprise to see one of their forwards topping the Golden Shoe table. While plenty of money came for Lionel Messi to top score during this tournament following an awesome season for Barcelona, it’s his Real Madrid compatriot who is instead leading the way.

Gonzalo Higuain has a big debt of gratitude to Messi for the fact that he now has four goals to his name and the 22-year-old is now 7/4 (Sporting Bet) to finish top of the pile. His hat-trick against South Korea during the group stages shot the striker ahead of the competition and another goal against Mexico on Sunday night means that he stays in front of the chasing pack.

However, La Albiceleste have a tough quarter final match against Germany on Saturday, where it’s perfectly possible that their participation in the World Cup will end. Perhaps the smart money should still be on David Villa, the Spain striker who has been scoring for fun in his last couple of matches.

The former Valencia man is on his way to Barcelona ahead of the new season and he’s been impressing his new employers in the colours of the national team. Although the 28-year-old drew a blank against Switzerland, a brace against Honduras followed by a goal against Chile means that he’s one of several players on three goals at the moment. Coral offer 7/2 that he adds the 2010 World Cup Golden Shoe to the Golden Boot he won at Euro 2008.

With Spain playing Portugal and then a potentially winnable quarter final against Paraguay or Japan, we could see Villa filling his boots. The other player who could be racking up the goals in the next two games is Brazil’s Luis Fabiano, whose brace against the Ivory Coast keeps the Sevilla striker in the hunt for the top honour.

Brazil face Chile on Monday night and, while they are likely to meet the Dutch in the last eight, Holland do not appear to have the strongest defence and Fabiano can be backed at 8/1 (Coral) to take the plaudits. Considering that the bookmakers are offering ¼ odds for the first three places, many might be contemplating an each-way wager on the Selecao player.

However, there are now six players on three goals and only one of them (Landon Donovan) are no longer involved in the tournament. Robert Vittek (50/1 Sporting Bet) is the least fancied of the quintet, despite striking twice against Italy in the group stages, and that’s probably because his team are expected to go out against the Netherlands on Monday. Indeed, Holland’s Robin Van Persie is much shorter in the betting (22/1 Sky Bet), despite only having one goal to his name thus far.

The other two players on three goals at the moment are Asamoah Gyan and Luis Suarez. The Ghana forward scored a spectacular goal in extra-time to beat the US on Saturday and he’s 25/1 (Ladbrokes) to finish top of the pile, while Suarez scored a stunning winner against South Korea and is more fancied at 14/1 (Sky Bet).

One of the more popular markets during a World Cup has proven to be the ‘Top Goalscorer‘ market, which in it’s simplest form means; who, as in player, will finish the 32 team tournament with the highest amount of goals. The ‘Golden Shoe’ (aka ‘Golden Boot’) is the official name for the award given to the player with the most amount of goals at the end of the tournament, and is second best only to winning the World Cup itself.

Some great names over the years have won the award, the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, Portugal’s Eusebio, even our own Gary Lineker, whom will be presenting coverage of the finals live on the BBC during the summers event, has a Golden Shoe in his trophy cabinet, while the current owner of the Golden Shoe belongs to Miroslav Klose of Germany. However, Klose didn’t have strain too much to land the award as his tally of just 5 goals was the joint-second lowest goal tally to have claimed the overall prize in the World Cup’s 80 year history.

So who will claim 2010’s Golden Shoe? Well, we’ve not had much luck predicting some of the previous years winners, with Klose not even on our radar back in 2006, but with some big names representing their countries over the summer, we’re fairly confident we’ll get closer this time around. Below is our brief assessment of some of the frontrunners in the betting market to win the 2010 FIFA Golden Shoe.

During the World Cup tournament we will update in regular intervals the World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer Ranking and quote their best odds to win the trophy.

In the End quite surprisingly the winner was Thomas Muller of Germany because Fifa took the number of assists as decisive criterion as 4 players had all scored 5 goals. Thomas Muller won the golden shoe for the best goalscorer of the World Cup 2010.

5 Goals: Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

4 Goals: Miroslav Klose (Germany), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

3 Goals: Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA)

2 Goals: Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Brett Holman (Australia), Elano (Brazil), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Tiago (Portugal), Lee Chung Yong (South Korea), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea), Arjen Robben (Holland), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Alvaro Pereira (Uruguay), Maxi Pereira (Uruguay)

World Cup Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot, Golden Shoe) Betting Odds

And here an always up-to-date goal scorer odds comparison table

More information on some of the favourites …

David Villa

Country: Spain

Club: Valencia

International Apps: 55

International Goals: 37

Club Form: 28 Goals in 42 Appearances

Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Ah, David Villa. One the most wanted strikers on the planet, and up their with the very best with a stunning goal return for both club and country. A fully fit David Villa is a scary thought for any opponent and he’ll be keenly watched over the course of the World Cup by every defender, although very few manage to keep the 2008 European Championship’s top goalscorer at bay for the entire length of a 90 minute game. He’s quick, skilful and so damn clinical in front of goal. You give him even the slightest whiff at goal and he’ll punish you with aplomb – This guy is deadly in and around the box and chances are you’ll see why.

Despite lacking in height (5ft 9in), Villa has this predatory presence in the opposing box, with any half-chance or defensive mistakes immediately snapped up by the little Spaniard. He also has so much to his game. An unlimited inventory if you like. He can take on a defender, weave in between the tightest of defences, take free-kicks and penalties under pressure, score from 30 yards… score from 2 yards; the man is a menace and it’s no wonder the bookies are no taking no prisoners by quoting Villa as the early favourite for the Golden Shoe award, although his price looks extremely generous considering he’s one of many world class players in the Spain squad. A team which will create plenty of chances during the course of the tournament, so Villa will get his fair amount of opportunities to score in South Africa and bolster his already mean International tally.

Fernando Torres

Country: Spain

Club: Liverpool

International Apps: 71

International Goals: 23

Club Form: 22 Goals in 32 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 Expekt

Liverpool’s No.9 is one half of a deadly striking duo for Spain. The name ‘Torres’ is now a household name around Europe after properly announcing himself on the scene after two prolific seasons in a tough and often gruelling English Premier League. In two seasons in England with Liverpool, Torres has built up a stunning goalscoring CV of 54 goals in just 77 appearances for the Reds, although his exploits for Spain are a tad more confined. Even so, the sheer sight of Torres on the starting sheet scares the living daylights out of defenders and he’s one of just a few who are almost guaranteed a starting berth for Spain in South Africa, that is providing he’s fully fit.

For all Torres’ amazing attributes; his lightening like acceleration and pace, his quick feet and skills, his composure in the final and his ability to position himself in the goalscoring areas… amongst others traits, he does seem prone to knocks and scrapes. Since joining Liverpool in 2007, Torres has endured a handful of injuries, some of which have kept him sidelined for several weeks at a time, and he’s had to deal with a stop-start season in England this year which will have affected his preparations for the World Cup somewhat. However, Liverpool’s talismanic forward appears to be back to his goalscoring best and if he keeps up his goalscoring form until the end of the season, his confidence should be sky-high, and so, Torres will surely be thereabouts on the top goalscorers list in South Africa.

Wayne Rooney

Country: England

Club: Manchester United

International Apps: 58

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 34 Goals in 44 Appearances

Odds: 12/1 SportingBet

One of the most energetic and enthusiastic players around is Wayne Rooney, of which he’s now added ‘Goalscoring Machine’ to his forte after a sublime season for his club in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Liverpool born forward has been enjoying his best ever seen for Manchester United, already lending a helping in hand in landing the Carling Cup trophy for the Manchester based club by scoring their winner at Wembley. Rooney will be hoping more trophies are still to come, with the biggest of them all being the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa, but Rooney hasn’t faired too well on the big stage for his country in past events; suffering a tournament ending injury in the 2004 European Championships before later seeing Red in the 2006 World Cup. On both occasions his country went out in the same encounter, so while many back home in England are pinning their hopes on the fiery, ginger faced Scouser, the omens aren’t heavily stacked in his favour.

What Wayne Rooney does have to offer though is some stunning form, both from his club and international duties. Rooney was pivotal during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing as their top goalscorer with 9 goals after 9 qualifiers. However, it’s his form at Manchester United which has catapulted him into Golden Boot contention after a blistering season in the Premiership. After 38 competitive games with man Utd, Rooney has netted on 32 occasions averaging nearly a goal every-other-game. He’s not just about goals though, far from it. Rooney’s model like work ethic is something for our kids back home in England to aspire to. We’ve yet to see a game yet where Rooney just hasn’t turned up and performed, especially for England. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most consistent players around and he’ll set the bar in South Africa for the rest of the England players to follow– Let’s hope the rest match his high standards.

Luis Fabiano

Country: Brazil

Club: Sevilla

International Apps: 36

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 21 Goals in 34 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 bWin

Surprise-Surprise, Brazil have a nifty goalscorer, although this one isn’t exactly your stereotypical showboating Brazilian striker like those preceded him. Don’t get me wrong, Fabiano does have plenty of skill and wit in his locker, but he’s not as bumptious as say a Ronaldo or a Romario, yet his record for his country is second to none and on course to be up their with the very best in Brazil. That is providing he gets enough games in the forthcoming few years as Fabiano was a late bloomer and has only recently come into the limelight at the age of 29

While Fabiano took a while to really make a name for himself, with one reason perhaps being the ultra competitive forward competition he’s had to face in previous years, the Sevilla forward has shown his worth for Brazil despite his country only recently demanding his regular services. His tally of 25 goals in 36 Internationals is just breathtaking, while his form during qualifying put him firmly in the hat for the summers Golden Boot award. That was until injury put his season on hold, with an ankle injury restricting his pitch time for Sevilla of late. Even so, he’s been averaging a goal every-other-game in Spain, and should he be fit and raring to go by the summer time, Fabiano will definitely pose a threat to those craving a Golden Boot – While this could be Fabiano’s last chance to claim the prize with age clearly not on his side any more.

Lionel Messi

Country: Argentina

Club: Barcelona

International Apps: 43

International Goals: 13

Club Form: 47 Goals in 53 Appearances

Odds: 16/1 Boylesports

Where do we even begin to describe the Golden Boot credentials of thee best player on the planet according to FIFA, and just about every honest footballing pundit. The lad is still just 22 years-of-age yet he’s already known worldwide for his footballing exploits. Messi not only has the potential to be the players of the tournament in South Africa but he could very well end up as the greatest ever player to embrace the beautiful game if he continues at this pace. The little Argentine has been in scintillating form for his club, Barcelona, in Spain, racking up a staggering 29 goals in just 31 appearances. He’s already on track to land the Golden Boot award in Spain, which would be some feat for a winger, but does he have the making of a Golden Shoe winner? Some would say perhaps not.

While there is so much to love about Messi; his silky touches, his mazy runs, the sublime pieces of skill and the downright audacious goals, the criticism with Messi, especially back home, has been that he doesn’t quite emulate his club form at International level, with some journalists back in Argentina claiming Messi only really produces his best for his club, Barcelona. His average goal return while on International duty is perhaps the evidence to back up these claims but we mustn’t forget that Messi is still very young, with his best years still ahead of him, and yet the pressure on the lad from fans and pundits back home must be enormous. He’s done extremely well not to over burn, yet he poured his heart and soul into a lacklustre Argentina qualifying campaign. It would have been a huge blow had Messi and Argentina not made the finals, but they are there and the FIFA World Player of the Year will set out to make a real impact in just his second World Cup finals appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Country: Portugal

Club: Real Madrid

International Apps: 69

International Goals: 22

Club Form: 33 Goals in 35 Appearances

Odds: 20/1 bWin

Despite claiming the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year award, the bookies don’t fancy the cheeky Portuguese star with Cristiano Ronaldo looking rather tasty at 20/1 to finish this summers finals as the most prolific player on the planet. The charismatic forward will certainly be eager to land the Golden Shoe award as it’s about the only accolade the Portuguese superstar, and captain, hasn’t won in what has been a glistering career up till now. There isn’t an awful lot Ronaldo can’t brag about, especially after his £80Million pound move to Real Madrid last summer from Manchester United after two very impressive years in England, even ending the 2007/2008 season as England’s deadliest forward with a sublime return of 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo now lays claim to being the most expensive footballer, not only on the planet, but to have ever lived.

Why is Ronaldo such big odds? Well, to put it bluntly, he will be spearheading one of Portugal’s poorest national sides in it’s history in South Africa and they’ll do well just to make it past the group stages. In a group consisting of Brazil and the Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to show some of his magic in order to drive Portugal deep into the competition. However, Ronaldo is another big name who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations when playing for his country, yet the burden of success upon his shoulders will be huge this summer as he will head into South Africa as the Portugal captain – God knows why as I couldn’t respect a player who spends a large portion of his game diving and winging, although the other half is usually spent scoring goals, so that’s probably why.

The Portuguese are now a one man team and if they are to go through, we have no doubts that Ronaldo will be to blame – and blame is the correct word as the inevitable will happen somewhere down the line where the winking, take my shirt off whenever possible, Ronaldo breaks English hearts for the third time in a row.

We will try to add others as we go along… But here are few other names, including their respective odds, that could challenge some of the more obvious selections at more appealing odds.

Gonzalo Higuain

Country: Argentina

International Apps: 4

International Goals: 2

Odds: 25/1 PaddyPower

Didier Drogba

Country: Ivory Coast

International Apps: 68

International Goals: 43

Odds: 33/1 bWin