As we prepare for the football event of the year, Ryan Liberty gives his take on the Golden Boot markets and contenders to pick out a winner for the coveted prize in Qatar.
The 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup takes place in November – which already means this will be a tournament like no other. It’s a winter experience for the first time in certainly my lifetime, but I doubt this has much of an effect on the best players in the world.
Of course, all these players intend to see their sides garner true success, but at least some part of their hearts would be set on winning this honour. So, what are the key ingredients to claiming such a prize you ask? Well, for me it’s a combination of ability and playing for a side who are likely to get deep enough in the tournament to remain competitive.
In recent tournaments, the magic number seems to be six goals – Harry Kane scored exactly six as England made the semi-finals in 2018 but the English striker was still able to bag the award.
The Contenders:
Karim Benzema 12/1
Karim Benzema has just been named the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, and at 12/1 he offers immense value. Benzema finished his domestic season for Real Madrid with an impressive 44 goals with 15 assists in all competitions. He is often outshone by Kylian Mbappe when you talk about French goals, but as I suspect he might be played through the middle – he could be a shrewd bet.
Benzema had a decent Euro 2020 for Les Bleus, and he has scored in as many appearances for his country since reclaiming his spot in the national setup. France is in Group D, along with Australia, Tunisia, and Denmark. A group hardly fraught with much danger for a side like France and their firepower upfront.
Their path through to the final (assuming they top the group) does not appear to have too many banana peels until the final four stage. I think Benzema will enjoy plenty of opportunities this tournament, and given the sort of confidence he is likely to have I think he should be a serious consideration.
🤩The reigning #BallonDor winner & #RealMadrid striker Karim @Benzema has confirmed that he will be fine to represent #France at the #WorldCup despite an injury-hit season.🔥🔥
— Metaland-WinGoal (@WinGoalNFT) November 15, 2022
👇Check the highlights of #Benzema video created by #WinGoal creative ambassador @abiah_iberedem!🥳 pic.twitter.com/qdfcS9Imbl
Neymar 14/1
It is never a surprise to see the South American giants as favourites. It remains to be seen, however, how this group of players deal with the immense expectation.
There is certainly value to find in Neymar being the top goal scorer for the tournament, his ability and talent aside, he seems to have matured for Brazil and embraced the pressure which comes with wearing his nation’s emblem on his chest.
Assuming he remains injury free this campaign he is likely to play every minute of Brazil’s tournament, and his adaptability to playing across the frontline adds to his danger.
Brazil should finish at the summit of Group G, which might set them up against Uruguay in the Round of 16. The last time they played each other, Neymar played a key role in his side’s 4-1 victory earlier this year.
He wouldn’t be my out-and-out frontrunner though, considering most of his scoring might come during the group stages, but his talent and ability is undoubted and will be supported by an incredibly talented group of players.
NEYMAR WORLD CUP GOALS ⚽#Neymar #Messi #FIFAWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/f2vpL7AOSQ
— ARYAN (@Aryan_45_) November 16, 2022
Kylian Mbappe 9/1
At just 23 years old, I wouldn’t fault you if you thought Mbappe was a stalwart in world football! I mean, the guy has a contract extending past the playing field and allegedly includes managerial elements!
Anyway, I digress. The young star has been fantastic again this year, he’s scored 28 goals domestically for PSG and he could very well carry this form into the World Cup.
Mbappe was immense in 2018. He scored four goals for his national side and walked away with a winner’s medal and the Young Player Award – he will certainly look to add to his international haul.
To be honest, he isn’t one of my favoured picks and certainly not someone I would empty the bank account on. However, his talent and ability justify an inclusion in the conversation, and should France look to compete, well Mbappe and Benzema will fight that out!
🤩Check the Top Goals of Kylian #mbappé!❤️🔥❤️🔥
— Metaland-WinGoal (@WinGoalNFT) November 11, 2022
⚽Mbappé helped France win the #WorldCup 4 years ago, becoming a superstar in the process!!
👇Video made by #WinGoal creative ambassador @noh_nohhh 🥳#mbappe #PSG #soccer #football #WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/VlAb2n2B77
Honourable mentions:
Harry Kane 7/1
Lionel Messi 12/1
Cristiano Ronaldo 16/1
Memphis Depay 25/1
Vinicius Jnr 33/1
Lautaro Martinez 33/1
Prediction: Neymar (14/1)
If I’m completely honest, Sadio Mane was my first pick for this award this year! We don’t often acknowledge teams (or players) outside of the big European and South American sides – but Senegal have a serious team, and Mane would have been the talisman there.
Nevertheless, the Bayern man has had to miss out on his side’s first few games due to injury and so Neymar has now picked up my vote.
At 14/1, he represents great value here!
