The race for European football's most coveted individual honour is already heating up, with bookmakers releasing their early odds for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League top scorer. Manchester City's goal machine, Erling Haaland, has once again been installed as the clear favourite to claim the Golden Boot.
Haaland, who powered Manchester City to their first Champions League title in 2023, is the overwhelming frontrunner. The Norwegian phenom is priced at a short 5/4 with most major bookies, a testament to his relentless goalscoring form and City's status as perennial contenders for the European crown.
Mbappé's Madrid Move Shakes Up the Market
The most significant shift in this year's betting landscape comes from the long-awaited transfer of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid. The French superstar's move to the Spanish giants has immediately propelled him into second place in the odds, sitting at a compelling 3/1.
This move places Mbappé in a side built for Champions League dominance, offering him the platform to challenge Haaland's supremacy. The stage is set for a thrilling personal duel between two of the game's modern greats.
The Best of the Rest: chasing the favourites
Behind the top two, a cluster of world-class talent makes up the chasing pack:
- Jude Bellingham (10/1): The English midfielder enjoyed a spectacular debut season at Real Madrid and will now be complemented by Mbappé's arrival.
- Harry Kane (12/1): Despite Bayern Munich's surprising semi-final exit last season, Kane's incredible individual goal tally ensures he remains a serious contender.
- Vinicius Junior (14/1): The Brazilian wizard remains a key component of Real Madrid's fearsome attack and is always a threat on the biggest stage.
- Phil Foden (16/1): The PFA Player of the Year will be crucial to Manchester City's hopes of reclaiming the trophy.
Other notable names include Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and City's new signing, Savio, both offered at 33/1, presenting intriguing outside bets for punters.
What This Means for Bettors
The early odds reveal a narrative dominated by two super-clubs: Manchester City and Real Madrid. Choosing a winner often involves looking beyond individual talent and assessing the team's potential to make a deep run in the tournament. A favourable draw and avoiding injuries will be just as important as goal-scoring form when the competition kicks off next year.
With the group stage draw months away, these odds are sure to fluctuate. However, one thing is certain: the battle for the Champions League Golden Boot will be one of the most captivating storylines of the 2025/26 season.
