Who will be World Cup top scorer?

Who will be World Cup top scorer?

Tom Devlin 6 years ago 3.3k |

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James Rodriguez was top scorer in Brazil in 2014. FCF

Here is a quick look at who could be walking away with the Golden Boot at the end of this summer's World Cup in Russia. Four years ago in Brazil there was a surprise winner as James Rodriguez's six goals took him to the top of the standings, but this time round the bookies' favourites are a list of familiar faces.

There is still a lot of football to be played between now and the World Cup, but provided the following five faces are fit, they can be assured of selection and a good shot at going for the top scorer award.

Lionel Messi: Argentina

It will come as no surprise that Messi has been installed as the favourite to win the award. He scored four goals in the last edition as Argentina made it all the way to the final and this time he will be looking to go the distance and lift the trophy. His form with Barcelona this season has him at the top of the goalscoring charts in La Liga, currently on 25 for the season.

Neymar: Brazil

The Brazilian makes it two for two at the top of the list for South America, as another player who will be leading the line for a tournament favourite. He has scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 this season for PSG, but he faces a race to be fit for the opening game after he had foot surgery in Brazil two weeks ago. Neymar was injured in the quarter finals at his home World Cup in Brazil and had to watch as Germany dismantled the Selecao, 7-1.

Timo Werner: Germany

A relative newcomer to the international stage, the young German could be the surprise package in Russia. He made his international debut in the Confederation's Cup last year and currently has seven goals in only 10 appearances for 'Die Mannschaft'. Germany are the reigning champions and will be looking to repeat with Werner leading the line.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal

He needs no introduction. Since 2018 began Ronaldo has been in explosive form for Real Madrid and if he can continue that into the summer then Portugal will be fancied as outsiders to go all the way - not that anyone will underestimate them after they shocked Europe by beating France in Paris to win Euro 2016. They reached that final thanks in large, to Ronaldo's goals, but he was forced off early in the final through injury.

Antoine Griezmann: France

Much like Ronaldo, Griezmann has rediscovered his goalscoring touch since the turn of the new year. He will be the focal point of an extremely potent French forward line, with 'les Bleus' one of the teams who are fancied to lift the trophy on July 15th. Griezmann was the star of Euro 2016, top scoring and winning the Player of the Tournament award, despite the disappointment in the final against Portugal. This time he will be looking to go one step further.