AFCON 2025: The Golden Boot Contenders

As the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 moves deeper into the knockout phase, the race for the Golden Boot is becoming clearer. With the Round of 16 in progress and matches getting tighter, goals are now more important than ever.

Here is a simple look at the players leading the scoring race.

1. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) — 4 goals

Brahim Díaz from Real Madrid is the top scorer so far. He has scored four goals in four matches for the host nation. His goal against Tanzania in the Round of 16 helped Morocco reach the quarter-finals and kept him clear at the top of the scoring chart.

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 3 goals

Osimhen has scored three goals so far. He opened his account in the group stage with a header against Tunisia, then added two goals in the Round of 16 during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique. Both goals were assisted by Ademola Lookman.

3. Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) — 3 goals

Sinayoko has scored three goals in four matches. His goals during the group stage helped Mali qualify and stay competitive in a tough tournament.

4. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals

Lookman has been one of the tournament’s most influential players. He has scored three goals and provided four assists, giving him seven goal contributions so far. He scored against Tanzania and Tunisia in the group stage and opened the scoring against Mozambique in the Round of 16.

AFCON 2025: The Golden Boot Contenders. Credit: Brila

5. Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) — 3 goals

El Kaabi is another Moroccan among the top scorers. With three goals in four games, his strength and finishing have added balance to Morocco’s attack.

4. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) — 3 goals

Mahrez has scored three goals in just two matches. Even with limited playing time, the Algerian captain has shown his ability to decide games quickly.

6. Players on 2 goals

A large group of players are close behind with two goals each, showing how competitive the Golden Boot race has become:

Christian Kofane (Cameroon)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Oswin Appollis (South Africa)
Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
Chérif Ndiaye (Senegal)
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Geny Catamo (Mozambique)

What to expect next

Many of these players are still playing in the knockout rounds. As teams fight for semi-final places and defences get stronger, the Golden Boot race could change quickly.

History shows that the top scorer often comes from teams that go far in the tournament. With Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon and others still in the competition, the battle for AFCON 2025’s Golden Boot is far from over.

AFCON 2025 Top Scorers (after the Round of 16)

(M = Matches played, G = Goals)

Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – M: 4 | G: 4

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – M: 3 | G: 3
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – M: 4 | G: 3

Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – M: 4 | G: 3

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – M: 3 | G: 3
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – M: 2 | G: 3

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – M: 3 | G: 3

On two goals:

Christian Kofane (Cameroon) – M: 3 | G: 2

Pape Gueye (Senegal) – M: 3 | G: 2

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – M: 2 | G: 2

Lyle Foster (South Africa) – M: 4 | G: 2