Since the World Cup began in 1930, dozens of goalscorers have taken part in the tournament and left their mark on the history of the game. But, one thing has remained constant over the course of nearly a century: no player has ever won the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
Although the tournament has featured legendary names such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo (Brazil), Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, none of them have managed to top the scoring charts in two different editions.
Today, the 2026 World Cup presents a historic opportunity to break this long-standing rule, with two players who have previously won the Golden Boot now in with a chance of repeating the feat.
World Cup Golden Boot
It may come as a surprise to many, but Lionel Messi, the record-holder for the most appearances and goal contributions in World Cup history, has never won the Golden Boot in any of the tournaments he has played in.
Despite leading Argentina to the 2022 title and being named the tournament’s best player twice, the top scorer’s title has eluded him.
The same applies to other legends who have made their mark on the World Cup. Maradona never won the award, nor did Pelé, and Brazilian Ronaldo, despite winning the World Cup twice, managed to claim it only once in 2002, without repeating the feat subsequently.
Thus, winning the Golden Boot twice has remained an unfulfilled dream even for the greatest names to have graced the tournament.
A historic opportunity for Mbappé and Kane
By contrast, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane enter the current tournament with an advantage no other player possesses. However, one James Rodríguez from Colombia won the Golden Boot in 2014. Technically, that means he could become a two-time winner, but he has yet to score in the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
The French striker was crowned top scorer at the 2022 World Cup after netting eight goals, whilst the England captain won the award at the 2018 tournament with six goals.
As the current tournament continues, the pair have the chance to make unprecedented history, as should either of them be crowned Golden Boot winner, they will become the first player in World Cup history to win the award twice.
This is not merely a matter of an individual statistic, but an achievement that places the winner in a league of their own, one that no previous star has reached, however great their achievements or standing in the history of the game.
A record waiting to be claimed
Over the course of the previous 22 World Cups, generations have come and gone, styles have changed and footballing philosophies have diversified, yet the tournament’s top scorers list has consistently produced a new champion each time.
Today, nearly 100 years after the World Cup’s inception, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane are just a few steps away from shattering one of the most enduring records in the tournament’s history.
Whilst all eyes are on the race for the World Cup title, the race for the Golden Boot holds another story that is no less exciting; the story of a player who may finally succeed in doing what Messi, Pelé, Maradona and all the World Cup legends before him have failed to achieve.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
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