European Golden Shoe 2023/24 standings: Final rankings as Harry Kane wins race to be Europe's best goalscorer

The European Golden Shoe accolade is presented annually to the top goal scorer in league matches across the top divisions of Europe's national leagues.

Last season saw Erling Haaland take Robert Lewandowski's crown, as the Norwegian netted 36 goals in 35 matches, playing a pivotal role in Manchester City's treble triumph.

Hot on Haaland's heels were Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, who were both competing at the top of this year's table.

The Sporting News takes a look at this year's final standings after the conclusion of the European club season.

TOP SCORERS 2023/24: Premier League | UEFA Champions League 

How does the European Golden Shoe work? Rules for goalscoring standings

The European Golden Shoe does not only take total goals scored into account. It also makes adjustments based on the difficulty of the leagues in which the players are operating.

The standings are determined by a points system. Players earn points through a simple formula: their total goal tally is multiplied by a factor, which is based on the UEFA coefficient ranking of the league in which they play. For instance, the Bundesliga has a 'factor' of two, which means Harry Kane's points tally is equal to the number of goals he has scored, multiplied by two.

The idea is to create a system where goals scored in the perceived tougher leagues in Europe are given greater weight than goals scored in less competitive, high-quality divisions.

European Golden Shoe 2023/24 standings: Updated rankings

Updated on Monday, June 3, 2024

European Golden Shoe previous winners

Between 1968 and 1991, the Golden Shoe was awarded solely to the highest goalscorer in any European league, regardless of league strength or number of games played. Eusebio, Gerd Muller, Dudu Georgescu, and Fernando Gomes each claimed the honour twice during this period.

A hiatus occurred from 1991 to 1996 due to a protest by the Cyprus FA. Since 1996/97, the award has been determined by a points system, favouring players in tougher leagues.

Goals scored in any of the top five leagues count double, encouraging competition among players in the higher-ranked leagues for the prize. Exceptions include Henrik Larsson (2000/01 Scottish Premier League) and Mario Jardel (1998/99 Primeira Divisao, 2001/02 Primeira Liga).

In 2019/20, tiebreaker rules shifted to minutes played, then assists and penalties.