There’s less than a month to go before the start of the World Cup in Russia and excitement is growing amongst football fans everywhere.
The hosts will get the party underway on June 14 against Saudi Arabia and 31 days later a new world champion will be crowned.
The battle to be top goalscorer is one of the most popular betting markets both before and during the World Cup finals. This is where the world’s leading forwards battle it out to win the prestigious Golden Boot.
Read on as we take a look at the main contenders.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Messi is favourite to win the top goalscorer prize in Russia. An opening group of Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria should hold no fears and the 30-year-old must be on top of his game if Argentina are to progress to the latter stages of the World Cup.
Argentina were beaten 1-0 after extra-time by Germany in the 2014 final and this summer’s tournament is likely to be Messi’s last realistic chance of securing a winner’s medal.
The Real Madrid star has scored just three goals in the World Cup finals and he will be eager to add to his tally in Russia.
Spain will undoubtedly be their toughest test during the opening phase, but Ronaldo could have a field day against the likes of Morocco and Iran. Ronaldo is priced at 12/1 to finish as top goalscorer and that could be one of the best tips for the World Cup this summer.
Neymar – Brazil
Neymar has been battling to be fit for the World Cup, although he is expected to be ready to take his place in Brazil’s starting line-up. The 26-year-old is the most expensive footballer in the world, but he has a major point to prove having been criticised for swopping La Liga for the calmer waters of Ligue 1 this season.
Brazil have picked a strong squad for the World Cup and Neymar can be expected to have plenty of chances to get his name on the scoresheet in Russia.
Antoine Griezmann – France
Griezmann was the top scorer at Euro 2016 and the France striker be keen to follow up in Russia. The 27-year-old has been in fine form for Atletico Madrid this season, sparking talk that he will sign for Barcelona.
A group stage of Australia, Peru and Denmark should prove profitable for the Griezmann, setting him up nicely for the rest of the competition.
Gabriel Jesus – Brazil
Jesus completes the top five in the goalscorer market and he is expected to enjoy a prolific tournament for Brazil alongside Neymar. He has already scored nine goals in 15 appearances for his country and could be worth a punt to win the Golden Boot in Russia.
Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica isn’t the easiest group Brazil could have drawn, but it would still be a major surprise if they didn’t rack up three comfortable victories in the first phase and go on to have a major say in who wins the World Cup.
