Will there be a golden boot prize awarded in the football competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics? Who are the leading goal scorers?

Brazil’s players erupted in celebration after Spain’s unfortunate own goal in the women’s semi-final football match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The moment proved to be crucial in Brazil’s victory.

Interestingly, unlike other international tournaments, there is no golden boot award presented to the top goalscorer in the football competitions at the Olympics. Similarly, there has never been a player of the tournament award at the Games.

In the men’s tournament, the race for the leading scorer is currently being contested by three players. Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi has been in scintillating form, netting six goals so far. He is expected to feature in the bronze medal match against Egypt. Rahimi has found the back of the net in every match, including a brace against Argentina.

Spain’s Fermin Lopez and France’s Jean-Philippe Mateta are hot on Rahimi’s heels, both with four goals to their name. They will face each other in the gold medal match, promising an exciting clash.

For the women’s tournament, the top scorers have unfortunately been eliminated from the competition. France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto leads the charts with five goals, but her team was knocked out by Brazil in the quarter-finals. Barbra Banda of Zambia also has four goals but was eliminated in the group stages.

Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, all tied on three goals, will be hoping to make an impact in the gold medal match against Brazil. Swanson, in particular, has been instrumental in guiding Team USA to the final with three goals and two assists.

Looking back at previous tournaments, Richarlison was the top scorer in the men’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping Brazil secure the gold medal. Vivianne Miedema had an outstanding performance in women’s football, scoring 10 goals for the Netherlands.

In terms of all-time Olympic goalscorers, Denmark’s Sophus Nielsen and Hungary’s Antal Dunai share the top spot in the men’s category with 13 goals each. Brazilian legend Marta holds the record in women’s football, with 14 goals. She has the opportunity to extend her tally in the gold medal match against the USA.

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continue to captivate audiences, the race for top goalscorer and the quest for individual accolades add an extra layer of excitement to the football tournaments.