New Delhi: Football thrives on goals, and while every position plays a critical role in shaping a game, it’s the strikers who ultimately determine glory. The art of scoring demands precision, skill, and nerves of steel, which sets the best apart. In 2024, we witnessed numerous strikers etching their names into the annals of football history, captivating fans with their remarkable performances. Goals win you matches, and that’s what makes the strikers such an integral part of the team.
While we saw a lot of goal scorers that left their mark on the field, some went a level beyond this year. From consistent goal-scoring exploits to their abilities to deliver in clutch moments, these players showcased their mastery over the craft of putting the ball in the back of the net. Here’s a look at the five best goal scorers that we witnessed in this calendar year.
5) Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Since joining Bayern Munich in 2023, Harry Kane has won 4 Golden Boot Awards🏆
– Bundesliga (36 goals)
– Euro 2024 (3 Goals)
– Champions League (8 Goals)
– European Golden Boot (Top scorer in all of Europe)
Unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/9bM0XySKJD
— TopScorer (@TopScorerr) November 24, 2024
After leaving Tottenham Hotspur in search of silverware, Harry Kane has seamlessly transitioned into life at Bayern Munich. While his trophy cabinet remains empty, the English striker has been prolific, tallying 20 goals and nine assists in the season taking his 2024 total up to 39 goals. Kane’s incredible consistency is further highlighted by his three hat-tricks in the league and his sensational four-goal performance in a single Champions League match.
This year also contributed to his record of scoring most goals (44) in an entire Bundesliga season. Beyond his impressive stats, Kane’s overall impact on Bayern’s gameplay has been immense.
His vision and technical ability have made him a vital cog in the team, allowing younger players to flourish around him. He has fit well in Vincent Kompany’s system, which highlights his adaptability, which makes him a key player for the club.
For England, Kane remains irreplaceable, leading the team to the Euro 2024 finals and delivering key goals in high-pressure games. The combination of his clinical finishing, aerial prowess, and ability to dictate play cements his status as one of the best strikers in the world. He could’ve been higher on the list had either England or Bayern managed to get their hands on a trophy.
4) Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Alexander Isak once again for Newcastle 🔥
He’s the third player to score more than 20 PL goals in 2024, after Erling Haaland (26) and Cole Palmer (25).#BBCFootball #IPSNEW pic.twitter.com/6BSqkfljbx
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 21, 2024
Alexander Isak has taken the Premier League by storm since his move to Newcastle United. The Swedish striker has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry, with his tall frame, explosive pace, and silky right-footed finishes evoking memories of the Arsenal legend.
While he still has a long way to prove those lofty comparisons, Isak’s performances this season have been nothing short of brilliance. He continues to deliver in crucial matches for Newcastle, including games against top-six rivals and has been in a hot run of form towards the end of this year.
He’s one of only three players to score over 20 Premier League goals and scored 26 in all competitions this year, despite both Newcastle and Sweden, not playing in Europe. Isak’s confidence in the ball and his ability to exploit defences with his movement makes him one of the most exciting young forwards in football.
At just 24, he combines flair with an assured composure in front of goal. Newcastle’s resurgence in English and European football owes much to Isak’s brilliance, and as he continues to grow, his trajectory promises to make him one of the defining players of his generation.
3) Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Congratulations, @ErlingHaaland! 🌟
The 2023/24 @premierleague Golden Boot winner! 🏅#ManCity pic.twitter.com/oMygrqdx3k
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024
When it comes to pure, unrelenting dominance in front of goal, Erling Haaland continues to reign supreme. The Manchester City striker has once again proved why he is considered one of the finest of his generation. In the Premier League, Haaland has amassed an incredible 13 goals in just 17 games this season. Even with Manchester City’s recent dodgy form, his UCL tally also stands at an impressive five in five appearances
His physicality, pace, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and his remarkable four-goal haul against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this year remains a highlight of his 37 goals for the calendar year.
Haaland’s sheer presence in the final third is a scary sight for any defence but the service he has available at his club makes it even scarier. While the former Borussia Dortmund tends to go missing at times, his lethality in front of goal is second to none which makes him an indispensable player for his teams.
At just 24, the Norwegian powerhouse is redefining what it means to be a modern striker, blending raw athleticism with technical brilliance. His ability to score in crucial moments ensures he continues to top the charts in world football.
2) Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
⚽️ 35 goals
🎯 8 assists
🏆 Serie A
🏆 Copa America
🏆 Italian Super Cup
🏆 Serie A golden boot
🏆 Copa América golden boot
⚽️ Game winning goal in the final
Should Lautaro Martinez receive more Ballon d’Or shouts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/27KVz55ZdD
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 28, 2024
This was a monumental year for Lautaro Martinez, both internationally and for his club side. The Argentine striker played an instrumental role in Inter Milan’s Serie A triumph in 2023-24 and was a key figure in Argentina’s Copa America victory.
His knack for scoring in crucial moments was epitomized by his match-winning goal in the Copa America final, securing his place as one of the most reliable forwards in world football. He won both, the Serie A and the Copa America Golden Boot, showcasing his prowess in both competitions.
For Inter Milan, Martínez has been nothing short of sensational, contributing consistently in Serie A and the Champions League. While his start to the current season hasn’t been as prolific as he was in the first half of the year, he’s still been a vital part of Inter’s title charge.
The 27-year-old forward’s combination of pace, physicality and technical finesse allows him to dominate opponents, while his ability to link up with teammates adds another dimension to his game. Whether it’s scoring or assisting, Martínez remains indispensable for both club and country, making him a true standout among the strikers of 2024.
1) Victor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
60 goals for club and country for Viktor Gyökeres in 2024 💥
SIXTY. pic.twitter.com/axAoY8kLnC
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2024
Victor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most impressive strikers in 2024, making headlines with his exceptional performances for Sporting CP. The Swedish forward, relatively under the radar until recently, stunned the footballing world with his remarkable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League group stage.
He is easily the top scorer for the year 2024 with a whopping 60 goals inside the last 12 months. His sharp finishing, agility, and ability to read the game have turned him into Sporting’s talisman. Gyokeres has netted crucial goals in Liga Portugal and Europe, earning him recognition among Europe’s elite attackers.
Despite playing in a league often overshadowed by others, Gyokeres’ consistent brilliance has drawn the attention of top clubs. His blend of speed, strength, and composure has not only elevated Sporting’s standing but has also solidified his reputation as a reliable finisher.
Sporting face a tough fight to keep the ace marksman at the club beyond this season, with his performances have caused other big clubs to sniff around. The Swedish striker has a huge future ahead of him, and being the highest goalscorer of the year despite playing for relatively smaller sides speaks a lot about his predatory instincts.
This year saw a lot of goalscorers rule the footballing scene with many names leaving a mark with their performances throughout the year. Here’s a look at the five best attackers of 2024! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
