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After being delayed by an entire calendar year, the much-anticipated UEFA Euro 2020 is finally set to kick off in less than a fortnight. The 15 previous editions of one of football's biggest international titles have delivered some incredible moments, and much of the same is expected of Euro 2020 as well.
The European Championships have seen some of the greatest players in history face off against each other. From the great Michel Platini to Zinedine Zidane, and Gerd 'Der Bomber' Mueller to Cristiano Ronaldo — the competition has witnessed an illustrious list of football icons.
Despite appearing in just one edition of the Euros, Platini is often considered to be one of the best players in the competition's history, if not the best. Of course, it is with good reason as that one edition saw Platini score an astonishing nine goals in five games in 1984.
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The legendary Frenchman became the highest-scorer in Euro history despite playing just five games. His tally of nine goals stands to this day, although it isn't an outright record anymore as Cristiano Ronaldo also racked up nine. That being said, he needed 16 more games to do so than the three-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Many forwards over the years have tried, but none have even managed to get close to the mercurial Platini's record. However, that won't stop them from trying, and Euro 2020 is another opportunity for players to make history with their countries.
Euro 2020 has a long list of stellar superstars lining up for their nations, including some of the most in-form forwards in world football. On that note, here is a look at the top five contenders for the Golden Boot at the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020.
Euro 2020 — Golden Boot contenders
#5 Karim Benzema | France
Undoubtedly the headline selection ahead of Euro 2020 has been that of Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema. Didier Deschamps called up the striker for the first time since late 2015 after exiling from the squad due to off-field matters. However, with Benzema now back with Les Bleus and set to feature at Euro 2020, he will definitely be a contender for the Golden Boot.
Benzema is one of the best strikers in world football and has consistently delivered for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane with relatively little service in the final third.
The Frenchman ended last season's LaLiga Santander campaign with more goals and assists (32) than anyone bar Lionel Messi. He has been in great form and could be up there with the highest scorers in the competition.
#4 Robert Lewandowski | Poland
In terms of form over the last two seasons, there is a very good case for Robert Lewandowski being the best striker in world football bar none. He guided Bayern Munich to a historic European treble in 2019-20 with a career-best 55-goal tally. Ahead of Euro 2020, he broke Gerd Muller's historic 40-goal Bundesliga record, scoring 41 goals in just 29 (!) games.
The Pole is in the best form of his incredible career so far, which is saying something as he's always been one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe.
Heading into Euro 2020, Lewandowski is undoubtedly a contender for the Golden Boot. Perhaps the 32-year-old could have been ranked higher up on the list if he had a star-studded attack to play alongside, much like the others on the list.
Also read: 5 Most valuable players at UEFA Euro 2020
#3 Harry Kane | England
England captain Harry Kane is another straightforward choice for the Euro 2020 Golden Boot. The 27-year-old enjoyed one of the best league campaigns of his career as he scored 23 goals and set up 14, winning the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards. Despite not winning a title, Kane maintains his status as one of the most complete strikers in world football.
Kane won the Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup 2018 for his exploits in Russia, leading England to their first semi-final of the competition in 28 years.
He is part of a brilliant attacking unit, including the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and other stars. Kane will hope to win his first top scorer award at the European championships and lead England to glory.
#2 Kylian Mbappe | France
French superstar Kylian Mbappe is one of the most devastating forwards in the world and will look to announce himself on the Euros stage in style. The Paris Saint-Germain man is set to participate in his first European Championship this summer. Mbappe was instrumental in Les Bleus winning the World Cup in 2018 and could possibly have a similar impact this time around as well.
The 22-year-old has been in magnificent form over the course of 2020-21, scoring an astounding 42 goals and assisting 11 in 47 games across all competitions.
While this in itself makes him one of the favorites for the Golden Boot, his potential partnership with Karim Benzema is another major factor. Benzema is one of the best centre-forwards at the tournament and can help Mbappe get even better.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal
Much was made of Cristiano Ronaldo's shaky start to the season, with many suggesting this could be one of his final campaigns at the top level. However, he ended the season with the Capocannoniere and a total of 36 goals across all competitions.
The 2020-21 campaign was another timely reminder that Ronaldo is still a force to be reckoned with. While he may not be the lightning-quick forward he was during his prime years, even at 36, he remains one of Europe's premium goalscorers. The Juventus man arguably enters Euro 2020 as the favorite to win the Golden Boot.
Ronaldo is just a goal away from becoming the all-time top-scorer at the European Championships. After becoming the first captain to lift a competitive trophy with Portugal, Ronaldo will hope to fire his side to victory at Euro 2020 this summer.
Also read: 5 Footballers who don't go by their real names
