The European Golden Shoe is an annual award presented to the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top division of every European national league. It has been awarded since the 1967-68 season and has become one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. Over the years, many players have won this award, but there are only a few who have won it multiple times.
In this article, we will look at the top five players who have won the European Golden Shoe the most times.
1. Lionel Messi (6 times)
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time and has won the European Golden Shoe six times. He won his first Golden Shoe in the 2009-10 season, where he scored 34 goals in La Liga. He then won it again in the 2011-12 season (50 goals), 2012-13 season (46 goals), 2016-17 season (37 goals), 2017-18 season (34 goals), and 2018-19 season (36 goals). Lionel Messi is also the only player to have won the award three times in a row.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (4 times)
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time and has won the European Golden Shoe four times. He won his first Golden Shoe in the 2007-08 season, where he scored 31 goals in the Premier League. He then won it again in the 2010-11 season (40 goals), 2013-14 season (31 goals), and 2014-15 season (48 goals). Ronaldo is the only player to have won the award in two different leagues (Premier League and La Liga).
3. Gerd Muller (4 times)
Gerd Muller is a legendary German striker who won the European Golden Shoe four times. He won his first Golden Shoe in the 1969-70 season, where he scored 38 goals in the Bundesliga. He then won it again in the 1971-72 season (40 goals), 1972-73 season (36 goals), and 1973-74 season (30 goals). Gerd Muller is considered one of the greatest goalscorers in football history.
4. Eusebio (2 times)
Eusebio is a legendary Portuguese striker who won the European Golden Shoe twice. He won his first Golden Shoe in the 1967-68 season, where he scored 42 goals in the Primeira Liga. He then won it again in the 1972-73 season (40 goals). Eusebio is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and was known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability.
5. Dudu Georgescu (2 times)
Dudu Georgescu is a former Romanian striker who won the European Golden Shoe twice. He won his first Golden Shoe in the 1974-75 season, where he scored 33 goals in the Liga I. He then won it again in the 1976-77 season (47 goals). Georgescu is one of the greatest players in Romanian football history and is still revered by fans today.
In conclusion, the European Golden Shoe is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, and these five players have won it the most times. Lionel Messi leads the way with six Golden Shoes, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with four. Gerd Muller, Eusebio, and Dudu Georgescu have all won it twice and are considered among the greatest players in football history.
