MLS Top Goal Scorer: Golden Boot 2025 - Odds, Prediction, Best Picks

The new season of the Major League Soccer (MLS) launches on February 22 . While all 30 clubs fight for a ticket to the big dance at the end of the season, a select handful of players will emerge in what should be a fantastic race in who will claim the 2025 MLS Golden Boot title. 

After scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances during the regular season, Christian Benteke clinched the MLS 2024 Golden Boot. Despite bagging the most goals in the regular season, the DC United’s production wasn’t enough to lead his side into the postseason phase . The winner of the individual award is decided before the playoff season begins.

Last season the race for the top scorer in MLS came down to the final few weeks as the fight for second place finished with four players totaling the same amount of tally’s. Teammates Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF and El Traffico rivals Dejan Joveljic and Dennis Bouanga all cataloged 21 goals during the regular season. 

During his time in MLS Juan Hernandez was influential with his stint with the Columbus Crew as the striker was always in the conversation for the Golden Boot race. The 2023 MLS Cup MVP amassed 44 goals in 70 outings with the Crew since joining the club in 2022. In the winter transfer market the explosive player made a move to La Liga side Real Betis. The Colombian internationally capped member will surely be missed and a huge blow to MLS overall as one of the most talented players to depart abroad. 

MLS Top Goal Scorer 2025 - Odds

MLS 2025 Golden Boot Winner - Analysis

Lionel Messi at bet365 

It’s no surprise that the firm favorite to capture the scoring title is non other than Lionel Messi with Vice City. Since his arrival in Miami, considered as one of the best of all times is close to averaging a goal per game since joining the club in his earth shattering signing in 2023. During his 25 regular season appearances, the Argentinian legend has hit the back of the net in 20 occasions. The only downside to backing this world class player is his age and the amount of competitions his club will be involved with along with repping Argentina in World Cup Qualifying. We saw last season he suffered an injury in international duty, missing time in league play which cost his a shot at the Golden Boot. If he can remain healthy and not become a victim of load management overuse, there is no doubt that Messi will be flirting atop the leaderboard throughout the 2025 campaign.

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Luis Suarez at bet 365

Messi’s partner in crime, Suarez had no adjustment period in a new league and country last year, stockpiling 25 goals, totalling 37 goal contributions across all competitions played in 2024. Similar to Messi, the only strike to backing the Uruguayan is his age factor and how he will be utilized during the regular season. With the FIFA Club World Cup taking place, it’s unsure what Inter Miami’s priorities will be until we reach the summer months.

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Denis Bouanga at bet365

Two seasons ago the Gabon natural goal scorer added the Golden Boot trophy to his impressive personal collection of awards achieved in his MLS career. Employed by Los Angeles FC, the 30-year-old winger has registered back-to-back 20 goal MLS campaigns. In face of extra fixtures scheduled outside MLS play, LAFC will be one of the contending teams in the Western Conference thanks to the quality of the roster they posses. With this loaded side, good players complement each other and Denis Bouanga has a hot boot on any occasion, setting him up as one the favourites to secure his second Golden Boot award.

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Christian Benteke at bet365

Last year's top player to breach the opposing keepers is given generous odds considering it seems like we haven’t seen the Belgium hit his ceiling yet in the league. In his first full season in a DC United kit, Benteke collected 14 goals then followed up the next year by adding nine more on a squad that is mediocre in overall performance. His potential is scary even at the age of 34, he has shown no signs of slowing down. The only knock on wagering the DCU striker, no player has ever accomplished winning the Golden Boot title in consecutive years, which shows how highly competitive the chase for the scoring crown is.

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Emmanuel Latte Lath at bet365

Atlanta United’s marquee signing this offseason has made his way into the opening release of the top scoring odds. In his soccer prime, the 26-year-old previously competed in the English Championship (England’s second tier division) playing for Middlesbrough. Taking part in 59 league games with Boro, the striker garnered 27 goals. The Five Stripes have quality players and have spent money on this roster which can only help their massive acquisition settle in his new home. The jury is still out if this signing will make an instant impact or if there will be an adjustment period.

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My pick - Cristian Arango at bet 365

Going off the top-10 board we feel it’s worth backing San Jose Earthquakes’ substantial offseason trade acquiring a top notch scorer with plenty of MLS experience. Arango's resume is impressive displaying the class of player he is winning the MLS newcomer of the year in 2021, playing on the championship winning side the following year with LAFC while earning his first all star nod with Real Salt Lake last year. He has appeared in 92 matches in his MLS stretch, bashing in 53 markers. The Quakes had an impressive offseason appointing Bruce Arena as the new dugout boss, the team has filled its squad out with complementary players. With these ingredients, Arango has multiple reasons why he shouldn’t be overlooked early on in the scoring title race.

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