Qatar 2022, Middle East will be without Haaland with his Norway but spoilt for choice on possible goleaders.
Miroslav Klose, David Villa, Wesley Sneijder, Thomas Muller, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Harry Kane. Without going too far back in time, these are – in strict chronological order – the top scorers of the last four World Cups. From 2006, the year in which Italy triumphed in the unforgettable final in Berlin, to 2018. As can be seen, it is by no means a foregone conclusion that the most prolific player in the competition also wears the jersey of the selection that ends up as world champion. Will it be the same in Qatar?
What is certain is that once again there is plenty of choice when it comes to predictions. In fact, there are several players who aspire to succeed Harry Kane in the special roll of the World Cup’s top scorer. The Tottenham striker, who scored six goals in Russia four years ago, perfectly averaged with the haul of his predecessors (in recent times, Ronaldo scored eight in 2002). The Spurs striker scored more than anyone else but his England team had to settle for fourth place behind France, Croatia and Belgium. Kane himself – who in the meantime has by no means lost his flair for goal, continuing to score repeatedly both with the Three Lions and with the London club – will try to do even better in Qatar.
Qatar 2022, Mbappé set to oust Kane
Mbappé
And it is by no means a coincidence that all the bookmakers agree on his possible encore, which is highly likely judging by the odds. Kane, then, is on top of everyone. Even ahead – just ahead – of Kylian Mbappé, who, in our opinion, has everything it takes to wrest the sceptre from his hands. The phenomenon of Didier Deschamps’ France is in search of definitive consecration, all eyes will be on him and he is ready to carry the Blues’ attack on his shoulders, also with a view to the Ballon d’Or. Further back, we find his Psg team-mate Leo Messi, who is preparing to play his last World Cup, and compatriot Karim Benzema, fresh winner of the Ballon d’Or and leader of Real Madrid, with whom Mbappé will form a sci-fi couple.
Decidedly higher odds instead Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, two others to keep an eye on. Especially the Brazilian, who can go all the way to the final in Lusail with his Brazil. A surprise? Lautaro Martinez, who has grown so much in terms of goals in recent years with the Inter shirt. The Nerazzurri is one of the possible outsiders.
