Kylian Mbappe Wins European Golden Shoe in First Real Madrid Season

Kylian Mbappe has secured the European Golden Shoe for the first time in his career following an outstanding performance in Real Madrid’s final league fixture of the season. The 25-year-old forward scored twice in a 2-0 away victory against Real Sociedad on May 24, concluding the La Liga campaign with 31 goals.

The match took place at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian and marked the closing chapter of Real Madrid’s domestic season. Mbappe’s two-goal contribution not only sealed the win for his team but also ensured he topped the scoring charts across all major European leagues for the 2024–25 season.

Scoring Metrics and Points-Based System

The European Golden Shoe is awarded to the player with the highest goal tally in domestic league matches across Europe. However, the honor is determined by a points system that gives additional weight to goals scored in the continent’s five highest-ranked leagues — La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. Each goal in these competitions is valued at two points. Goals in leagues ranked lower by UEFA, such as the Portuguese Primeira Liga, are worth 1.5 points.

This weighted formula played a key role in Mbappe’s victory. While Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres netted 39 goals in the Portuguese league, those goals were valued at 1.5 points each, resulting in a total of 58.5 points. Mbappe, with 31 goals in La Liga, earned 62 points — enough to surpass all contenders despite a lower goal count.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was also in contention going into the final matchday. To match Mbappe’s point total, the Egyptian forward would have needed a hat-trick against Crystal Palace. He managed only one goal in a 1-1 draw, bringing his season total to 58 points and placing him behind both Mbappe and Gyokeres.

Joining an Elite Group at Real Madrid

Mbappe’s achievement adds him to a select list of Real Madrid players who have won the Golden Shoe. He is now only the third in the club’s history to receive the accolade. The first was Hugo Sanchez in the 1989–90 season, followed decades later by Cristiano Ronaldo, who claimed the prize three times during his tenure at the club.

The 2024–25 season marks a new chapter in Mbappe’s career, as he transitioned from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. His immediate impact has been substantial, both in terms of individual statistics and contributions to the team’s success. The Golden Shoe reinforces his standing as one of Europe’s premier forwards.

Mbappe’s brace in San Sebastian not only brought a fitting end to Real Madrid’s league campaign but also cemented his status among the continent’s most prolific goal scorers. With this milestone, he continues to build an impressive legacy in European football.