AFCON Golden Boot Race: Díaz leads, Osimhen, Lookman in hot pursuit

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz has emerged as the outright leader on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 top scorers’ chart following the completion of the round-of-16 matches.

Díaz sits alone at the summit with four goals, underlining his importance to the Atlas Lions as the tournament enters its decisive stages.

Close behind him is a tightly packed group of some of Africa’s most lethal forwards, all tied on three goals.

Nigeria’s attacking duo of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen remain firmly in the hunt, alongside Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah, Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi, Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, and Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko.

The competition at the top reflects the quality and depth of attacking talent on display at AFCON 2025, with several quarter-finalists still boasting multiple players capable of challenging Díaz for the Golden Boot.

As the knockout stages intensify, all eyes will be on whether Díaz can maintain his lead or if the chasing pack particularly the Nigerian, Egyptian and Algerian stars will close the gap in the race for top scorer.

AFCON 2025 Top Scorers (after Round of 16):

4 goals: Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

3 goals: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); Mohamed Salah (Egypt); Riyad Mahrez (Algeria); Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco); Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire); Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)