Club World Cup: Football experts predict the top scorer for the competition

Before the ball starts rolling in the United States, Brazilian and international journalists have pointed out possible top scorers of the tournament.

The new FIFA Club World Cup will bring major powerhouses face to face. While the 32 representatives from all continents compete for an unprecedented title, the race for the top scorer promises historic duels in the United States.

Trivela and its global partners highlight the main contenders for the tournament’s top scorer.

Trivela’s Pick

Kylian Mbappe already has plenty of experience in short tournaments. He was the top scorer of the last World Cup, with eight goals in seven matches, when France finished as runners-up.

In 2018, when Les Bleus were world champions, Mbappe scored four times at just 18 years old. The World Cup has a format similar to the Club World Cup - which could make it easier for the French striker to impose his scoring rhythm.

International Journalists Highlight Potential Top Scorers

Oliver Thomas – journalist at Sports Mole:

"The likes of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele could all be in the running for the Golden Boot if their respective teams progress deep into the tournament, but Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has the potential to pip them all.

"The England captain ended the 2024-25 Bundesliga season as the top scorer with 26 goals in 31 games, while he also netted 11 times in 13 Champions League appearances."

Romain Lantheaume – journalist at Top Mercato FR:

“Winner of the European Golden Boot and top civilian scorer of 2025 (29 goals in 32 matches), Kylian Mbappe is in great form, despite Real Madrid’s disappointing season.

"With opponents like Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg, and Al-Hilal, the Frenchman should have good opportunities to keep finding the net, now with a new collective dynamic under Xabi Alonso’s leadership."

Santiago Sourigues – journalist at Top Mercato LATAM:

“The top scorer of the 2025 Club World Cup will be Kylian Mbappe. A lethal and decisive player in major tournaments, the French striker knows how to stand out in short competitions and has just become the top scorer of La Liga in his first full season with Real Madrid.

"The only question is his relationship with the new coach, Xabi Alonso, who has a different profile from his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti. Even so, Mbappe’s value is above any coach - which is why he will be the top scorer of the 2025 Club World Cup.”

Rob Summerscales – internal media coordinator at NSN:

“Kylian Mbappe has something to prove this summer. He left PSG to win the Champions League, but in his first season with Real Madrid he only lifted the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup - while his former club became European champions without him.

"Having missed out on the Champions League and LaLiga, Real Madrid will take the Club World Cup very seriously. Watch out, America!”

This article was originally published on Trivela.

Written by
Matt Law