The 2025 MLS season kicked off on February 22, with LAFC facing off against Minnesota United at BMO Stadium. The defending champions, Los Angeles Galaxy, secured the 2024 MLS Cup title by defeating the New York Red Bulls. Inter Miami, who clinched the Supporters’ Shield by finishing atop the regular-season standings, are poised to be strong contenders for this year’s championship. Among the star attractions is Lionel Messi, who mesmerized fans with his stellar performances in the previous season but fell short of leading his team to postseason success. Surprisingly, Messi was also edged out for the top-scorer accolade by D.C. United’s Christian Benteke in 2024.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Messi, Benteke, and Luis Suarez are among the frontrunners for this year’s Golden Boot award. However, with the influx of new talent in the league, there are rising stars who could also make a significant impact. The Sporting News will be closely monitoring the race for the Golden Boot throughout the season.
2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer Standings
The updated table below provides a glimpse of the top goal scorers in the 2025 MLS regular season after the opening round of games on February 22:
Rank | Player | Club | Goals (PKs) | Assists | Games | Minutes
————————————————————————————————
1. | Brian Gutierrez | Chicago Fire | 2 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
2. | Jeremy Ebobisse | LAFC | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | 90
3. | Tomas Aviles | Inter Miami | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
4. | Boris Enow | D.C. United | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
5. | Marco Pasalic | Orlando City | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
6. | Jacen Russel-Rowe | Columbus Crew | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
7. | Jonathan Osorio | Toronto FC | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
8. | Tai Baribo | Philadelphia Union | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
9. | Mitja Ilenic | NYCFC | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
10. | Christian Benteke | D.C. United | 1 (0) | 0 | 1 | –
Past MLS Golden Boot Winners
The MLS Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer, has seen exceptional talent over the years. Before 2005, the Scoring Champion was determined by a point system, but since then, the Golden Boot has been the coveted prize. Here are some of the notable winners:
– 2024: Christian Benteke (D.C. United) – 23 goals
– 2023: Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
– 2022: Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) – 23 goals
– 2021: Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC) – 19 goals
– 2020: *Diego Rossi (LAFC) – 14 goals
– 2019: Carlos Vela (LAFC) – 34 goals
– 2018: Josef Martinez (Atlanta United) – 31 goals
The list of top goal scorers in MLS history is led by Chris Wondolowski, who achieved a remarkable 171 goals throughout his career. Kei Kamara, currently an active player, follows closely behind with 147 goals. Legendary player Landon Donovan, with 145 goals, holds a significant place in MLS history.
As the 2025 MLS season progresses, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be fiercely competitive, with seasoned veterans and emerging talents vying for the prestigious title. Stay tuned for more updates on the top goal scorers and exciting matches throughout the season.
