Golden Boot Award

The ‘Golden Boot Award’ or the Golden Boot is ‘handed over’ to the player who scores the most number of goals for his team in a FIFA World Cup tournament. This award is based purely on numbers. It can go to a player who may not be the best player in the tournament, but if he has managed to score the most number of goals, he automatically lays claim to the Golden Shoe. However, to score the most number of goals in a FIFA World Cup tournament requires dexterity, ability and hard work. This is exactly why the Golden Boot or Golden Boot mostly always goes to players who are inches or miles away from their competitors.

The Golden Boot Award was introduced at the 1930 FIFA World Cup and was followed by the addition of a Silver and Bronze Boot award at the 1994 World Cup. In the case of a tie between players who have scored the most number of goals, the player who has contributed the most in terms of assists receives the Golden Shoe Award. As far as assists go, the FIFA Technical Study Group decides on whether an assist can be considered as one or not. However, if the number of players with the most number of goals is more than one and a decision on assists cannot be easily arrived upon, the tie-breaker goes in the favor of the player who has put in the least amount of playing time.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup saw Germany striker Miroslav Klose being presented with the Golden Boot Award.  Miroslav scored top scored with five goals. He was way ahead of the competition with two goals more than the eight players who had scored three goals. The Silver Boot went to Hernan Crespo (3 goals) for a total playing time of 305 minutes in four matches and an average of 0.75 goals per match. The Bronze Boot went to Ronaldo for his total playing time of 409 minutes in five matches and an average of 0.60 goals per match.

 Winners of FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Award