The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is lighting up Morocco with incredible skill and thrilling goals. As the tournament progresses towards its January 18 final, the competition for the Golden Boot is fiercer than ever. With an impressive 101 goals scored in just 41 matches, fans are being treated to an attacking spectacle. Currently, one player has edged ahead in the race to be crowned AFCON 2025’s top scorer.

Brahim Díaz: Morocco’s Hometown Hero

Leading the charge is Morocco’s own Brahim Díaz. The attacking midfielder has been in sensational form, netting four goals so far. Playing on home soil, Díaz has clearly been a pivotal force for the Atlas Lions. His performances have not only put Morocco in a strong position but also made him the current favourite for the prestigious top scorer award.

The Challengers: A Star-Studded Tie

Hot on Díaz’s heels is a formidable group of six players, each with three goals to their name. This demonstrates the incredible depth of attacking talent on display across the continent. Consequently, the race for the Golden Boot is still wide open.

Nigeria’s potent attack is particularly noteworthy, with both Lookman and Victor Osimhen finding the net consistently. Osimhen’s form, in particular, has been a major talking point throughout the tournament.

Hot on Their Heels: The Two-Goal Contenders

The competition doesn’t stop there. In fact, a large group of talented players are just one goal behind the chasing pack, each having scored twice. This highlights the competitive nature of AFCON 2025, where a single great performance can change the leaderboard dramatically.

This group includes standout performers from several nations, such as Senegal’s Pape Gueye and Nicolas Jackson, and South Africa’s duo of Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis. Their contributions are crucial for their teams’ success and keep them within striking distance of the top award.

By the Numbers: An Attacking Showcase

Overall, AFCON 2025 has been a feast for football fans who love to see goals. The tournament averages an impressive 2.46 goals per game. This high-scoring trend points to a shift towards more attacking football tactics among Africa’s top national teams.

The qualification journey, which concluded in November 2024, set the stage for this exciting finals tournament. Now, with the group stages and Round of 16 complete, the intensity is only set to increase.

The Race to the Finish

While Brahim Díaz currently holds a narrow lead, the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot is far from decided. With a pack of world-class goal scorers like Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah in close pursuit, anything can happen in the upcoming knockout rounds. Ultimately, the pressure of the quarter-finals and beyond will reveal who has the nerve and skill to claim the coveted prize. One thing is certain: the journey to the final will be packed with more unforgettable goals.