afcon

AFCON Golden Boots: Complete List

World Football December 22, 2025 80

The AFCON Golden Boots award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in African football. It is given to the player who scores the most goals in a single edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament that has showcased some of the greatest football talents the continent has ever produced.

From legendary strikers to modern-day superstars, AFCON Golden Boot winners have often defined tournaments with unforgettable performances and crucial goals.

What Is the AFCON Golden Boot?

The AFCON Golden Boot is awarded at the end of every Africa Cup of Nations tournament to the highest goal-scorer.
If two or more players finish with the same number of goals, the award is shared.

Since the tournament began in 1957, dozens of players from different African nations have etched their names into AFCON history through this award.

AFCON Golden Boots Winners (1957–2023)

Here is the complete list of AFCON Golden Boot winners, including goals scored:

1957–1970

1957: Ad El Diba (Egypt) – 5 goals
1959: Mahmoud Al Gohari (Egypt) – 3 goals
1962: Mohamed Al Badawi (Egypt), Worku Mengistu (Ethiopia) – 3 goals
1963: Ahmed Al Chazli (Egypt) – 6 goals
1965: Abbrey Osei Kofi (Ghana), Eustace Mangli (Ivory Coast) – 3 goals
1968: Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) – 6 goals
1970: Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) – 8 goals

1972–1988

1972: Salif Keita (Mali) – 5 goals
1974: Pierre Ndaye Mulamba (DR Congo) – 9 goals (record)
1976: William Njo Lea (Guinea) – 4 goals
1978: Phillip Omondi (Uganda) – 4 goals
1980: Segun Odegbami (Nigeria) – 3 goals
1982: George Al Hassan (Ghana) – 4 goals
1984: Taher Abou Zeid (Egypt) – 4 goals
1986: Roger Milla (Cameroon), Abdoulaye Traore (Ivory Coast) – 4 goals
1988: Belloumi (Algeria), Milla (Cameroon), Abdelhamid (Egypt), Traore (Ivory Coast) – 4 goals

1990–2000

1990: Djamel Menad (Algeria) – 4 goals
1992: Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 4 goals
1994: Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 5 goals
1996: Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) – 5 goals
1998: Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Benni McCarthy (South Africa) – 7 goals
2000: Shaun Bartlett (South Africa) – 5 goals

2002–2010

2002: Mboma (Cameroon), Olembe (Cameroon), Aghahowa (Nigeria) – 3 goals
2004: Mboma, Kanoute, Okocha, Mokhtari, Dos Santos – 4 goals
2006: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Ahmed Hassan (Egypt), Dos Santos – 4 goals
2008: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 5 goals
2010: Mohamed Nagui (Egypt) – 5 goals

2012–2023

2012: Seven players tied – 3 goals each
2013: Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria), Mubarak Wakaso (Ghana) – 4 goals
2015: Akaichi, Ayew, Mbokani, Balboa, Biffouma – 3 goals
2017: Junior Kabananga (DR Congo) – 3 goals
2019: Odion Ighalo (Nigeria) – 5 goals
2021: Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) – 8 goals
2023: Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea) – 5 goals

Most Iconic AFCON Golden Boot Performances

Pierre Ndaye Mulamba (1974): Still holds the all-time record with 9 goals
Samuel Eto’o: One of AFCON’s most consistent goal scorers
Rashidi Yekini: Nigeria’s most legendary AFCON striker
Vincent Aboubakar (2021): Modern-era dominance with 8 goals

Why AFCON Golden Boots Matter

Winning the AFCON Golden Boot often:

Elevates a player’s global reputation
Leads to major club transfers
Defines tournament legacies
Inspires future generations of African footballers

Many Golden Boot winners went on to become African football icons.

Final Thoughts

The history of AFCON Golden Boots tells the story of African football itself passion, flair, power, and unforgettable moments. From the early pioneers to today’s stars, these goal scorers have shaped the legacy of the Africa Cup of Nations.

As AFCON continues to grow, new names will join this elite list but the legends will always remain.