AFCON Golden Boots: Complete List

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.