MLS Top Scorers: Leaders, Records, and How the Golden Boot Race Works

Current MLS Goal Scorers (Last Updated: August 2025)

1. Lionel Messi – 18 goals (MLSsoccer.com)
2. Sam Surridge – 18 goals (MLSsoccer.com)
3. Evander – 15 goals (MLSsoccer.com)

For the complete and live leaderboard, visit MLSsoccer.com – Official Stats or FBRef – MLS Scoring Leaders.

The race to be Major League Soccer’s top scorer is one of the league’s most exciting annual storylines. For many fans, the Golden Boot is more than just a trophy — it’s a measure of skill, consistency, and the ability to perform when it matters most.

In recent seasons, global icons like Lionel Messi have added extra buzz to the MLS scoring charts. Players such as Sam Surridge, Evander, and Tai Baribo have proven that challengers can come from anywhere. While names change each year, the drama of the Golden Boot race never fades.

How the Golden Boot Race Works

The MLS Golden Boot is awarded each year to the player with the most goals in the regular season.

• Goals only: Assists don’t factor into the standings.
• Regular season only: Playoff goals are excluded.
• Tiebreakers: If tied, assists decide the winner; if still tied, the player with fewer minutes wins.
• No position limits: While strikers dominate, midfielders and even defenders can climb the charts.

Before 2005, MLS awarded the Scoring Champion title based on a points system (two points per goal, one per assist).

Historic MLS Scoring Leaders

Some players have left their mark as all-time greats:

• Chris Wondolowski – MLS’s all-time leading scorer with 171 regular-season goals.
• Kei Kamara – A consistent finisher across multiple clubs.
• Josef Martínez – Scored 31 goals in 2018, setting a record later broken by Carlos Vela.
• Carlos Vela – Holds the single-season record with 34 goals in 2019 for LAFC.

For full historical lists, check FBRef’s MLS scoring leaders and Wikipedia’s all-time scorers page.

Trends in MLS Goal Scoring

Looking at the last few decades, certain patterns stand out:

• Rising totals: The average Golden Boot winner in the last 10 seasons has scored around 23 goals, compared to 15–18 in the early 2000s (FBRef).
• Impact of Designated Players: Stars like Vela, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Messi have pushed the numbers higher.
• Expansion effect: More teams means more matches and more opportunities to score (MLSsoccer.com).
• Tactical shifts: Modern MLS play is more open and creative, allowing attackers more chances compared to the league’s early, more physical years.

Notable Recent Golden Boot Races

• 2018 – Josef Martínez scores 31 for Atlanta United (Transfermarkt).
• 2019 – Carlos Vela nets 34 for LAFC, a new single-season record (Wikipedia).
• 2023 – Denis Bouanga edges out Luciano Acosta in a tight finish (MLSsoccer.com).
• Recent seasons – Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge have been at the top of leaderboards, showing the blend of international and domestic talent (Wikipedia).

Factors That Decide the Golden Boot

Winning the Golden Boot often comes down to a mix of skill and circumstances:

1. Team style – Possession-heavy sides create more chances.
2. Penalty duties – Primary penalty takers often add 5–10 goals.
3. Home vs. away form – Some players thrive at home but struggle on the road.
4. Injury management – Staying healthy is crucial.
5. Supporting cast – Creative teammates make all the difference.

How to Follow and Track MLS Top Scorers

Here are reliable resources for keeping tabs on the Golden Boot race:

• MLSsoccer.com – Official stats and standings.
• FBRef.com – Advanced breakdowns and historical data.
• Transfermarkt.com – Career totals and player histories.
• MLSS/U – Our ongoing deep dives, projections, and unique metrics.

Conclusion

The MLS Golden Boot race captures the league’s competitive spirit. Whether it’s a global superstar making headlines, a breakout star surprising everyone, or a veteran proving they still have the finishing touch, the race to be top scorer always delivers drama.

We’ll continue tracking scoring trends, updating leaderboards, and spotlighting the players shaping MLS history — so check back often.