Predicting 3 top scorers for the UEFA Champions League 2022-23

Real Madrid capped off the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League with a gritty win over Liverpool in the final to lift their 14th major European trophy. Los Blancos will now gear up to defend the title and try to win it in consecutive seasons.

But Madrid will face tough competition. PSG remain a major contender, the Premier League sides are only growing stronger and Bayern Munich are expected to strongly challenge as well. While some exciting matches are guaranteed, the source of all the entertainment will be the world-class players on display.

Indeed, the best players in the world will participate in the tournament and fight for bragging rights for their team. The players will, of course, be eager to score and climb up the Golden Boot ladder, too.

With so many big names poised to fight for the top-scorer charts next season, here’s our projection for the top three goal-scorers in the upcoming competition.

Karim Benzema as repeat Champions League Golden Boot winner

A major reason for Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League last season was prolific striker Karim Benzema. The Frenchman led the charge with vigor, getting Los Blancos out of trouble throughout the campaign.

His inspired hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, alongside key goals against Man City, helped his side survive the knockout stages. Benzema scored 15 goals in the campaign to win the Golden Boot award. It doesn’t look like the 2022 Ballon d’Or favorite is slowing down anytime soon.

Benzema has peaked late in his career and is in absolute prime shape. With Madrid’s entire style revolving around him, he is likely to continue his goal-scoring heroics into the coming campaign. As long as he isn’t struck by injury issues or Madrid massively underperforms next season, Benzema should again score 10+ goals and be a major player for the Golden Boot award.

Erling Haaland could pop up Champions League goal charts

Erling Haaland completed his blockbuster move to a major European club earlier this summer, joining reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Norwegian striker is ready for that next step forward in his career and joins a side that can greatly increase his goal output. Haaland has been brought in to boost City’s chances of winning the Champions League as Pep Guardiola craves his third European crown.

The 21-year-old arrives at City with a remarkable record, 83 goals and 19 assists in 87 appearances for Borussia Dortmund. He has 15 goals in 13 Champions League outings – including three in as many games last season.

He’ll probably get more matches in the competition next season because of City’s power and will look to take them all the way. If he can get into a groove for the Citizens and adapt to their style, the Norwegian striker can easily be among the top scorers in the competition next season.

Kylian Mbappe another dark horse for Golden Boot award

Kylian Mbappe shocked the world by signing a new contract with PSG and snubbing Real Madrid, despite looking destined to join them in the summer. By doing so, the Frenchman has become a villain in the eyes of many fans (especially Real Madrid supporters).

There is immense pressure on Mbappe now because even the tiniest of mistakes will be greatly scrutinized. But the 23-year-old is not known as a once-in-a-generation talent for nothing. By leading the PSG line next season, he’ll aim to outdo his performances from the previous campaign.

Mbappe will be determined to end PSG’s “curse” in the Champions League and help them win the competition next season with the help of Lionel Messi & Co. The France star scored 39 goals last season, including six in the Champions League.

He’ll be determined to double his total and lead the charge for PSG. If he can remain confident and fit for the entire campaign, Mbappe is clinical enough to challenge for the Champions League top scorer crown next season.