Above: a muscular Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney (bottom left) and Lionel Messi (right), all looking to perform in the FIFA World Cup

Above: a muscular Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney (bottom left) and Lionel Messi (right), all looking to perform in the FIFA World Cup

The Golden Boot Award goes to the top scorer of the FIFA World Cup. Who will score the most goals at the World Cup? Here are my top 5 contenders:

 

1. Lionel Messi, Argentina

watch Messi’s top 10 goal Argentina goals

Despite being only 5'7” Messi’s agility and quickness allows him to glide past players as if they weren’t there. He plays as a wide or central striker, often moving freely across the pitch to find the ball, turn and run at players. His shooting ability is also excellent, he often scores from free kicks.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Watch Ronaldo’s top 10 goals for Portugal

Ronaldo may be the best athlete in World Soccer. He plays as a winger or striker. He is known for his incredible speed, dribbling, crossing and shooting ability. Ronaldo was the winner of the Ballon D’or award, crowning him world player of the year. Can his success continue with Portugal?

3. Sergio Aguero, Argentina

In action

Aguero joins forces with Lionel Messi in Argentina’s potent attack. Aguero is described as “sharp and clever”. He is only 5 foot 6” but is stocky in build. He is immensely strong and powerful and has a great work ethic.

4. Luis Suarez, Urugauy

Top five goals

Suarez is aggressive, quick and agile. He often scores goals by cutting inside from the wing using his pace and skill to get past defenders. With his powerful and accurate shot the ball often flies into the corner of the goal.

5. Wayne Rooney, England

All 38 of Wayne Rooney’s England goals

Rooney is known for his high work rate, versatile goal scoring ability and outstanding technique. He often scores using his head but also has a strong shot and has scored many goals from far outside the box. This is Rooney’s third World Cup. Will it be third time lucky for him with England?

Honorable Mention: Jozy Alitdore

And finally, the USA’s very own Jozy Alitdore: See all 2014 goals

Altidore could be the USA’s best hope for goals. He is strong, fast and agile. He also has the ability to score free kicks. Altidore finished with a poor run of form for Sunderland last season. Can Jozy Altidore regain the form that saw him score 8 of the 14 goals for the USA in 2013?

Player Info and National Team Record

PLAYERCountryAgeWeight (lbs)HeightGoalsGamesGoals per game
Messi Argentina 26 147 5 7" 37 89 0.42
Ronaldo Portugal 29 183 6 1" 49 110 0.45
Aguero Argentina 25 163 5 8" 23 52 0.44
Suarez Uruguay 27 181 5 11" 38 77 0.49
Rooney England 28 175 5 9" 38 89 0.43
Altidore USA 24 174 6 1" 21 67 0.31

Did we miss your favorite player? Let us know in the comments!

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