The World Cup 2022 is just a few nights away. All national teams participating in the tournament have landed in Qatar to commence their World Cup campaign.
World Cups are always filled with twists and turns, but this time around, many of the greats of the game may be playing for the last time. In all squads, there have been several stand-out names. Some of them will not only compete to win the title, they will also compete to win individual honors like the Golden Boot or Ball.
The World Cup in Qatar starts on Nov. 20 and all 32 sides have announced their 26-man squad lists for the tournament.
Even though this World Cup has already received a lot of attention due to controversial reasons, FutballNews.com has identified the top ten forwards to watch out for the upcoming tournament; and one of them will definitely take home the golden boot (top scorer award).
- Serge Gnabry (Germany)
Age: 27/ Position: Forward/ Club: Bayern Munich.
Serge Gnabry scored four goals in his last two matches, including a hat-trick against Werder Bremen, for Bayern Munich.
He might turn out to be Germany’s trump card in Qatar as he has the reputation of being in the right place at the right time on most occasions. He has 20 goals in just 36 appearances for Germany which is another testimony to his form in national colours.
- Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
Age: 30 | Position: Forward | Club: Tottenham Hotspur.
As one of the few players at the World Cup capable of deciding matches on his own, a healthy Son would arguably be among the must-watch players in Qatar.
Unfortunately, a broken eye socket has threatened to sideline him for South Korea’s first game. If he recovers, the prolific Tottenham scorer, who said he’s willing to “risk” his health, could lead a vastly improved South Korea side out of the group stage.
- Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
Age: 25/ Position: Forward/ Club: Inter Milan.
This is a more measured shout out. Lautaro Martinez has hit some great form for Inter and is expected to start for Argentina as he is one of manager Lionel Scaloni’s favourites.
He is a cheaper option who should start for a team that is a candidate to go all the way.
- Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Age: 22 | Position: Winger | Club: Real Madrid.
Given how much Vinicius Jr. has improved and developed into a world-class attacker at Real Madrid, the 22-year-old could be primed to make himself a household name with a breakout performance in Qatar.
Of Brazil’s enviable cast of rising stars, Vinicius is conceivably the most electric and talented of the bunch.
If he plays regularly under Tite and helps Brazil capture its sixth World Cup, Vinicius will etch his name in the history books alongside iconic compatriots such as Pele, Romario, and Ronaldo.
- Neymar (Brazil)
Age: 30 | Position: Forward | Club: Paris Saint-Germain.
Headlining the most balanced team in the tournament comes with immense pressure, particularly when that team is Brazil, but Neymar seems better equipped to handle that burden now than at any other point in his career.
More mature, fit, and in great form, the Selecao No. 10 could overtake Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer during the World Cup.
- Harry Kane (England)
Age: 29 | Position: Striker | Club: Tottenham Hotspur.
It doesn’t feel like Kane has been at his absolute best this season, but he has still scored 12 goals and added an assist over 15 Premier League appearances.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte said his striker is “really tired” ahead of England’s World Cup campaign, but he’ll lead the Three Lions in Qatar and expect to challenge for the Golden Boot. He won the award in 2018 for his six strikes in Russia.
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Age: 34 | Position: Striker | Club: Barcelona.
Few teams rely as heavily on a singular talisman as Poland, which will again look to Lewandowski in its bid to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1986.
The veteran striker arrives in Qatar in inspired form, bringing his prolific Bayern Munich ways with him to Barcelona, where he’s already scored 18 goals in all competitions after an opulent summer transfer.
- Kylian Mbappe (France)
Age: 23 | Position: Forward | Club: Paris Saint-Germain.
Four years ago in Russia, a 19-year-old Mbappe was ascending the ranks at the same breakneck speed with which he operates on the pitch.
Now, he’s atop the mountain, firmly established as the most unstoppable attacking force in world football. Still, only 23, leading Les Bleus to consecutive World Cup titles would solidify his status as a French icon.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Age: 35 | Position: Forward | Club: Paris Saint-Germain.
The story writes itself. Messi, who says Qatar will be his final World Cup, is ready to crown his impeccable football career with a World Cup trophy.
There’s an ease to his play for Argentina now, a comfort level that has developed since Lionel Scaloni took over.
Playing for the Albiceleste was once a grating chore for Messi. Now it’s liberating. That should make the rest of the field very nervous.
- Karim Benzema (France)
Age: 34 | Position: Striker | Club: Real Madrid.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018, Benzema has become so much more. He took the mantle as a leader and notched career bests in goals (27) and assists (12) in league football last season. His hold-up play also remains vastly underrated.
His movement and deft flicks created so many openings for Real Madrid, and he’ll do the same for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann with France.
