The 2023 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi chase is well underway; the winner will be known on Decision Day (Oct. 21).
A quick reminder: After goals, assists is the main tiebreaker.
- Stats: 14g, 8a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at SKC
- Remaining games: 7
- Stats: 14g, 6a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at STL
- Remaining games: 6
Bounaga has fully settled with LAFC, building off last year's midsummer arrival that helped fuel MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield titles. The Gabon international has 27 goals in 36 games across all competitions this season, spanning MLS play, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.
- Stats: 14g, 2a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at DC
- Remaining games: 5
The Greek international striker is used to winning Golden Boot awards; he's done it in Scotland with Celtic and with VVV-Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie. Giakoumakis, who arrived in Atlanta last winter as a Designated Player, is the spearhead of an attack that also features Thiago Almada.
- Stats: 13g, 11a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at MTL
- Remaining games: 6
It's been a career year for Luciano Acosta, who has been one of the driving forces in FC Cincinnati's Supporters' Shield push. The two-time reigning MLS Player of the Month presented by CELSIUS is showing no signs of a let-up down the stretch.
- Stats: 13g, 3a
- Next game: Sept. 20 vs. NSH
- Remaining games: 5
Pulido is showing what Sporting Kansas City brass knew when he became the club's record signing in December 2019 – when healthy the Mexican international is among the continent's most lethal scorers. After several injury-plagued seasons, Pulido is enjoying his most fruitful year in MLS (and recently got a new long-term contract).
- Stats: 12g, 10a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at POR
- Remaining games: 5
- Stats: 12g, 10a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at CLT
- Remaining games: 7
Gazdag is proving last season's 22g/10a output, second only to Mukhtar, wasn't a fluke. The Hungarian international and penalty-kick specialist has registered his second straight season of double-figure goals and assists for Philadelphia.
- Stats: 12g, 5a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at NYC
- Remaining games: 6
Orlando City are challenging for the Eastern Conference's top spot. Torres, a Uruguay international and club-record signing, is nearing last year's goal contribution figure (19).
- Stats: 12g, 4a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at CLT
- Remaining games: 7
A year removed from a breakout 14g/9a campaign in Carranza's first season with the Philadelphia Union, the Argentine forward is generating Europe-centric transfer rumors.
- Stats: 11g, 4a
- Next game: Sept. 20 at HOU
- Remaining games: 7
Alongside Ryan Gauld, White remains a goal-scoring threat for the surging Whitecaps. He's nearly matched his 2021 form with Vancouver when he tallied 12g/5a in 27 games.
The following players have also scored 10 goals:
- Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)
- Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Christian Benteke (D.C. United)
- Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas)
- Niko Gioacchini (St. Louis CITY SC)
- Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
