An award for the top goal scorers of the FIFA World Cup was instituted
in 1982 under the name Golden Shoe.
In 2010, the name was changed to
Golden Boot.
1982 (Host: Spain)
Italy’s Paolo Rossi was awarded the first Golden Shoe
award. He scored 6 goals in the World Cup. His good work earned Italy
the title. Italy defeated West Germany in the final, 3-1. Rossi scored
his team's first goal in the final at the 57th minute.
1986 (Mexico)
England’s Gary Linekar won the award for his consistent
performance scoring 6 goals in the tournament. It was a forgettable
World Cup for his team as England were defeated by Argentina in the
quarter finals (1-2). Remember the 'Hand of God' goal from Diego
Maradona during the match against England? Argentina won the world Cup.
1990 (Italy)
The Golden Shoe was won by the Italian forward Salvatore Schillaci
for scoring 6 goals in the tournament. Argentina defeated Italy in the
semifinals in a penalty shoot-out (5-4). Italy beat England in the third
place match. West Germany defeated Argentina in the finals.
1994 (United States)
This year, the Golden Shoe was shared by two: Russia’s Oleg Salenko and Bulgaria’s Hristo Stoichkov.
They both scored 6 goals each in the tournament. Hristo Stoichkov's
heroics helped Bulgaria finish fourth in the World Cup. Sweden defeated
Bulgaria 4-0 in the third place play-off. Despite Oleg Salenko's
heroics, Russia did not qualify for the knock-out stage. Brazil defeated
Italy to lift the World Cup.
1998 (France)
Croatia’s Davor Suker won the golden Shoe in this
tournament for scoring 6 goals. Croatia finished third, while France
defeated Brazil to lift the World Cup.
2002 (South Korea/Japan)
Brazil’s Ronaldo won the golden Shoe for scoring 8
goals in the tournament. This was indeed Ronaldo's World Cup, as he
scored both the goals in the finals in which Brazil defeated Germany to
lift the World Cup.
2006 (Germany)
Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored 5 goals in the
tournament and won the Golden Shoe award. Despite his performance,
Germany was defeated by Italy in the semifinals. Germany defeated
Portugal 3-1 to finish at No.3. Italy went on to lift the cup for the
fourth time.
2010 (South Africa)
This year the Golden Shoe was rechristened as Golden Boot. Germany’s Thomas Muller
won the award but despite his five goals, Germany finished third. The
eventual champion, Spain, beat Germany in the semifinals (1-0). Spain
defeated Netherlands 1-0 to lift the World Cup.
2014 (Brazil)
Colombia’s James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot award
for scoring 6 goals in the tournament. Colombia was beaten by Brazil in
the quarterfinals (2-1). Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals
and went on to lift the World Cup title.
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