2023 Top Scorer Race: Bayern's Harry Kane and Mbappe Leads With Ronaldo, Haaland Chasing

• The race to be crowned the top scorer of 2023 has become a gripping saga
• Four of the sport's most lethal marksmen vie for this prestigious accolade
• Sports Brief looks at the current standings for the season's scoring honour

The race to claim the title of 2023's highest scorer is intensifying, with four of football's most lethal players vying for the coveted spot.

At the moment, Harry Kane - who departed his boyhood club, Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in pursuit of his first major career title - leads the race.

Yet the Englishman would be well aware that securing the honour of the year's most prolific forward isn't a guarantee, especially with Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappe relentlessly pursuing him.

Sports Brief delves into the race for 2023's top scorer as the year nears its end.

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The race for 2023's top scorer

Kylian Mbappe - 52 goals

The 24-year-old concluded the 2022–2023 Ligue 1 season as both a champion and a top scorer. Despite a summer filled with drama, he has netted 21 goals in 22 games, boasting an impressive average of a goal every 90 minutes, according to Transfermarkt.

Mbappe has scored 52 goals and wrapped up 2023 in style, bagging a brace against FC Metz in PSG's final game in 2023.

Currently leading the way, he aims to secure his sixth consecutive Golden Boot among the Ligue 1 top scorers for the 2023–24 season.

Erling Haaland - 50 goals

Haaland's debut season in the Premier League was outstanding, and his second began with a drought-ending brace against Burnley, a goal against Sheffield United, and a hat-trick demolishing Fulham.

Despite a lot of talk about being off-form, the 23-year-old has casually scored 19 goals this season, accumulating a total of half a century for the year.

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While contending with an injury, the Norwegian's domestic team - Manchester City - has at least three games left before the year concludes, and an unexpected recovery will most likely see Haaland increase his tally.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 50 goals

After a challenging 2022, which concluded with a World Cup quarter-final exit, Cristiano Ronaldo has turned a corner since the turn of the year following his move to the Saudi Pro League side, Al-Nassr.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has reversed the hands of time, rediscovering his mojo and - most notably - scoring goals prolifically.

With three games remaining before the winter break, the 38-year-old appears determined to surpass Kane as 2023's leading marksman while closing the gap between Al-Nassr and SPL leaders Al-Hilal.

Harry Kane - 52 goals

Once labelled a fraudulent one-season wonder, an impressive run at Bayern Munich has followed Kane's exceptional 30-goal Premier League campaign and remarkable stats last season.

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His extraordinary form, including an out-of-the-world strike worthy of a Puskas award from inside his own half during the hat-trick against Darmstadt, is just one highlight.

He has reached 21 league goals in his opening 15 Bundesliga games. According to the BBC, Kane was the first player to score 21 Bundesliga goals in his initial 15 games in the competition, surpassing Erling Haaland’s record.

Despite his phenomenal form at FC Hollywood, Kane has only one game left to add to his current tally of 51 goals.

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Kane discusses struggles since Bayern move

Sports Brief also previously reported on Kane's struggles to adapt to German life since his blockbuster transfer to Bayern Munich.

The English forward has admitted the move was tough on his family but has continued to impress on the pitch for the Bavarians so far.