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Many Arsenal fans have been left to buzz as Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kieran Tierney is in contention to play in the UEFA Europa League.

As per the official website of the Emirates Stadium faithful, the Spanish manager said that the former Celtic star did not need the surgery that they thought he needed, and so may be in contention to play again this season much earlier than originally anticipated.

Tierney is such an important player for the Gunners, as they clearly miss his athleticism and attacking threat down the left flank when he is not playing, having to fit central midfielder Granit Xhaka in there in recent games in the Premier League against Fulham and Everton respectively, in which they have dropped points in both.

Arteta admitted he isn’t sure if the Scot will be ready to face Villarreal, but he is at least in with a chance.

Arsenal fans on Tierney injury update

These AFC supporters buzzed upon reading the news that Tierney could be in contention to face Villarreal after it was shared on Twitter:

“Tears in my eyes #KT my guy! Hope to see you out there doing what you do best! @kierantierney1 let’s make our lives easier for once @Arsenal please tomorrow night.. #UEL”

Credit: @ahmedjush

“When I hear about Kieran I smell a win.”

Credit: @BNyamera

“TIERNEY BACKKKKKK #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @minminminszn

“Tierneyyyy”

Credit: @acharlton9

“Tierney being fit is all I needed to hear”

Credit: @9nismo

“I am actually on my knees to have KT back tomorrow”
Credit: @ConnorNevill

In other news, find out what Daniel Ek update has left Gooners buzzing here!

The Gunners fought back from two goals down away from home to level their European semi-final in a thrilling first leg in Germany

Arsenal made a remarkable recovery from 2-0 down away at Wolfsburg on Sunday to level their Women's Champions League semi-final tie ahead of a home leg at the Emirates Stadium.

A disastrous start for the Gunners saw Ewa Pajor punish some slack defending before Sveindis Jonsdottir benefitted from a massive error when Arsenal were playing out from the back, with the home side two up in the first 25 minutes.

But Rafaelle, the Arsenal defender whose pass Jonsdottir put into the back of the net, pulled a goal back with a brilliant header before the break, and the Gunners would make it 2-2 with just over 20 minutes to go, Stina Blackstenius capping off a lovely team goal.

🏆 TOP STORY: Messi set to leave PSG for free this summer

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GOAL rates the Arsenal players after a terrific fightback in Germany…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):

  Couldn't do anything about either goal and didn't have too much else to do otherwise.

  Noelle Maritz (6/10):

  Needed to get closer to Jonsdottir for Wolfsburg's opening goal but she recovered well in the game to have an impact going forward as well.

  Lotte Wubben-Moy (6/10):

  Also didn't cover herself in glory for the opener but improved and played a lovely pass in the build-up to Arsenal's equaliser.

  Jen Beattie (7/10):

  Costly error playing out from the back for Wolfsburg's second goal but got a lot better as the game went on, defending well and showing qualities in the build-up play.

  Rafaelle (7/10):

  Was also at fault for Wolfsburg's second goal but would make amends in a great way with a thumping header to pull a goal back.

  Steph Catley (7/10):

  Her wonderful set-piece delivery for the first goal marked a solid return to action for the Aussie.

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  Midfield

  Lia Walti (7/10):

  Dictated play well in spells and competed hard in the midfield, winning every single tackle she went in for.

  Frida Maanum (6/10):

  Couldn't get into the game, really. Showed good movement to get a shot off in the box in the first half which was then turned behind for the corner that Arsenal scored from.

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  Attack

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Worked hard on both sides of the ball and grew into the game more as it went on.

  Stina Blackstenius (7/10):

  Provided bright moments even when her team were struggling, worked exceptionally hard and tapped home the equaliser after doing well to lose her marker.

  Victoria Pelova (8/10):

  Arsenal's liveliest player across the whole game, with a great performance capped off by the assist for the equaliser.

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• Subs & Manager

  Laura Wienroither (6/10):

  Replaced Catley for the final 20 minutes and immediately got stuck in with her defensive work as Wolfsburg began to turn the screw.

  Kathrine Kühl (N/A):

  Couldn't make an impact after coming on in the final minute of the match.

  Jonas Eidevall (7/10):

  Was never going to make an impact in terms of making substitutes given the injury crisis Arsenal have, but his decision to change to a back three was a very effective one as his team recovered from a terrible start to secure a huge result.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faced the microphones on Monday night after the club’s owners agreed in principle to join the European Super League.

The Reds were subject to boos and angry chants as they arrived at Elland Road to face Leeds United, seemingly from both sets of supporters.

After the game, which finished 1-1, Klopp was critical of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.

The German said he ‘understands’ the backlash and admitted he ‘doesn’t like’ the idea, having been kept in the dark by the ownership, but he felt Neville’s comments about Liverpool were ‘not okay’.

The Manchester United legend had accused the club’s hierarchy of ‘pretending’ to adhere to the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ motto and labelled them an ‘absolute disgrace’.

Everton News Feed relayed the Reds’ manager comments, adding: ‘He’s not really understanding it is he?’

The European Super League plans, which would see the ‘big six’ qualify every year, have been denounced at Goodison Park.

Everton are above Arsenal and only a point behind Spurs with a game in hand in the current Premier League standings.

Klopp slammed for post-Leeds comments

“Had the opportunity to make a statement but instead he whinged about Leeds’ T-shirts and Gary Neville the bottle job.”

Credit: @samhargreaves94

“Totally knew about it too. As if he didn’t.”

Credit: @Mr_Jampot

“Did I hear that right. The owners are good people haha. They tried to furlough their staff until there was an outcry. Good people hahahahahahahahahahahah.”

Credit: @ElTelTheToffee

“They knew about it, possibly explains their terrible form lately. Needs to put his own house in order before he starts on Neville though.”

Credit: @pshughes10

“Oh he is, just deflecting the main question so he doesn’t have to answer it! I am very surprised, thought he would do something like Milner!”

Credit: @ianjacques68

“Is it just me or doesn’t he always seems kinda spineless and full of excuses as soon as things get kinda heated?!”

Credit: @killenpabanken

“At least Pickford isn’t getting blamed for this super league idea.”

Credit: @Paul34088722

In other news, this Everton star broke the first-team’s silence on the Super League.

After starring in the battering of Real Valladolid on Sunday, the French striker is in top form ahead of Wednesday's Clasico in the Copa del Rey

It didn't take long for Karim Benzema to prove that he was back to his best. The Real Madrid striker had spent the first 25 minutes of his side's La Liga clash with Real Valladolid doing all of the Benzema things. He dropped into space, made runs into the right areas, and linked up with the midfielders.

Then, the Ballon d'Or-winning side of Benzema's game showed up.

His first goal was a striker's dart and header at the far post; his second a curled effort from outside the box; and the third was outrageous, a contortion of his ageing frame to flick a ball that was two yards behind him into the far corner.

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In exactly six minutes and 32 seconds, Benzema had come alive and secured himself the match ball.

And at the right time, too. His quickfire treble came just over 72 hours before Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final Clasico, a game in which Los Blancos have to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit to book their place in the final against Osasuna.

In such a massive fixture, an in-form Benzema is the last thing Barcelona want to see — he is the key in sending Madrid to the final.

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  An inconsistent campaign

  An in-form Benzema has an aura of inevitability about him — all the great strikers do.

  It was what made him the world's best last year. In contests when Madrid seemed to be dead and buried — such as against Machester City and PSG in the Champions League — Benzema would strike. There was a fear surrounding him. You didn't know how or when Benzema would score. He just did.

  And it was this time of year when the Frenchman really got going. He scored 12 goals in his last 11 games from April 2 onwards.

  He bagged a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League quarter-finals, two at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the semi-final, and a third at Santiago Bernabeu to seal a place in the final.

  There was a handsome tally of league strikes, too, but knockout Benzema was a different kind of footballer. Indeed, when Madrid were seemingly on the way out of major competitions, he always seemed to deliver. It is rare that a player could be so consistent on a weekly basis yet so clutch when the pressure is on.

  From facing La Liga defeats to being on the verge of Champions League elimination, he kept on delivering at the right time.

  But those moments have become less frequent this season. There have been a number of games in which Benzema has been on the pitch, but unable to save his side. This is acceptable, of course, but shows perhaps a touch of humanity for a player who turned 35 in December.

  Benzema is scoring goals at a comparable rate, but the way he went about things on the pitch last season was radically different. He still does some of same things – the signature runs and the link ups with Vincius Jr – but that end product hasn't always been there.

  He missed chances against Real Betis. He was toothless against Barcelona. This player, often the epitome of unselfishness among elite strikers, had begun to look fallible.

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  Injury issues

  A series of nagging knocks certainly hasn't helped. Benzema has managed to stay relatively free of serious injuries in recent years, but this season, the odd ailment has cropped up. He has dealt with a hamstring problem, a hip flexor pull, and the general fatigue that comes with age.

  This is perhaps all understandable for a 35-year-old coming off an exhaustingly successful season. But for the best in the world, it's of slight concern.

  Indeed, for so many before him, the knocks that crop up in the mid-30s can be a sign of the decline to come. It wasn't a time to smash the panic button, but it will have raised a few eyebrows.

  Benzema isn't helped by the fact that Madrid lack a back-up striker. Brazilian Rodrygo has been charged as playing as a No.9 in his absence, but is more comfortable as an attacking midfielder or winger. Youngster Alvaro Rodriguez has shown potential, but isn't experienced enough to lead the line — especially in big games.

  At times, then, Benzema has been thrown into contests despite lacking match fitness.

  And a look at those patches in which Benzema has been forced to play numerous games in a row suggests his body is holding him back somewhat. Benzema went three matches without scoring — and missed some big chances — in a stretch at the end of February, for example.

  Madrid failed to win any of them, and only scored once. Incidentally, it's that patch that saw Barcelona open their La Liga lead to an unassailable double digits.

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  The France fallout

  In mid-November of 2022, Benzema showed up to France's World Cup camp in an entirely normal way. He posed for the photos for the team's social media channels, and was pictured laughing with his team-mates. Everything about his return was distinctly average.

  It was of little concern that he'd been struggling with an odd muscle problem. This was the World Cup, a tournament that France were among the favourites to win. Benzema, facing perhaps his last international tournament, would figure it out.

  Then, France revealed the player had picked up a thigh injury. And very quickly, Benzema's World Cup was done. An odd few weeks ensued, with strange narratives about Benzema's refusal to play for the side, and manager Didier Deschamps forcing him out of the picture.

  Exactly how it played out is rendered irrelevant by what happened next. Benzema effectively got six weeks off, and returned with seven goals in his first seven fixtures after the World Cup. Whether an appetite for revenge or the benefit of a rest, the break had brought Benzema back.

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  A much needed rest

  And Benzema finds himself in a similar situation now. He has since retired from France duty, the differences between him and Deschamps seemingly irreconcilable. That did mean, though, that the striker was able to rest and train while his former France colleagues won their first two Euro 2024 qualifiers over the past fortnight.

  The version of Benzema that returned to action evoked memories of last year's. His seven-minute hat-trick was a tiny spell in one of his best showings of the year.

  He had five shots on target, created an additional big chance, and finished the game with an almost perfect match rating. Manager Carlo Ancelotti withdrew him after 64 minutes, and Benzema received a rousing reception as he left the pitch.

  And although Benzema looked predictably displeased to be removed from a Real rout, his showing could hardly have been more perfect. Not only did he show flashes of being at his Ballon d'Or-winning best, he also got to sit out for 25 minutes, and avoid the fatigue of an additional stretch of running.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to an update regarding Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on social media.

Reports last month claimed that Villa remain ‘admirers’ of the 23-year-old ahead of the summer window.

The striker scored 26 goals in 40 appearances in the Midlands while on loan during the 2018/19 season, helping the club back into the top flight through the playoffs.

Abraham hasn’t featured for the Blues since the end of February, though, with speculation mounting over a potential Villa Park return.

Birmingham Live ran a Q&A with Football.London’s Chelsea correspondent Adam Newson on Thursday.

Newson believes Abraham would be open to a return to Villa, if the circumstances are right. He then added that Chelsea could be hoping to receive £40m+ for the forward.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the story along with Newson’s quote of Abraham being open to a Villa return on Twitter on Thursday morning.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many seemingly keen on a summer deal.

“2021 might not be so bad”

Credit: @The_BigFox

“I think I will cry on our first home game next season if he’s there…welling up just thinking about it!”

Credit: @VictoriaMarkou

“Bring …. Him….. home”

Credit: @AVFCJoshuaa

“Yes please.”

Credit: @RaddersAston

“£40m is a snip. If he is made available, go and get him.”

Credit: @Kkasir23

“I will shed a tear of joy the day Tammy and Axel return back home”

Credit: @HoItender

In other news: Villa source shares club’s summer plans, find out what they are here. 

With the quarter-final line up now complete, GOAL runs down the most likely contenders to lift the European Cup in Istanbul later this year

"The Champioooooooooons!" Even if you don't know every word, you definitely know the final two. Iconic. And as we enter the final months of the season, hearing it blare out at stadiums around Europe makes hairs stand up on their end.

The last 16 is over, with defending champions Real Madrid through to the quarter-finals alongside seven other teams as the battle to lift the European Cup rages on.

But which teams now look most likely to triumph in Istanbul in June? Let GOAL's Power Rankings break it all down…

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  8AC Milan

  Milan did not have to perform that impressively to see off a disappointing Tottenham in the last 16, but credit to the Rossoneri for keeping clean sheets in both legs against the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

  That defence, along with Mike Maignan behind them, will have to step up once again if the Italian champions are to progress much further in the competition.

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  7Inter

  Like their city rivals, Inter relied on defensive stability to get the job done against Porto, as Romelu Lukaku's late goal in the first leg of the tie proved decisive in the end.

  Simone Inzaghi has earned a reputation as a cup specialist in recent years, but that is likely to be put to its biggest test once the quarter-final draw is made.

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  6Benfica

  Benfica were right to be rewarded for topping a group containing PSG and Juventus, and they made light work of the weakest team in the last 16, Club Brugge, winning 7-1 on aggregate.

  Roger Schmidt's team have played some of the most dynamic football in this season's competition to date, but with the level of the opposition set to make a huge leap, can they keep that style up against Europe's most complete teams?

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  5Chelsea

  Was Chelsea's win over Borussia Dortmund the moment that Graham Potter's reign truly began at Stamford Bridge? Time will tell, but the early signs are good in terms of the Blues being competitive once more.

  Likely needing to win the Champions League to ensure qualification for the competition next season, Chelsea profile as a dangerous and highly-motivated dark horse to now go all the way.

Plenty of Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to a report regarding manager Eddie Howe on social media.

The Daily Mail shared a story on Thursday morning, with Howe’s representative distancing any deal to Celtic, labelling the talks of a move to Glasgow as ‘extremely premature’.

The Hoops were thought to be closing in on the Englishman as Neil Lennon’s successor, however, it doesn’t appear as if a move to Glasgow will be announced anytime soon.

Howe on Palace’s radar

Howe is also on Palace’s shortlist as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson, with the 73-year-old’s deal out of contract at the end of the season.

The 43-year-old, previously in charge of Bournemouth, has been out of work since August and will wait until the summer before a potential return to the dugout.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the Daily Mail’s report on Howe on Twitter on Thursday morning. This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply…

“I do not want Eddie Howe anywhere near my club”

Credit: @wakefieldviking

“I really don’t want him but this is my only hope”

Credit: @Kevbartleyy

“I’d rather have Dyche but Howe is a far better choice than Lampard so I’d be happy with him”

Credit: @liamb0117

“40 losses in his last 67 games btw”

Credit: @sam_paIace

“Could this mean he is holding out for the palace job”

Credit: @CharlesBannis20

“Typical Daily Mail with only 5% fact/relevance in that whole article”

Credit: @TheBos80

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at club post on 18 y/o starlet, find out more here. 

The Egyptian scored twice to seal a 2-1 win for the Reds that moves them right back into the race for a top-four finish

Right then, is the game which finally gets Liverpool's Premier League season going? The Reds have their first away win of the league campaign, and a huge one too, as Mohamed Salah’s first-half brace saw them beat rivals Tottenham on a day when defeat may well have spelt the end of their hopes of a top-four finish.

Instead, Jurgen Klopp’s side move to within seven points of Spurs, who occupy fourth spot. Liverpool also have a game in hand, and had been buoyed earlier in the day by defeats for fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea and Manchester United.

Most importantly for Klopp were signs that the spirit and courage of his side, questioned regularly during the opening weeks of the campaign, is starting to return. Salah’s brilliance gave them control of the game, but they had to dig deep after half-time, and were hanging on at times after Harry Kane reduced the deficit 20 minutes from the end.

Hang on they did, though, and they know a win at home to struggling Southampton next week would ensure a far more positive mood at Anfield heading into the break for the World Cup.

Light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe, just maybe.

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  The Winners

  Mohamed Salah:

  How's that for a big contribution in a big game? When Liverpool needed a hero, the man who delivers so often for them delivered again. Salah's first-half double, both goals clinically taken, gave Klopp's side a lead they would hold on to for dear life, and showed, once again, why the Egyptian is still the Reds' best and most decisive player. He has 14 goals in all competitions this season, and he had ice in his veins as he twice left Hugo Lloris and the Spurs defence stranded before half-time. His first was an instinctive strike from Darwin Nunez's pass, fired low and hard before the goalkeeper could react. His second was a lovely dinked finish, after Eric Dier had made a pig's ear of a back header. And throughout, there were moments of pure class as the 30-year-old continually bought his side time and got them up the field when the pressure was mounting. He might have completed his hat-trick, but didn't get hold of an effort from another Nunez pass. By the time he was replaced in stoppage time by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the away end was singing his name. No wonder. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's match-winner, again.

  Darwin Nunez:

  Another game, another perfect encapsulation of why Liverpool fans have fallen in love with their new £64m ($72m) centre-forward. Nunez didn't actually play as a centre-forward here. Not to begin with, anyway. He started out on the left, and it looked an inspired call by Jurgen Klopp as the Uruguayan tore into Spurs from the first whistle. He tested Lloris with a stinging volley inside three minutes, curled another effort just wide soon after before setting up Salah for the opener with an astute pass having gathered Andy Robertson's low cross. Nunez created another chance for Salah after the break and finished, again, having taken more shots than anyone else on the field. He didn't score this time, but boy did he graft for his team, popping up at left back and right wing, competing for everything and showing plenty of quality. He earned his hug from Klopp, and his ovation from the travelling Kop.

  Ibrahima Konate:

  How different could Liverpool's season look had Konate not damaged his knee on the eve of the campaign? The Frenchman is making a huge difference to Klopp's defence, and he was immense again here, delivering a mammoth performance alongside Virgil van Dijk as the Reds protected their precious advantage in the second half. Konate's pace and strength make him a huge asset next to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was targeted relentlessly by Spurs' switches of play, but it was the 23-year-old's positional play which stood out here. Time and again, he was in the right place at the right time. He made twice as many clearances as anyone else on the field, and won possession back more times than any other Liverpool player. Tottenham tested him, but even in stoppage time there he was, stretching at the near post to get a vital touch to yet another left-wing delivery. He probably won't be at the World Cup, which is a shame given his quality, but Liverpool will be glad to wrap him in cotton wool while the rest go through the ringer in Qatar. Konate is Van Dijk's partner, now and in the future.

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  The Losers

  Eric Dier:

  Oh dear, Dier. What was he thinking? There was little danger as Alisson Becker launched a long, straight clearance right onto the head of Tottenham's right-sided centre-back, but the England international made an absolute mess of his attempted back-header, and with Salah about that is a fatal error to make. Dier did try to make amends thereafter, stepping forward regularly after half-time, but when he got his head on Ivan Perisic's corner, Alisson was equal to it, and the Liverpool goalkeeper then turned over the Spurs man's mis-hit cross. Thursday sees the announcement of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the World Cup. Dier will be in it, but whether that says more about him or the dearth of centre-back options at England's disposal, we'll leave for you to judge…

  Emerson Royal:

  Dier wasn't the only Spurs man to have a nightmare on the day, with Emerson Royal targeted by the home fans after delivering a haphazard performance at right wing back. His substitution for Matt Doherty, midway through the second half, drew the loudest cheers of the day to that point. Moments earlier, the Brazilian had horrendously overhit an attempted cross from wide on the right, which kind of summed up his afternoon. It is hard to imagine he'll be starting against Leeds next week.

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  Liverpool Ratings: Defence

  Alisson Becker (7/10):

  Got away with one spill from Hojbjerg in the first half. Kick led to Salah's second goal. Got away with one moment of hesitation on the ball and was well beaten by Kane. Safe hands when needed.

  Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

  Some of the most sweetly-struck passes you could ever wish to see, mixed with some scary moments defensively. Targeted by Spurs' relentless crossfield balls and had a tough test. Stood up to it for the most part.

  Ibrahima Konate (8/10):

  Outstanding. Was so often in the right place at the right time. Is making a huge difference.

  Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

  Controlled Kane well until Kulusevski came on. Got his head on a few crosses late on which helped his side hang on for the win.

  Andy Robertson (8/10):

  Prominent early and linked up well with Nunez. Showed remarkable energy levels throughout.

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  Midfield

  Fabinho (7/10):

  Much better. Was strong and used the ball well. Had a tough time in the last half hour but this was a better performance.

  Thiago Alcantara (6/10):

  Helped Liverpool play through the thirds well in the first half, but was too casual in the second and looked heavy legged.

  Harvey Elliott (7/10):

  Sure of touch and non-stop work ethic. More than held his own in a super-intense contest.

Celtic’s search for a new manager has taken on an exciting lease of life over the last week or so with the Bhoys really stepping up their hunt to replace Neil Lennon.

A number of managers have been touted with taking over but there is one name that’s now seemingly at the top of their list.

What’s the word?

Journalist Alan Nixon reported earlier this week that Eddie Howe was a serious candidate to become Celtic’s new manager.

That information has now also been reported by The Scottish Sun. They claim that Howe is indeed in the frame to take over, but they have also revealed the 43-year-old’s stance on heading to Parkhead.

They state that the former Bournemouth boss is seriously interested in succeeding Lennon in Glasgow.

Howe has even started his own due-diligence on the behind-the-scenes structure of the club and has sounded out contacts within the game who have close ties to Celtic.

Having sought advice from those connections, he is ready to return to management and become the new Bhoys manager.

Fantastic news for Celtic

Over the last week or so the Hoops hierarchy haven’t particularly had an easy time of it when trying to find Lennon’s replacement.

Jesse Marsch has been ruled out of the running to come to Scotland while Chris Wilder is facing pay-off issues and interest from Burnley.

As for Roy Keane, he now looks less likely to arrive after seemingly being the favourite a week ago.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

However, they have received a few boosts in the last few days with Lucien Favre and now Howe reportedly interested in becoming the next Celtic boss.

If those two names are at the forefront of Dermot Desmond’s thinking then fans should be completely delighted. Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes revealed last week that Keane’s potential arrival had gone down like a led balloon among the supporters.

However, Favre and Howe have achieved a lot more and they’ve also not had ten years away from management.

Favre had a win rate of 61.82% before losing his job with Borussia Dortmund in December while Howe’s achievements make for impressive reading.

In two separate spells, he took Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League, cementing themselves in England’s top-flight.

He is meticulous on the training ground and is known for developing and using young domestic talent; something that would undoubtedly benefit the Hoops.

Should Desmond bring him to Parkhead, he’d be a brilliant appointment, one who could breathe fresh life into a decrepit think tank.

AND in other news, Celtic could land Kenny upgrade in 32 y/o who’s “up there as a captain with Maldini”…

From Robert Lewandowski to Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema, GOAL rounds up Europe's top scorers in the 2021-22 season

See the 2022-23 European Golden Shoe list here

The 2021-22 Golden Shoe was fiercely contested, as star strikers from across Europe battled it out to earn the honour of being the continent's top scorer. Robert Lewandowski came out on top with 35 goals, retaining the prize he won the season before.

The Polish striker fended off competition from the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema among others to clinch the accolade.

GOAL tallies up all the top goalscorers from across Europe's top leagues in 2021-22.

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  1Robert Lewandowski | Bayern Munich | 35 goals (70)

  Robert Lewandowski seems to go from strength to strength at Bayern Munich and, even at the age of 33, is showing no signs of slowing down. The striker is the defending holder of the European Golden Shoe and could very well win it two years in a row. He hit the ground running during the start of the 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign and has maintained momentum through the season.

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  2Kylian Mbappe | PSG | 28 goals (56)

  Kylian Mbappe struck 27 goals in Ligue 1 last season and now has the added assistance of Lionel Messi to tee him up at Paris Saint-Germain. The France star endured a slow start to the campaign, but will undoubtedly expect to be there or thereabouts when it comes to the end of the season.

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  3Karim Benzema | Real Madrid | 27 goals (54)

  This season has been one for the marked resurgence of Karim Benzema, with the Real Madrid veteran still proving an enormous asset to his team. After a productive summer with France during Euro 2020, Benzema has continued his form for Los Blancos, scoring a hat-trick against Celta Vigo and now a double against Mallorca.

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  4Ciro Immobile | Lazio | 27 goals (54)

  Lazio star Ciro Immobile scored a whopping 20 goals in Serie A last season as they finished sixth in the table, and will no doubt try to best his record. Now a European Championship winner with Italy, the striker will be eager to push for a higher finish in Serie A this year.