The long waiting for the finals of UEFA Nations League 2021 is finally over. With the end of both the exciting semi-finals we now have France and Spain waiting in the finals on 11th October in San Siro. Carrasco and Lukaku scored 2 goals for Belgium just before halftime but the exciting part of last night's semi-final was the second half where France put their everything and scored 3 goals to make a step towards the trophy.
Juventus Stadium hosted the semi-final on 8th October 2021 and witnessed consecutive 2 goals for the Red Devils before halftime. At minutes 37 and 40, Yannick Carrasco and Lukaku netted goals respectively.
At minute 62, France opened their book of goals and Karim Benzema scored the first goal. Les Bleus appealed for a penalty in minute 66 and Kylian Mbappe utilized the opportunity and hit the second goal in the nets into the top right corner. The minutes afterward were stressful yet exciting. Theo Hernandez stunned everyone after his massive comeback in the second half for the world champions. Right at minute 90, Hernandez hit a wonderful strike and took the team to the finals. Interestingly, this was his first goal for the country.
Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?
Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot. However, players like Viktor Gyökeres, Mohamed Salah and a few others are also in race.
The European leagues are up and running and we have already witnessed some great encounters between the top European teams. The hunt to win the European Golden Boot is also taking shape for the 2024-25 season.
Some big names from the Top five European leagues are already in full swing and they are scoring loads of goals to clinch the coveted annual award for the highest goalscorer in Europe. However, some young and talented players have enlisted themselves in the charts as well; even from outside of the top five European leagues.
Sportzpoint brings you all the details about the leading goalscorers in the top five European leagues, details of the UEFA League ranking, and the leading goalscorers competing for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot.
The European Golden Boot Race
Bayern forward Harry Kane won the 2023-24 Golden Boot. (Image Credit | SuperSport))
The Golden Boot is awarded by European Sports Media (ESM) which is a unified association of Football Magazine publications such as Marca, Kicker, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frankfurter AZ, etc. They took over since 1996-97 season and started a new ranking system based on the position of the league for the respective players.
The UEFA coefficient ranking is considered a measure for weighting points, with the principle being to acknowledge players who score in leagues of higher quality according to rankings, which makes it tougher to find the back of the net.
The number of goals scored in the top five leagues of Europe are counted with a multiplier of two, while those from leagues ranked six to 21 receive a 1.5 multiplier, and goals from all other leagues are counted as one.
This is how the points system works.
⚽️🏆 Players with the Most European Golden Boot Wins:
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: 6 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 🇺🇾 Luis Suarez: 2 🇫🇷 Thierry Henry: 2 🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski: 2
The Ultimate European Golden Boot Race (Among the top 10 European Leagues according to UEFA coefficient rankings)
Considering the players from the top 10 European leagues in this list, this is what the current race of chasing the 2024-25 European Golden Boot looks like:
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights: Declan Rice's stunning brace and Merino's goal hand Arsenal a 3-0 lead in the first-leg
Get the highlights of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal managed a 3-0 lead over the 15-time Champions.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you the buildup, head-to-head stats, team news and real-time updates of the all-important match from our web desk.
21 - Thibaut Courtois has saved 21 of the last 26 shots on target he has faced in the Champions League, including the last 10 (7 vs Atlético de Madrid and 3 vs Arsenal). Giant. pic.twitter.com/1SzTFnRuIg
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) April 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025, 7:38 PM
That was the chance Mbappe missed earlier!
Apr 8, 2025, 7:36 PM
Once a Real Madrid wonderkid, now a Gunner
Martin Odegard, who burst onto the scene as a Real Madrid wonderkid, is now leading Arsenal against Real Madrid.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:32 PM
31' | Raya makes a save
That was a fabulous ball from Jude Bellingham. He found Kylian Mbappe making a quick run, alone, inside the box.
However, Mbappe was not threatening enough to beat Raya.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:27 PM
Timber has already won five duels
Apr 8, 2025, 7:26 PM
24' | Mbappe is offside
Nearly for Kylian Mbappe. A dangerous ball from Vini, found Mbappe making a run inside the box.
Countered by Timber and Partey, Mbappe went for a shot.
The shot went over the goal. However, Mbappe was already offside leading to the play.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:23 PM
21' | Vini goes wide
Vinicius Jr, again from the left, went for a right-footed shot.
The curling shot did not curl enough to be on target.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:22 PM
Was that a handball?
During the earlier play, Rice's shot was blocked by Asencio. The block did hit the hand. A VAR check was done. But, no penalty was given.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:19 PM
The defending champions!
Apr 8, 2025, 7:16 PM
13' | Save from Courtois
Martenelli made a good run on the left and his cross found Rice making an effort with a side volley.
Ascencio blocked Rice's shot.
Partey tried his luck in the rebound, but Courtois saved his shot.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:13 PM
Emirates is buzzing!
The atmosphere is just electric.
Arsenal are having the upper hand with nearly five attacks already. In the meantime, Real Madrid looked threatening with counterattacks.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:12 PM
Youth!
Myles Lewis-Skelly (18Y 194D) is the second youngest Englishman to start a Champions League quarter-final after Jude Bellingham vs. Man City in 2021 (17Y 281D).
Vinicius Jr., from the left tries an ambitious shot. However, his shot went over the goal.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:09 PM
Old and Gold - Modric
3 - Luka Modrić 🇭🇷 is the third-oldest outfield player to start in a UCL quarter-final (39y 211d), after Ryan Giggs 🏴 in 2014 v Bayern Munich (40y 123d) and Alessandro Costacurta 🇮🇹 in 2006 v Lyon (39y 339d). Eternal. pic.twitter.com/L7RwU8G8mA
Vinicius Jr. will miss the second leg of the fixture, if he gets a yellow card tonight vs Arsenal.
Apr 8, 2025, 5:01 PM
Early team news: Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois will be back after missing the last three games due to a knee injury. Lunin is injured, by the way.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:58 PM
Early team news: Arsenal
Raheem Sterling is suspended for this match after picking up three yellow cards.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:55 PM
Previous meetings: Arsenal vs Real Madrid in Champions League
Theirry Henry scored the only goal in meetings between these two clubs in UEFA Champions League. Henry scored in the first leg of round of 16 meet in 2005/06 Champions League, while the second leg was a goalless draw.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:52 PM
Head-to-head stats: Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Arsenal won: 1
Real Madrid won: 0
Draws: 1
Apr 8, 2025, 3:11 PM
Tonight's Venue | Emirates Stadium
Apr 8, 2025, 2:59 PM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25 Quarter-final first-leg match on Sony Sports Network Channel.
Moreover, they can watch the match LIVE on Sony LIV app and website as well.
Apr 8, 2025, 2:58 PM
Match Details
Match:Arsenal vs Real Madrid- UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-Final First Leg
Explore how much money all Real Madrid players are making in 2025, featuring Los Blancos players like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior and rising stars like Arda Guler, Endrick, and Raul Asencio.
Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, is known for his brilliant business strategy during the transfer windows. In recent years, Los Blancos have built one of the most impressive and young squads in football. Players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Fede Valverde, and Rodrygo are all playing for the team, there are not many sides in world football who can compete with them.
Image Credit: Reuters.com
As a result, Los Blancos have to pay for their talent and their wages are pretty handsome. Toni Kroos was the club's highest-paid player but decided to retire at the end of the 2023-24 season. After Kroos' retirement, the club brought in Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, as of now Mbappe is the most earning player for the Los Blancos.
So, let's take a look at how much money all Real Madrid players are making in 2025, featuring Los Blancos' stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior and rising stars like Arda Guler, Endrick, and Raul Asencio.
Every Real Madrid's Players wages in 2025:
PLAYERS
WAGES
Thibaut Courtois
€248,249/week
Andrey Lunin
€46,505/week
David Alaba
€372,373/week
Antonio Rudiger
€234,139/week
Eder Militao
€234,139/week
Dani Carvajal
€172,450/week
Ferland Mendy
€172,450/week
Lucas Vasquez
€155,238/week
Fran Garcia
€86,225/week
Jesus Vallejo
€28,914/week
Raul Asencio
€13,493/week
Jude Bellingham
€344,735/week
Federico Valverde
€275,887/week
Aurelien Tchouameni
€206,874/week
Dani Ceballos
€172,450/week
Luka Modric
€172,450/week
Kylian Mbappe
€502,088/week
Vinicius Junior
€344,735/week
Rodrygo
€206,874/week
Brahim Diaz
€120,649/week
Arda Guler
€83,566/week
Endrick
€66,845/week
Goalkeepers:
Image Credit: Archy Sports
In goal, it should come as a surprise to no one that Thibaut Courtois is comfortably the highest earner in Real Madrid. The Belgian international joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Chelsea and has been a number-one choice since then. However, his injuries were never any doubt about his spot in the starting lineup, and his weekly wage reflects that. Courtois is currently earning at Real Madrid €248,249 per week.
Andrey Lunin is another goalkeeper currently in the first squad and he is currently earning at Real Madrid €46,505 per week. He is the only backup of Thibaut Courtois, so, first-team opportunities are not something he is expected to be presented with too often, but he stepped up brilliantly during Courtois' injury last season.
PLAYERS
WAGES
Thibaut Courtois
€248,249/week
Andrey Lunin
€46,505/week
Defenders:
Image Credit: Forbes
In terms of the highest-paid defenders at Real Madrid, David Alaba is currently earning at Real Madrid €372,373/week more than any other defenders in the squad. David Alaba's teammates Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao both are currently earning at Real Madrid €234,139 per week.
Similarly, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy both are currently earning at Real Madrid €172,450/week. Lucas Vasquez is currently earning at Real Madrid €155,238/week. Fran Garcia, Jesus Vallejo, and Raul Asencio, these three defenders are currently earning at Real Madrid €86,225/week, €28,914/week, and €13,493/week each.
Jude Bellingham has been playing like the best midfielder in the world since his Real Madrid transfer in 2023 and he is currently earning at Real Madrid like the midfielder too. Jude is making €344,735 per week. Federico Valverde is currently earning at Real Madrid €275,887 per week. Aurelien Tchouameni is making over €200,000 per week as he is currently earning at Real Madrid €206,874 per week.
The last two midfielders in the squad are tied, with Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric both are currently earning at Real Madrid €172,450 per week. The Croatian has accomplished some legendary things for Real Madrid, including winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018.
PLAYERS
WAGES
Jude Bellingham
€344,735/week
Federico Valverde
€275,887/week
Aurelien Tchouameni
€206,874/week
Dani Ceballos
€172,450/week
Luka Modric
€172,450/week
Forwards:
Image Credit: Football Espana
Kylian Mbappe is far and away the highest earner for Los Blancos. Kylian Mbappe is currently earning at Real Madrid over half and million euros every single week. Some way behind him in second place among the forwards is Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian is currently earning at Real Madrid under €350,000 per week.
Vinicius' fellow Brazilian Rodrygo is currently earning €206,874 per week at Real Madrid. And the remaining forwards, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and Endrick, this three-forwards are currently making at Real Madrid €120,649, €83,566, and €66,845 per week each.
PLAYERS
WAGES
Kylian Mbappe
€502,088/week
Vinicius Junior
€344,735/week
Rodrygo
€206,874/week
Brahim Diaz
€120,649/week
Arda Guler
€83,566/week
Endrick
€66,845/week
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Real Madrid stars could be banned before their intense clash against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Antoine Rudiger could reportedly be banned for their UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal. Read the full story in this article from Sportz Point.
One of the incidents being examined is a gesture of Antonio Rudiger's cut-throat celebrations towards the Atletico Madrid's fan base. Meanwhile, some video footage is circulating on social media, showing that Mbappe is making a gesture of groin-squeezing during the triumph celebrations. If the investigations lead to charges and a guilty sentence, the players could face disciplinary actions in the form of suspension, fines, or both.
UEFA's Statement:
🚨 UEFA announce they have opened an investigation into celebrations of Rüdiger, Ceballos, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid vs Atlético game at the Metropolitano. pic.twitter.com/Ni4D54i71P
A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández, and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.
What would Real Madrid's planning be?
Image Credit: News 18
Real Madrid will eagerly await UEFA's final statement, as a ban for Vinicius, Rudiger, Ceballos, and Mbappe could significantly impact their preparations for the tie against Arteta. They will face the Gunners on April 8 in the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture a week later in Santiago Bernabeu.
Previous Incidents:
Image Credit": News.com
An example of similar behavior in the past led to financial fines and suspensions, setting an example that could influence UEFA’s decision on the current case. Last summer, during Euro 2024, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined 30,000 euros and handed a one-match suspended ban for a groin-squeezing gesture after scoring a late equalizer in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournament’s Round of 16.
Another example occurred in 2019 when Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone received a 20,000 euro fine for a similar act after his team scored against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter, moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.