wsn-newsletter Subscribe to WSN.

MLS Top Goal Scorer Odds and Predictions: Messi Still the Favorite to Catalog the Most Goals

Updated: July 21, 2025, 03:37 AM ET
7 min read
  • During the dog days of summer, Lionel Messi has asserted himself the leader in this terms Golden Boot race

  • MLS has seen plenty of goals from a variety of participants  with 22 players in the double figure goal mark so far into the 2025 campaign

Checking into the Golden Boot race, the MLS is known for its parity and surprise results, dating back to 2012 we have witnessed 12 different players winning the prestigious personal award.  

After scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances during the regular season during the previous term, Christian Benteke clinched the MLS 2024 Golden Boot. The winner of the individual award is decided before the playoff season begins.  

Below we share our pick to win the 2025 MLS Cup, the latest trends, and other information to help you pick a winner this season.

MLS Top Goal Scorer 2025 - Odds

The odds have been taken from the bet365 sportsbook. Sign up for a bet365 account with our promo code WSN365 and claim your bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose.

Top Scorer Odds 
Lionel Messi -120
BET HERE
Sam Surridge   +225
BET HERE
Ferreira Evander +1200
BET HERE
Dejan Joveljic +1400
BET HERE
Hugo Cuypers+1400
BET HERE

MLS Top Goal Scorer Winner Predictions 

It’s no surprise that the favorite to capture the scoring title is none other than Lionel Messi with Vice City. Since his arrival in Miami, considered as one of the best of all time is close to averaging a goal per game since joining the club in his earth shattering signing in 2023. During his 25 regular season appearances last year, the Argentinian legend has hit the back of the net on 20 occasions. The only downside to backing this world class player is his age and the amount of competitions his club was involved in which led to load management along with repping Argentina in World Cup Qualifying. We saw last season he suffered an injury in international duty, missing time in league play which cost him a shot at the Golden Boot. 

Following Messi there are some quality candidates to claim the 2025 golden boot. Tied with Messi at the moment, Sam Surridge has been lethal as the Nashville SC member has leapfrogged his competitors in the scoring leader chase. has fit in nicely with his new teammates in San Jose. Making an entrance into the top three after round 24, Ferreira Evander is carrying one of the hottest boots in MLS, in a five-game span between June and July, the FC Cincinnati product garnered eight tallies.

Bet $5 at bet365 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets

2025 MLS Golden Boot - My Pick 

Brian White (+2500) at bet365

With the historic start to the 2025 campaign the Vancouver Whitecaps went on, up front Brian White is gaining league wide attention as one the league's best strikers and getting recognition, receiving a call to represent his home country of U.S.A in international duty. Since joining Vancouver in 2021, the 29-year-old has hit the double digits in MLS play in three out of his four previous seasons. White looks to be well on his way to surpassing his career high of 16 goals this year as he has already hit the back of the net on 11 occasions throughout his 15 appearances. White is a worthy dark horse contender with great value as the clubs leading offensive producer.

Wager $5 at bet365 and Claim $150 in Bonus Bets

Best MLS Betting Sites
How We Rate
Affiliate Disclaimer
21+
Biggest Payouts
Sleeper # 1
Sleeper star 4.2/5
Sleeper Review
Up to $500 Deposit Match
21+ Terms and Conditions Apply.
Claim Now
Betr # 2
Betr star 3.8/5
Betr Review
100% Deposit Match up to $77
21+ T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
FanDuel # 3
FanDuel star 4.5/5
FanDuel Review
100% Deposit Match up to $100
21+ | Min Deposit $10. T&Cs apply
Claim Now
OwnersBox # 4
OwnersBox star 4.5/5
OwnersBox Review
$100 Deposit Match Bonus
Claim Now
Wanna Parlay # 5
Wanna Parlay star 4.1/5
Wanna Parlay Review
Deposit Match up to $250
Claim Now
Mls Top Goal Scorer

How to Bet on the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

Simple and easy, head over to your preferred online sportsbooks and navigate the MLS page. From there you will see a "Futures" tab, this is where you can wager on who you think will claim the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.

Before placing your wager, we recommend betting within your limit and do some homework on what's trending with team news and injuries to star players across the league.

How to Read the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

Especially if you're new to sports betting, reading the indicated odds can be overwhelming and confusing or if you are used to using a decimal or fraction system.

It’s quite easy to get the hang of it after a few minutes on studying how the read odds. The American system is basic, it uses a model where the plus sign (+) indicates the team is the underdog while the minus sign (-) means they are the favorite. If you see a team with no minus sign then the team with the lowest plus sign is considered the favourites. Numbers are based on $100 bets for example -120 means you need to bet $120 to win $100. +120 means if you bet $100, you'll win $120

Where to Bet on the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

In a growing industry, there is no shortage of companies to choose from when placing your MLS Golden Boot winner.

We like using bet365 sportsbook. New customers at bet365 who use our promo code during the registration WSN365 can claim: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose. While Bonus Bets can’t be withdrawn for cash, they give players a chance to boost their bankroll without spending more real money.

Another great alternative website to use is  Caesars Sportsbook. If you’d like to try Caesars, sign up with our promo code WSNDYW and claim a “Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens” offer. With easy registration and user-friendly interface, Caesars is one that stands out from the rest.

MLS Golden Boot History

Since 1996 there have been 25 different Golden Boot winners in MLS, with five players who have only won twice in league history. Preki with the Kansas City Wizards (1997,2003) now Sporting Kansas City, Taylor Twellman (2002,2005) of the New England Revolution, Jeff Cunningham (2006,2009) with Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, Chris Wondolowski (2010,2012) with the San Jose Earthquakes and Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014,2016) with the New York Red Bulls are the multi Golden Boot winners.

Below is a list of the previous winners of the MLS Golden Boot in the last ten years.

Year Winner
2024 Christian Beneteke 
2023 Denis Bounanga 
2022 Hany Mukthar
2021 Taty Castellanos
2020 Diego Rossi
2019 Carlos Vela
2018 Josef Martinez 
2017 Nemanja Nikolic
2016 Bradley Wright-Phillips
2015 Sebastian Giovinco

MLS Top Goal Scorer FAQ

When is the MLS Top Scorer announced?

Was Major League Soccer called something else before?

How can I watch Major League Soccer on TV?

tip_r

Responsible Gambling

If you or someone you know needs support or wants to speak with a professional about responsible gambling, seek out the correct resources. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER to get help, or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. WSN is an advocate for safe gambling practices. Visit our Responsible Gambling Center for more details.

Angelo Zarra WSN Contributor

Angelo Zarra

Soccer Betting Analyst

Expertise:
MLS
Liga MX
Betting Picks
Hailing from the great white north in Canada, over the last 15 years, Angelo has been wagering on sports and, more specifically, the sport that’s in his blood, soccer. Well-versed in soccer leagues across the globe, keeping tabs on what’s happening in the world of soccer. Since 2022, Angelo has published MLS betting previews on various websites, including on Major League Soccer's official betting page for a short while. Through the power of social media, Angelo has been invited to talk soccer betting on national TV & radio on Sports Grid. In Angelo’s free time, he can be found walking his dog and lounging at home watching any game that's on while enjoying his second favourite thing after sports: food! 
Email: [email protected]
Nationality: Canadian
Education: Accounting and Payroll
Favourite Sportsbook: bet365 Sportsbook
Favourite Casino: PowerPlay Casino
Experience: 15 years
We've been featured on:
espn logo
reuters logo
cbs-news logo
forbes logo
entrepreneur logo
entrepreneur logo
We only list licensed sportsbooks

We support responsible gambling. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you need help, call 1-800-Gambler.

WSN.com is managed by Gentoo Media. Unless declared otherwise, all of the visible content on this site, such as texts and images, including the brand name and logo, belongs to Innovation Labs Limited (a Gentoo Media company) - Company Registration Number C44130, VAT ID: MT18874732, @GIG Beach Triq id-Dragunara, St. Julians, STJ3148, Malta.

Advertising Disclosure: WSN.com contains links to partner websites. When a visitor to our website clicks on one of these links and makes a purchase at a partner site, World Sports Network is paid a commission.

Copyright © 2025