SHOCK AT THE TOP! Can Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz Hold Off the Super Eagles Surge for the AFCON Golden Boot?

The Round of 16 at AFCON 2025 has officially concluded, and the race for the Golden Boot has exploded into a total dogfight! While some of Africa's biggest names have already packed their bags, a new king of the scoring charts has emerged—but he has a pack of hungry wolves breathing down his neck.

The Leaderboard: Brahim Díaz Stands Alone

As we head into the quarter-finals, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz is the man to beat. After a decisive strike against Tanzania in the Round of 16, the Real Madrid star has surged clear at the summit with 4 goals in 4 matches.

However, the competition is historically tight. A massive cluster of elite attackers is currently tied for second place, each sitting on 3 goals and looking to capitalize on any slip-up by the Moroccan frontman.

Rank	Player	Nation	Goals
1	Brahim Díaz	Morocco	4
2	Ademola Lookman	Nigeria	3
2	Amad Diallo	Ivory Coast	3
2	Ayoub El Kaabi	Morocco	3
2	Lassine Sinayoko	Mali	3
2	Mohamed Salah	Egypt	3
2	Riyad Mahrez	Algeria	3
2	Victor Osimhen	Nigeria	3

3 Storylines Turning the Race on Its Head

1. The Super Eagles’ Double Threat

Nigeria is the only team with two players in the top three. Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been a lethal duo, combining power and precision to propel the Super Eagles into the quarter-finals. With Lookman also leading the tournament in assists (4), he is arguably the most dangerous man in Morocco right now.

2. Salah’s Historic Hunt

Despite Egypt’s ups and downs, Mohamed Salah is still very much in the hunt. His third goal of the tournament didn't just keep him in the Golden Boot race; it made him only the third Egyptian in history to reach 10 career AFCON goals. He is chasing legends, and he isn't finished yet.

3. The "Silent Killers"

Don't overlook Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast). Diallo was the hero for the defending champions in their 3-0 demolition of Burkina Faso, proving that the Manchester United youngster can handle the highest pressure.

What Happens Next?

With the quarter-final fixtures confirmed, every goal now carries the weight of a nation. Can Díaz maintain his lead on home soil, or will a Super Eagle soar to the top by the time the final whistle blows in the next round?

Who is your pick for the Golden Boot? Drop your prediction in the comments!