Deniz Undav calls World Cup 2026 top‑scorer award unfair

VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, debuting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Germany, said the tournament’s Golden Shoe race feels "unfair" because England’s Harry Kane, who outscored him in the Bundesliga with 36 goals, is a leading contender. Undav scored 19 league goals last season, finishing second behind Kane, and joked that he would have been the top scorer in Germany without Kane’s tally.

The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see a crowded race for the Golden Shoe, with stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and others listed as favorites. Historical records show Miroslav Klose holds the all‑time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals, while Mbappé and Kane each have one previous Golden Shoe. Analysts note that no player has yet won the award in two separate tournaments.