The world's best have convened in Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which kicks off this week.
This year's edition is the biggest yet as the tournament has expanded to 32 teams, meaning there will be more games than ever — and the chance for more goals as well.
That's good news for the best women's forwards in the world, who all look to be at their best as they hope to propel their teams to glory.
Of course, some players are more likely to score than others. Here are the top five most likely players to win the 2023 Women's World Cup Golden Boot Award, per odds from online bookies BetVictor:
Women World Cup 2023 Top Goalscorer - Outright
(Odds are correct at time of writing)
Alex Morgan (USA) — 4/1
The American veteran is prolific — her 121 international goals is second among active players behind all-time leader (men's or women's) Christine Sinclair. Unlike Sinclair, who has taken on more of a playmaker role for Canada, 34-year-old Morgan's primary role is still to score goals for the juggernaut USWNT side.
With the Americans yet again favoured to win the tournament (and score many goals along the way), Morgan will have plenty of opportunities to get her name atop the scoring charts.
Sophia Smith (USA) — 6/1
Unsurpisingly, another American is seen as a good bet to win the Golden Boot. Smith may be preparing for her first World Cup, but the 22-year-old is no stranger to finding the back of the net as he has poured them in for NWSL side Portland Thorns since being drafted first overall in 2020.
Smith's scoring touch has transferred to the international stage, as she's tallied 12 times for the USWNT in 34 appearances so far.
Esther Gonzalez (ESP) — 10/1
Boasting a strike rate of 26 goals in 36 international matches for Spain, Gonzalez is certainly a realistic threat to win the Golden Boot.
The 30-year-old has been a model of consistency in her professional career, notching double-digits several times in stints with Real Madrid, Levante and Atletico Madrid.
Sam Kerr (AUS) — 10/1
The Australian superstar will be buoyed by rabid support throughout the tournament, although Kerr would be a threat regardless of where the tournament was being played.
Kerr's scoring rate for the Matildas is a little over a goal every two games, and the 29-year-old is primed for a huge World Cup in front of adoring fans.
Alexandra Popp (GER) — 12/1
Germany's captain and top active scorer, Popp scores 0.48 goals per match for her national side.
She'd have to improve on the two goals she scored for Germany in the 2019 WWC, but few would put it past her to hit a great run of form at just the right time.