Haaland heads list of top 10 goalscorers of 2023

European football's finest attackers flexed their muscles once again in 2023.

We take a look at the 10 leading goalscorers from the continent's top five leagues, with each player's total combining strikes from all club competitions.

10. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) — 26 goals

Ollie Watkins enjoyed his finest year to date and helped Aston Villa establish themselves as a surprise contender for the 2023-24 Premier League title.

His 26-goal haul came from 50 appearances, averaging a strike every 155 minutes.

9. Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart) — 27 goals

Serhou Guirassy has been one of the breakout stars of 2023-24 and is attracting interest from Europe's elite this month amid reports of a £15.2million release clause in his Stuttgart contract.

The Guinea international, 27, boasts a record of 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season.

8. Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) — 28 goals

Despite Lyon's tough start to the campaign, ex-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has continued to find the back of the net.

His 28 goals came from just 37 outings in all competitions, impressively averaging a successful effort every 105 minutes.

7. Lois Openda (Lens and RB Leipzig) — 29 goals

Following a magnificent 2022-23 season at Lens, Lois Openda completed a summer move to RB Leipzig and has taken no time adjusting to life in the Bundesliga.

The Belgium international has scored 11 goals in 16 league appearances this term and also netted four times in the Champions League as Leipzig qualified for the knockout stage.

6. Victor Osimhen (Napoli) — 29 goals

Victor Osimhen recently signed a new contract at Napoli until 2026 after a stellar year in front of goal.

The Nigerian marksman, 25, fired the Partenopei to a first Serie A title in over 30 years and despite injuries this season, he has netted seven times in 13 league appearances.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) — 30 goals

Mohamed Salah finished 2023 with 30 goals from 53 appearances in all competitions.

As well as scoring prolifically, the Liverpool ace chipped in with 19 assists, the second-highest total behind Bayer Leverkusen maestro Florian Wirtz (20).

4. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) — 37 goals

After lifting the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Lautaro Martinez bagged goals for fun in an Inter Milan jersey.

The 26-year-old netted 37 times in 59 matches and leads the scoring charts in Serie A this season with 15 strikes.

3. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) — 42 goals

Kylian Mbappe continues to be among the most prolific scorers in world football.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar's 42 goals last year came from just 44 appearances at a rate of one every 87 minutes.

2. Harry Kane (Tottenham and Bayern Munich) — 43 goals

After bagging six goals in his final five Premier League matches with Tottenham, Harry Kane has taken his game to an even higher level at Bayern Munich.

The England skipper has scored 25 goals in 22 appearances this season, including 21 in just 15 Bundesliga fixtures.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — 44 goals

Erling Haaland missed Manchester City's final seven matches of 2023 but still takes top spot in the scoring charts.

The Norwegian bagged 44 goals in 54 appearances and will be eyeing a second Premier League Golden Boot upon his return from injury.