As the Golden Boot ceremony approaches, Hans Vanaken emerges as the big favorite to win this prestigious trophy for the third time in his career.
Thanks to his consistent performances and his key role in the title fight with Club Brugge, Hans Vanaken should appear at the top of many ballot papers.
The Golden Boot rewards players on the basis of their performances over an entire calendar year, a criterion which works in Vanaken's favor. The 32-year-old midfielder stood out during the two voting rounds, thanks to his undeniable influence on the Bruges game.
In comparison, other candidates like Kévin Denkey and Tolu Arokodare, despite their status as top scorers, have seen their chances diminish due to their lack of consistency or their departure abroad.
A victory would place Vanaken alongside legends such as Jan Ceulemans and Wilfried Van Moer, both three-time winners. Only Paul Van Himst, with four trophies, would remain ahead of him. Franky Van der Elst, a double winner himself, believes that Vanaken fully deserves this distinction:
“He led the Club to the title in the Play-offs last season and continues to perform at a high level,” he said on Extra Time.
In addition to his exploits in the Belgian championship, Vanaken also shone in the Champions League, where he established himself as an essential player. His technical qualities and his crucial role within the team make him, according to many observers, a legitimate winner for this third Golden Shoe.
