The league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign kicked off on September 8, with 36 teams entering the competition with hopes of becoming champions at the end of the season and taking over the mantle from Paris Saint-Germain, who have won the last two editions.
Several African stars were on display and shone brightly during the opening gameweek, scoring goals and putting in impressive performances that helped their respective sides to victory.
In this article, we take a look at four African players who could be in contention to win the Golden Boot award in the Champions League at the end of the season.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Guinean forward Serhou Guirassy enjoyed an impressive opening matchday with Borussia Dortmund, scoring twice in their 3-2 win over Villarreal to put himself in early contention for the prestigious Golden Boot award.
The 30-year-old shared the award with Barcelona’s Raphinha during the 2024-25 season after scoring 13 goals for the German side.
He is currently joint-second on the standings, behind only PSG’s Ferran Torres and Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic, who both scored hat-tricks in their opening games of the competition.
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is another African player who could challenge for the Champions League Golden Boot. Osimhen scored seven goals last season as Galatasaray reached the Round of 16 of the competition. He also recorded the most Man of the Match awards in the tournament, with four, more than any other player.
The 27-year-old missed Galatasaray’s opening game of the campaign because of an injury problem but should be back for their next game.
Osimhen will be looking to lead Galatasaray to success over the course of the season, while also hoping to add more goals to his tally and put himself in contention for the Golden Boot.
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Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa)
Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson joined Aston Villa from Chelsea during the summer transfer window and is another African star who could challenge for the award.
Jackson has already scored on his Champions League debut for Aston Villa, finding the net in their 3-2 win over Club Brugge in their opening game of the competition.
The 25-year-old will be hoping to add more goals to his tally as the campaign progresses and strengthen his challenge for the Golden Boot. Jackson and Aston Villa will next face Fenerbahce in their second Champions League game of the season on October 14.
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Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbeumo completes the list after making an impressive debut for Manchester United in their 4-0 win over Sabah Baku in their opening Champions League game of the season.
Although he did not score in the clash, the 27-year-old provided an assist and was a constant threat throughout the game. With some more favourable games still to come, Mbeumo will have opportunities to get on the scoresheet and put himself firmly in contention for the Golden Boot award.
The Manchester United forward will next be in action against Atletico Madrid on October 13.
