June 27 – The Gold Cup 2025 has been the showcase for a number of forwards to make their case for international recognition and potential moves to Europe’s big leagues as they chase the Golden Boot for the competition’s top scorer.
The list of leading scorers at the end of the group stage is a mix of players who have been present before but only now making a major breakthrough, and exciting young players making a mark for the first time.
Top of the list of goal scorers is Panama’s Ismael Diaz (pictured) with five goals but in his previous 45 internationals had only scored 10 times. Diaz plays his club football U-Catolica in Ecuador. In the final group game against Jamaica he scored a hat-trick before being subbed.
He is joined in the top scorers list by fellow Panamanian Tomas Rodriguez with three goals. Despite being 26 years old, Rodriguez is a relatively newcomer in the Panama squad having only played nine times with all his goals coming in the tournament.
Costa Rica also have two players in the top scorers list and both of them coming through in a country that is replacing a golden generation of players who have aged out.
23-year-old Manfred Ugalde, who plays his club football at Spartak Moscow, has played 25 times for his country and score 10 goals, three of them at this Gold Cup. He is joined by 20-year-old striker Josimar Alocer who played his club football for Belgium’s Westerloo – he has scored twice in the opening three games of this Gold Cup and six times in 22 appearances.
Canada have three players in the top nine. Not surprisingly Jonathan David who seems to have been leading Canda’s line forever but is still only 25 years old. He scored 35 goals for Canada in 66 matches, two this tournament.
In 21-year-old midfielder Nathan Saliba, Canada have found another rare talent who can win and control possession as well as score goals. The CF Montreal starlet has played just five times for Canada with his two goals coming this tournament.
In the supremely talent Tajon Buchanan, Canada have real quality. The Inter Milan midfielder on loan to Spain’s Villareal looks to be really enjoying his football and has scored three times in this Gold Cup. He has played 50 times for Canada for his eight goals but his performances this tournament could provide the X factor Canada need to make the leap to winning a major title.
The USA have been shorn of many of their big names and established goalscorers for this tournament but it has given PSV Eindhoven forward, Malik Tillman, an opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old has played 22 time for the USA with all three goals coming in this competition.
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