Euro 2024 Golden Boot: Harry Kane benefits from UEFA rule change that saw Cristiano Ronaldo win award

Harry Kane won the Euro 2024 Golden Boot after benefitting from a huge UEFA rule change.

The England captain saw another trophy chance slip away in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Sunday's final.

4

Despite not winning, Kane picked up a personal accolade in Berlin. 

He scored three goals at the tournament and is the joint-top scorer alongside five other stars, one of which is Spain’s Dani Olmo.

Cody Gakpo, Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala and Ivan Schranz all have three goals to their name too. 

Kane and Olmo failed to score in the final, meaning there was a six-way tie for the prize.

READ MORE ON EURO 2024

I named my son after England hero Ollie Watkins after playing alongside him for two years

FA want Gareth Southgate to stay as England boss even if they lose Euro 2024 final

Previously, UEFA would then decide the winner on how many assists each player had.

This benefited Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2020 after he was awarded the trophy due to having more assists than Patrick Schick who was level on goals with the Portugal icon.

Had the rule persisted, Kane would need to have outscored Olmo in the final with the Spaniard on two assists to his zero - as a blank in front of goal would see him miss out.

Fortunately for Kane, that rule has been changed for Euro 2024 and instead, the Golden Boot will be shared by the six players on three goals should.

Most read in Euro 2024

Why Ben White stopped playing for England as Thomas Tuchel holds talks with Arsenal star

Chelsea's Cole Palmer reveals goal celebration comes from bond with Aston Villa player

FA fear Gareth Southgate will step down, England players fly home, Harry Kane speaks out

Kane laments missed opportunity as trophy drought goes on and unwanted stat goes viral

4

4

And that rule change helps the Bayern Munich striker most as he was also in danger of being overtaken by Spain's Fabian Ruiz, who had two assists and just a goal fewer than him.

Whereas, Olmo will consider himself hard done by having usually been ahead in the standings if UEFA had continued with their typical way of deciding the winner.

Ahead of the final, Olmo said: “The Golden Boot, it’s a motivation but if we win I don’t care who scores - me or [goalkeeper] Unai Simon!

“The only important thing is to win but always with the objective to try to keep scoring.

“I’ve felt good in the tournament and in a good moment so I’ve got to make the most of it. I know we’re level but there are others who have helped us get there with goals and great play. Alvaro [Morata] can get a hattrick and share it too. As I said, winning collectively is what we want.

“I know it’s true about Kane [not winning trophies] but that isn’t something we think about. We’re focused on ourselves and we’ve got the opportunity to win. That’s the only objective.”

4

With that trophy jibe, Kane had extra motivation to be ahead of his rivals after scoring in the final.

But Kane himself admits that he would swap all personal accolades for the chance to become a European champion.

Speaking at England's pre-match press conference, he said: "It's no secret that I haven't won a team trophy, and every year that goes by, you are more motivated and determined to change that.

"Tomorrow night, I have the opportunity to win one of the biggest you could ever win and make history with my nation.

"There is no question I would swap everything I've personally achieved to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening."

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as England bid to make history against Spain. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up.