2024 Copa America Top Goalscorer Odds and Predictions

The 2024 Copa America hasn’t been quite as eye-catching as the Euros, but this competition still features some of the world’s brightest stars. One of the most exciting aspects of the tournament is the race for the top goalscorer. Soccer betting sites are keeping tabs on the race, and the latest odds offer intriguing insights into the potential frontrunners. Among the favorites are renowned names like Lautaro Martinez and Darwin Nunez, as well as rising stars such as Vinicius Junior and Facundo Pellistri.

With the competition heating up, it’s essential to look at each player’s form, their team’s overall performance, and their individual capabilities. The odds provided give us a snapshot of the expected competition, but football is always full of surprises. Factors like injuries, team dynamics, and even the draw’s difficulty can significantly impact a player’s chances.

Below, I’ll take a look at the top candidates for the 2024 Copa America top goalscorer title. We’ll analyze their recent performances, their roles within their national teams, and their potential to outscore their peers.

Copa America Top Goalscorer Odds

We’ve reached the semifinal round of the competition. Argentina became the first side to punch a ticket to the semis with their shootout victory over Ecuador late last week. The reigning Copa America champions will square off against Canada in one semifinal, which is a rematch of the opening game from Group A play. On the other side of the bracket, Uruguay is set to face off against Colombia. The Uruguayans outlasted Brazil in a penalty shootout over the weekend, while Colombia cruised past an overwhelmed Panama side.

Below are the latest Soccer odds to finish as the Copa America top goalscorer, per DraftKings Sportsbook:

Lautaro Martinez (-340)

Lautaro Martinez stands as the favorite to clinch the top goalscorer title at the 2024 Copa America, and it’s not hard to see why. The Argentine striker has been in phenomenal form, both for his club, Inter Milan, and his national team. His ability to find the back of the net with consistency, coupled with his agility and sharp footballing intellect, makes him a formidable forward.

In recent international competitions, Martinez has shown his prowess. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s attack, often being the target man who could convert opportunities into goals. His chemistry with Lionel Messi and other Argentine playmakers adds an extra layer of threat to Argentina’s attacking line. This synergy is crucial as it ensures a steady supply of goal-scoring opportunities for Martinez.

Moreover, Martinez’s versatility on the field allows him to adapt to different styles of play. Whether it’s breaking through tight defenses or capitalizing on counter-attacks, he has the skills to exploit various situations. His physicality also gives him an edge in aerial duels, making him a comprehensive threat in the penalty area.

Martinez has already bagged a tournament-leading 4 goals, which is no small feat considering he spent the first few games coming off of Argentina’s bench. Lionel Scaloni preferred Julian Alvarez to Martinez as the starting No. 9 to begin the tournament, but the roles have since been flipped with Lautaro in such terrific form.

With Argentina already through to the semis and a 2-goal cushion over the competition, Martinez is a very worthy favorite here at -340 odds.

Darwin Nunez (+500)

Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan leading man, is another strong contender for the top goalscorer title. Known for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, Nunez has made significant strides in his career, particularly since his move to Liverpool. His performances in the English Premier League have showcased his ability to compete at the highest level and score against some of the toughest defenses in the world.

For Uruguay, Nunez’s role is pivotal. He often leads the line, using his speed to stretch defenses and create spaces for his teammates. His aggressive playing style and knack for scoring crucial goals have earned him a reputation as one of South America’s most promising forwards. In the 2023-2024 season, Nunez’s goal-scoring form has been exceptional. His prowess in front of goal for Uruguay has been even more impressive.

Nunez has scored a couple of goals so far at Copa America, which ties him with several others for the 2nd-most in the tournament. While he has endured some occasional struggles in front of goal for his club, Nunez’ record for his country has been exceptional. Nunez had scored for Uruguay in 7 straight games before the streak was snapped in the team’s 1-0 win over the USA in the final match of the group stage.

However, Nunez’s challenge will be to maintain consistency throughout the tournament. His relatively young age and limited experience in international tournaments could be potential hurdles.

Uruguay will also face a tough path to the final. Their upcoming semifinal bout against Colombia is a legitimate clash of the titans. The winner faces a tall task in a likely showdown vs. Argentina in the final.

Nonetheless, if he can channel his club form into the national team setup, he could very well chase down Martinez to win the Golden Boot.

Jose Fajardo (+2000)

Jose Fajardo, though considered a long shot with odds of +2000, is a potential sleeper. The Panamanian striker has been a revelation in recent years, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in both domestic leagues and international fixtures. He’s not one of the more well-recognized names on this list, though he can improve his stock tremendously if he can finish as the Copa America top goalscorer.

For Panama, Fajardo is a key figure in their attack. His ability to hold up play, bring others into the game, and finish clinically has made him an indispensable part of the team. His performances in the CONCACAF qualifiers were particularly impressive, where he has often been the difference-maker for Panama.

Fajardo’s strength lies in his ability to be in the right place at the right time. He has a natural instinct for goal, often finding himself on the end of crosses and through balls. His physicality and aerial prowess make him a significant threat in set-piece situations, where Panama could capitalize on his abilities.

The issue with Fajardo is his team is unlikely to advance much further. Panama are a sizable underdog in the quarters against a deep and talented Colombian side. The +2000 Golden Boot odds offer some profit potential, but I don’t think Panama are likely to play more than once more in this competition.

Maximiliano Araujo (+2200)

Maximiliano Araujo is another long shot with +2200 Golden Boot odds. The young Uruguayan winger has been turning heads with his performances for Club America in Liga MX. His pace, agility, and ability to take on defenders make him a significant asset for Uruguay.

Araujo’s inclusion in the Uruguayan national team has added depth to their attacking options. He provides width and can stretch defenses, creating opportunities for his teammates. His dribbling skills and ability to cut inside from the wings make him a dual threat – he can both create and score goals.

In the 2023-2024 season, Araujo has shown significant improvement in his goal-scoring and overall gameplay. His adaptability to different roles within the attack has made him a versatile player. For Uruguay, this versatility could be crucial in navigating through the challenging Copa America fixtures.

While Araujo might not be the primary goal-scorer for Uruguay, his contributions will be vital in the overall attacking strategy. Nunez is the danger man in front of goal, but Araujo has proven to be a very imposing threat flying down the wing.

I prefer Araujo to Fajardo among the long-shot betting options, but neither player is all that likely to win it.

Who Will be the Copa America Top Goalscorer?

The final rounds of the 2024 Copa America promise to be a thrilling spectacle, and the race for the top goalscorer will be a fun storyline to follow.

Lautaro Martinez is a worthy favorite considering he’s already scored twice as many goals as his next closest competitors. His failure to find the score sheet against Ecuador means he’s not quite a lock, but everyone else is going to have a difficult time catching him at this late stage of the tournament.

Copa America Bet: Lautaro Martinez (-340)