D.C. United’s Christian Benteke: The Unstoppable Force Behind MLS’s Golden Boot
In a season marked by ups and downs, one star shone brighter than the rest. D.C. United’s Christian Benteke finished the 2024 season as the top goalscorer in the Major League Soccer (MLS) league, claiming the coveted Golden Boot award.
The 33-year-old Belgian forward proved unstoppable, amassing 23 goals in 24 matches, edging out superstars such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and 2023 winner Denis Bouanga. This impressive feat solidified Benteke’s spot as one of the most clinical finishers in the league.
What sets Benteke apart is his exceptional goal-scoring ability, which was evident throughout the 2024 season. His .80 goals-per-match were the fifth-most in MLS, only behind a handful of players, including Messi and Cucho Hernández. What’s more impressive is that Benteke remained a perfect five-for-five from the penalty spot, a testament to his precision and focus.
Benteke’s aerial prowess was equally impressive, as he won an astonishing 73.3% of his aerial duels, a league-high. His 310 aerial duels won shattered the previous record, with D.C. teammate Lucas Bartlett a distant second with 110.
The towering forward also demonstrated his ability to create chances, leading the league in touches in opposition penalty areas (180) and hat tricks (two). His energy and work rate allowed him to control the game, making it difficult for opponents to keep up with him.
As D.C. United looks to build upon their strong 2024 season, Benteke’s contract extension through the 2025 season offers a glimmer of hope. With the center-forward dominating the opposition, his teammates, including Gabriel Pirani and Jared Stroud, were able to capitalize on the attention he drew, scoring six and three goals respectively.
Despite being eliminated from the playoffs, Benteke’s remarkable individual performance will be remembered for seasons to come. As the team looks to build around their star striker, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the 6’3″ Belgian international.
