PHILLIPS' GOLDEN YEAR

As Harry Kane wins the 2023-24 ESM Golden Shoe, Sean Cole looks back to the turn of the century to remember the last Englishman to win the award

- Sean Cole

Among the many distinguished names in football history to have claimed the European Golden Shoe since 1967-68, there are only two Englishmen. When Harry Kane became the latest winner of the award, it was no great surprise: England’s all-time record goalscorer and a €100 million signing for one of Europe’s super clubs notched 36 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich en route to the prize. When Sunderland’s Kevin Phillips won the award after the 1999-2000 season, it was less expected.

“I had to come through the hard way,” says Phillips, reflecting on his belated rise to prominence. “To be told at 18 that you’re not good enough and then to go on and achieve all those goals you dream of as a young kid is always satisfying. To prove people wrong along the way is great. It was an immense season and something I’ll remember for the rest of my days.”

Football has many remarkable stories of triumph over adversity, but Phillips’ transformation from non-league right-back to Europe’s most prolific striker was astonishing in its scale and speed. After being released by Southampton, he played in defence for Baldock Town until he was briefly moved up front to cover for injuries. His prospects changed almost overnight and he never looked back.

Seizing an unexpected opportunity, Phillips soon turned professional with Watford. Two-and-a-half years later, he signed for Sunderland, who had just been relegated from the Premier League. A speculative gamble turned into a sure thing. He became a club legend, scoring 130 goals in 235 appearances.

While the responsibility of scoring goals can be made to feel like a burden, particularly at a club like Sunderland where fans are more desperate than most to see their team succeed, Phillips saw it as a pleasure and a privilege. He flourished where others wilted.