DC United's Christian Benteke wins 2024 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi

D.C. United striker Christian Benteke has won the 2024 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi after scoring 23 goals, becoming the league's top scorer in his second full season with the Black-and-Red.

Benteke, who also contributed seven assists, beat out LAFC's Denis Bouanga and Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez (all 20 goals). The Belgian star is his club's third-ever Golden Boot champion, following Dwayne De Rosario (2011) and Luciano Emilio (2017).

Despite Benteke's best efforts, the Black-and-Red missed the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 3-0 Decision Day defeat vs. Charlotte FC. They finished 10th in the Eastern Conference standings (40 points; 10W-14L-10D).

Benteke, a former English Premier League standout, adds his name to an exclusive list of players to win the Golden Boot, which has been awarded since the league's inaugural season in 1996.

From 1996-2004, it was awarded under a points-based system that gave two points for a goal and one for an assist, before switching to outright goals. Check out the full list of Golden Boot winners below.