Each forward is leading (5)
I believe the answer is:
ahead
This clue is a triple definition!
'each' is the first definition.
('a head' can mean 'per person')
'forward' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
'is leading' is the third definition.
(to lead is to go ahead)
(Other definitions for ahead that I've seen before include "In the leading position" , "Winning" , "What's down the road" , "Forwards" , "In the lead, in advance" .)