The UEFA European Championship has always been a fertile ground for the emergence of new stars.
Euro 2024, taking place in Germany, has been no exception, showcasing a host of young talents ready to conquer the football world.
While some favorites and established stars have fallen short of expectations, the youth has stepped up, demonstrating performances that not only amaze now but also promise a bright future for European football.
Interestingly, according to Mostbet odds, the Spanish national team was not the top favorite going into the tournament but managed to secure gold medals thanks to its young talents.
In this article, we will highlight the five young players who have shone the brightest at Euro 2024, leaving a lasting impression with their play and potential.
Lamine Yamal, 16 Years Old
The 16-year-old prodigy from Barcelona has been a true revelation of the tournament. Yamal made history as the youngest player ever to feature in a European Championship. But he didn’t stop there—scoring a stunning goal against France, he also became the youngest goalscorer in Euro history.
His performance for Spain has been nothing short of sensational. Yamal displayed incredible maturity and technical prowess for his age.
His standout moment came in the quarterfinal against Germany, where he provided an assist that opened the scoring.
Yamal’s statistics in the tournament speak for themselves—he is just five assists away from becoming the all-time leading assist provider at Euro, and this is in his debut competition! With only 20 years old at the next Euro, it’s safe to say we are witnessing the rise of a new global football superstar.
Jamal Musiala, 21 Years Old
Jamal Musiala confirmed his status as one of the most talented young midfielders in the world. Despite Germany’s exit in the quarterfinals, Musiala was one of the brightest stars of the tournament.
Born in 2003, Musiala emerged as one of the top scorers of Euro 2024, netting three goals in five matches. His performances demonstrated that his brilliant form for Bayern Munich (12 goals and 7 assists across all competitions) was no fluke.
Musiala showcases a rare blend of technical skill, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. His ability to find space and make crucial passes makes him a true nightmare for opposing defenders.
There’s no doubt Musiala will be a key player for Germany for many years to come.
Nico Williams, 21 Years Old
Nico Williams has undoubtedly been one of the most impressive players of the entire tournament. The 21-year-old forward from Athletic Bilbao delivered a performance that exceeded all expectations.
Although his statistics (1 goal and 1 assist after the Round of 16) may seem modest, Williams’ impact on Spain’s play is hard to overstate. He effectively utilized his speed and technique on the left flank, creating constant threats to opponents’ defenses.
Williams has already established himself as one of the best left wingers in modern football.
His performances at Euro 2024 have only strengthened this reputation and likely attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe.
Arda Güler, 19 Years Old
Arda Güler has been a true revelation for many neutral fans. The 19-year-old midfielder from Real Madrid announced himself in the tournament’s opening match with one of the most beautiful goals of Euro 2024 from a long-range strike.
This goal made Güler the third teenager in history to both score and assist in a single European Championship, following Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004. Such a comparison speaks volumes.
Known for his technical skill and creativity, Güler played a key role in Turkey’s midfield.
He demonstrated his ability to control the tempo of the game, deliver accurate passes, and create dangerous moments. Undoubtedly, we are witnessing the birth of a new star in Turkish and global football.
Xavi Simons, 21 Years Old
Xavi Simons might have been one of the lesser-known young players before the tournament, but his performances at Euro 2024 have caught the attention of the entire football world.
The 21-year-old midfielder became the most consistent player in the Netherlands’ creative line during the championship.
His statistics are impressive—1 goal and 3 assists in 4 games. But even more important was his influence on the team’s overall play.
Simons showed maturity beyond his years, skillfully orchestrating the Dutch attacks. His ability to find space, make key passes, and maintain a high tempo of play has been a significant advantage for the Netherlands.
Through his performances at Euro 2024, Simons has demonstrated to his parent club, PSG, that he is more than ready to take a place in the starting lineup of the French giants.