As the Euro 2024 group stage wrapped up on Wednesday, the 16 remaining teams are gearing up for the knockout rounds. The tournament has so far been a stage for young talents to dazzle under the European spotlight. Here’s a look at five standout players aged 21 and under.
Nico Williams (Spain)
Spain’s performances in the group stage have made them strong contenders for the title, with 21-year-old Nico Williams catching everyone’s eye. Turning 22 just two days before the final in Berlin, Williams has had a remarkable year. After helping Athletic Bilbao secure their first Copa del Rey in 40 years, he has proven his worth on the international stage. His constant attacking threat was particularly evident in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Italy, where he earned the player of the match award. After the match, Williams received a personal congratulation from the Spanish King, sharing with the media, “I’ve dreamed of moments like this all my childhood.”
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala, also 21, has been Germany’s key attacking force, scoring in each of their first two games as they topped Group A. After being the lone bright spot in Germany’s disappointing 2022 World Cup, Musiala has evolved into a complete player, adding goalscoring to his creative game. Despite an inconsistent season at Bayern Munich, he has formed a formidable partnership with fellow 21-year-old Florian Wirtz. His man-of-the-match display in the 5-1 thrashing of Scotland showcased his potential. Musiala humbly remarked, “You could say that, yes,” when asked if it was his best performance to date, signaling a warning to other teams.
Jude Bellingham (England)
At just 20, Jude Bellingham has already become a pivotal player for England since his breakout performance at the 2022 World Cup. The sole scorer in England’s only win of the tournament so far, Bellingham entered Euro 2024 fresh from winning La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid. Alongside Harry Kane and Phil Foden, Bellingham’s role will be crucial if England are to end their long run of major tournament disappointments.
Arda Guler (Turkey)
Nineteen-year-old Arda Guler has carried his domestic form into the Euros, having finished the La Liga season on a high with Real Madrid, scoring five goals in his last five games. He made an immediate impact at the tournament, scoring a stunning long-range goal to secure a 2-1 win against Georgia in Turkey’s opener. This made him the youngest player to score on their Euros debut, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Guler’s achievement is a fitting tribute as Ronaldo, now 39, likely plays his final Euros, passing the torch to the next generation.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the Euros at 16 years and 338 days. He also set the record for the youngest player to provide an assist in the tournament during Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia. Yamal impressed against Italy and started from the bench in the final group game against Albania as Spain secured three wins out of three. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, mentioned he is managing Yamal’s playing time to protect the young talent, who he believes is “touched by God’s magic wand
