Who is the best player in UEFA Euro history in the 21st century?

Rank the best players at the UEFA European Championship in the 21st century — from Cristiano Ronaldo's record 14 Euro goals to Zinedine Zidane's commanding Euro 2000 and Spain's back-to-back title generation.

Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA Euro's all-time top scorer with 14 goals across six tournaments, he famously lifted the trophy as Portugal's captain in 2016 and has been the most consistently decorated player across all 21st-century Euros.

1/13

Xavi Hernández

Spain's midfield metronome who orchestrated two consecutive European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, controlling games with an unparalleled passing rhythm and football intelligence.

2/13

Andrés Iniesta

Named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012 for his masterful and influential performances as Spain retained their European crown, one of the greatest tournament footballers ever.

3/13

Fernando Torres

Scored the only goal in the Euro 2008 final — a stunning run and finish that beat Germany — and was again influential in 2012, winning the Golden Boot as Spain lifted the trophy again.

4/13

Zinedine Zidane

At his imperious best during Euro 2000, he drove France to the title as champions of both Europe and the world, playing with majestic authority and flair in every match.

5/13

Antoine Griezmann

France's clinical and decisive forward who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 with six goals, his performances the high point of an outstanding tournament even as Les Bleus fell short.

6/13

Lamine Yamal

The teenage prodigy who dazzled at Euro 2024 just days after turning 17, scoring a stunning long-range equaliser in the semi-final and playing a key role in Spain's fifth European Championship triumph.

7/13

Iker Casillas

Towering goalkeeper who kept goal with distinction for Spain in back-to-back European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever at his position.

8/13

David Villa

Spain's all-time top scorer who was deadly in front of goal at Euro 2008, forming a lethal partnership with Torres and providing the goals that helped Spain claim a first European title in 44 years.

9/13

Luis Figo

Portugal's sublime playmaker who was at his brilliant best during Euro 2000, weaving his way past defenders and providing moments of artistry throughout the competition.

10/13

Patrick Schick

Czech striker who became a sensation at Euro 2020 by scoring five goals including a jaw-dropping effort from the halfway line against Scotland, one of the tournament's most spectacular strikes.

11/13

Luka Modrić

Croatia's midfield genius and Ballon d'Or winner whose vision, elegance and big-game temperament have made him one of the most influential players across multiple editions of the European Championship.

12/13

Théo Hernández

France's attacking left back who scored the decisive extra-time winner in the Euro 2020 semi-final against Belgium, showcasing the blend of defensive solidity and attacking threat that defines the modern game.

13/13