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

> From the era of Spain's tiki-taka dynasty to Portugal's Ronaldo-led triumph and Spain's 2024 masterclass, this century's Euros have produced football royalty. Who is the 21st century's Euro icon?

*By YPB Team · Published May 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-player-in-uefa-euro-in-the-21st-century*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Cristiano Ronaldo**
   The definitive 21st-century Euro player: burst onto the scene at Euro 2004 on home soil as a teenage prodigy, then led Portugal to the 2016 title, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 14 goals.
2. **Andrés Iniesta**
   Named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012 after orchestrating Spain's back-to-back title defence, a defining 21st-century Euro presence combining artistry and winning impact.
3. **Xavi Hernández**
   Won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008 with metronomic passing precision as Spain began their historic era of dominance, setting the tactical template for modern midfield football.
4. **Gianluigi Donnarumma**
   Named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020, Italy's commanding goalkeeper was impenetrable throughout — his shootout heroics against England delivering the title with one of the great modern individual displays.
5. **Antoine Griezmann**
   Finished as top scorer and Player of the Tournament at Euro 2016 with six goals, the most prolific single-tournament display by any player in the 21st century.
6. **Zinedine Zidane**
   Won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2000 as France lifted the Championship on home soil with a Golden Goal final, the last classic Zidane Euro masterclass before his retirement.
7. **Luka Modrić**
   Croatia's midfield genius has lit up multiple 21st-century Euros with elegant, precise play — repeatedly the standout individual whenever Croatia have gone deep into a tournament.
8. **David Silva**
   The quiet architect of Spain's Euro 2008 and 2012 double — threading passes through the eye of a needle and scoring at crucial moments in both title-winning campaigns.
9. **Dimitri Payet**
   Exploded onto the Euro stage with a stunning solo goal at Euro 2016 and consistently dazzled throughout, embodying the flair and excitement that made France's home tournament so captivating.
10. **Lamine Yamal**
   Became Euro 2024's breakout story at just 17, scoring a stunning semi-final equaliser as Spain claimed the championship in one of the most thrilling modern editions.
11. **Renato Sanches**
   Won Best Young Player at Euro 2016 at 18 years old, driving Portugal's midfield with extraordinary physical and technical maturity that nobody expected from a teenager.
12. **Patrik Schick**
   Scored four goals at Euro 2020 including one of the tournament's greatest-ever goals — a breathtaking long-range lob from the halfway line that became an instant classic.
13. **Gareth Bale**
   Wales's talisman dragged his nation to the Euro 2016 semi-finals with incredible individual performances, his free kick against Slovakia and display against Belgium the highlights of a stunning campaign.
14. **Theodoros Zagorakis**
   Greece's inspirational captain at Euro 2004, winning Player of the Tournament as his unfancied nation achieved football's greatest-ever international upset to claim the European Championship.

Tags: europe, 2000s, sports, football, players, legends