Who is the best young player in UEFA Euro history?

The European Championship has launched the careers of the world's biggest stars — some of football's greatest legends announced themselves to the world as teenagers at a major Euro. Who was the most spectacular young talent?

1

Lamine Yamal

At just 17 at Euro 2024, became the tournament's youngest-ever scorer with a stunning semi-final equaliser as Spain claimed the title — the most explosive teenage debut in Euro history.

2

Renato Sanches

Won Best Young Player at Euro 2016 at 18, driving Portugal's midfield to the title with extraordinary physical energy, technical maturity, and big-game composure nobody expected from a teenager.

3

Cristiano Ronaldo

Made his mark as a teenage sensation at Euro 2004 on home soil, dazzling audiences with his pace, dribbling, and fearless confidence as Portugal reached the final.

4

Wayne Rooney

England's electric 18-year-old at Euro 2004 tore through defences with power and technical skill before an injury cut short what looked like a tournament-winning contribution.

5

Cesc Fàbregas

Only 19 at Euro 2008, played a crucial role in Spain's title win and scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against Italy — a poised, composed performance beyond his years.

6

Nico Williams

The 21-year-old Spanish winger at Euro 2024 was one of the tournament's most dynamic attackers, providing the assist for Yamal's semi-final goal and scoring in the final victory.

7

Pedri

Only 18 during Euro 2020 (played 2021), the Barcelona prodigy's composed and intelligent play drew comparisons to Xavi and Iniesta as Spain reached the semi-finals.

8

Florian Wirtz

Germany's teenage playmaker announced himself to Europe at Euro 2024 with dazzling performances, including a stunning volley against Scotland in the unforgettable opening game.

9

Jamal Musiala

One of the most exciting young players at Euro 2024, the German prodigy dazzled with his close control, dribbling, and intelligent movement throughout the home tournament.

10

Patrick Kluivert

Starred as a 19-year-old in the Netherlands' attack at Euro 1996, showing remarkable composure and technical finishing beyond his years in his first major tournament.

11

Gavi

Spain's 17-year-old prodigy at Euro 2020 (2021) became one of the youngest players ever in the tournament, displaying technical quality far beyond his years in a deep run.

12

Johan Vonlanthen

Switzerland's youngster became the youngest scorer in European Championship history at Euro 2004 at age 18, netting against France in an iconic tournament moment.

13

Eduardo Camavinga

France's dynamic young midfielder impressed with his composure and technical quality during Euro 2020, signalling the arrival of a world-class talent at the highest international level.

14

Gerd Müller

West Germany's young goalscoring machine announced himself at early Euros with the same devastating finishing that would later make him one of football's all-time greatest scorers.