Who was the best player at UEFA Euro 2012?

Spain's second consecutive European Championship title, played in Poland and Ukraine, featured some of the most complete and technically gifted footballers ever assembled. Who was the star of Euro 2012?

1

Andrés Iniesta

Named Player of the Tournament — the Spanish maestro was untouchable across every game, his vision, touch, and tempo-setting providing the foundation of Spain's historic title defence.

2

Xavi Hernández

Spain's midfield conductor dictated the rhythm of every game with metronomic passing and tactical intelligence, an ever-present creative force throughout the tournament.

3

Fernando Torres

Won the Golden Boot with three goals and an assist, producing his best tournament football including a brilliant solo effort to put Spain 3-0 up in the final against Italy.

4

David Silva

Ghosted through spaces and created moments of magic with his quick feet and clever movement, scoring vital goals including one in the commanding final against Italy.

5

Andrea Pirlo

Italy's elegant deep-lying playmaker orchestrated their run to the final with supremely intelligent distribution and an audacious Panenka penalty against England in the quarter-final shootout.

6

Mario Balotelli

Scored two brilliant goals against Germany in the semi-final, combining power and technique to deliver one of the tournament's most memorable individual performances.

7

Cesc Fàbregas

Played a crucial supporting role in Spain's dominant midfield and scored the opening goal of the final against Italy, capping his finest international tournament performance.

8

Cristiano Ronaldo

Delivered two vital goals including the decisive strike against Czech Republic in the quarter-final, carrying Portugal through every round with his athleticism, skill, and decisive finishing.

9

Mesut Özil

Germany's creative playmaker delivered vision and clever assists throughout their run to the semi-finals, his intelligent positioning linking midfield and attack with effortless quality.

10

Iker Casillas

Spain's legendary goalkeeper made important saves throughout the tournament, particularly in the penalty shootout against Portugal, maintaining his aura as the world's best shot-stopper.

11

Mario Gómez

Germany's aerial powerhouse was clinical and relentless throughout the group stage and knockout rounds, finishing as one of the tournament's top scorers with three goals from powerful heading.

12

Giorgio Chiellini

Italy's commanding centre-back was a defensive rock throughout their remarkable run to the final, marshalling the backline with authority and winning crucial duels against Europe's best strikers.

13

Antonio Cassano

Italy's quicksilver attacker was a constant danger with his intelligent movement, creativity, and technical quality throughout the Azzurri's unexpected run to the final.

14

Daniele De Rossi

Italy's combative and composed midfielder was outstanding throughout the tournament, winning the physical battle and providing defensive cover as Italy defied the odds to reach the final.