# Who was the best player at UEFA Euro 2016?

> Hosted in France with a record 24 teams, Euro 2016 was full of upsets, drama, and unforgettable individual moments — from Ronaldo's tears to Bale's thunderbolts. Who was the tournament's true star?

*By YPB Team · Published May 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-was-the-best-player-at-uefa-euro-2016*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Antoine Griezmann**
   Named Player of the Tournament and top scorer with six goals, he was France's most decisive attacker and the tournament's standout individual despite the heartbreaking final defeat to Portugal.
2. **Cristiano Ronaldo**
   Led Portugal to their first-ever major international title — though departing injured in the final, his leadership and charisma inspired teammates to a famous victory and trophy.
3. **Renato Sanches**
   Won Best Young Player at just 18, driving Portugal's midfield with extraordinary physicality and technical maturity that nobody expected from a teenager in a championship-winning campaign.
4. **Eder**
   Portugal's unlikely hero scored the extra-time winner against France in the final — a thunderous long-range strike that will forever define one of the tournament's greatest upsets.
5. **Gareth Bale**
   Wales's talisman dragged his nation to the semi-finals with incredible performances — his free kick against Slovakia and stunning solo goal against Russia were tournament highlights.
6. **Dimitri Payet**
   Exploded onto the Euro stage with a stunning solo goal against Romania in the opening match and consistently dazzled with his direct running, technique, and creativity throughout.
7. **Gylfi Sigurdsson**
   Iceland's standout performer — his free kicks, composed play, and leadership helped mastermind one of the tournament's greatest shocks: eliminating England in the round of 16.
8. **Pepe**
   Portugal's experienced centre-back was commanding and aggressive throughout the tournament, delivering his finest international performances as the side conceded very few goals en route to glory.
9. **Hal Robson-Kanu**
   His unforgettable Cruyff turn and finish against Belgium in the quarter-final became one of the tournament's most iconic moments and created instant cult-hero status for the Welsh striker.
10. **Aaron Ramsey**
   A driving force in Wales's midfield throughout their miraculous run to the semi-finals, contributing energy, goals, and leadership as his nation captured the imagination of all Europe.
11. **Olivier Giroud**
   France's powerful target man contributed crucial goals and hold-up play throughout the hosts' run to the final, his physical presence providing the platform for Griezmann and Payet.
12. **Mesut Özil**
   Germany's creative hub delivered vision and assists throughout their run before their semi-final exit against France, his intelligent play consistently unlocking opposing defensive structures.
13. **Nani**
   Contributed vital moments of energy and incision down the flank for Portugal, his direct running and crosses providing crucial support throughout their incredible title-winning run.
14. **Radja Nainggolan**
   Belgium's powerful and energetic midfielder was their most impressive performer, scoring two goals including a stunning long-range strike against Ireland before the Red Devils' quarter-final exit.

Tags: europe, sports, football, france, players, 2016