EURO 2024: 10 players to watch out for as tournament begins tonight

By solacebase.com On Jun 14, 2024

By Quadri Adejumo

The highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament kicks off today at the Allianz Arena in Munich, this is as Germany faces Scotland. This fixture marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of football, showcasing top footballing stars from across the continent.

The tournament has always been an enticing one, and this year’s promises to be a spectacle, featuring high-profile players and emerging stars from the world’s elite football leagues. Fans are eagerly awaiting thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of Europe’s best national team. Past winners include Italy, Portugal and Spain, who all won the last three editions.

Top 10 Players to Watch at Euro 2024

As the excitement builds, here are ten players expected to make a significant impact during the tournament:

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

In what would be his final EURO tournament for Portugal, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo aims to sign off on a high. The 2016 winner of the competition is on a high this season. He has had an impressive season at his club – Al Nassr, scoring 35 goals and providing 11 assists in 31 league games.

With 128 goals in 206 appearances for the national team, Ronaldo’s experience is invaluable. And what more, he’s 5 goals away from reaching a record 900 career goals. This might be achieved at the EUROS.

Kylian Mbappé – France

At 25, France captain, Kylian Mbappé is leading a new generation of French stars seeking continental success for the first time in 24 years. Despite potentially leaving Ligue 1, and joining Real Madrid, Mbappé had a productive season for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 27 goals in 29 league games. He won the World Cup with France in 2018 and reached finals again in 2022. The European Championship is waiting for him.

Harry Kane – England

After falling short in the previous edition of the European Championships, England’s captain, Harry Kane, aims to go one step further. Kane, the all-time leading goalscorer for England, had an excellent debut season at Bayern Munich, winning the European Golden Shoe with 36 goals. He’ll be leading England to the competition again, as the team lost on penalties to Italy in the last edition finals.

Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium

Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne led Manchester City to the 2023-24 English Premier League title, giving them their fourth consecutive EPL title. The Belgian needs no introduction. Belgium will hope De Bruyne is fit and firing for the Euros, as his experience will be invaluable to a squad aiming to improve on their chances of winning the tournament.

Luka Modrić – Croatia

Luka Modrić leads a generation of Croatian stars who have consistently reached the latter stages of international tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. The 6 time UEFA Champions League winner hopes to inspire his team to success in what may be his final major tournament.

Lamine Yamal – Spain

At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal has already set a list of extraordinary records in his career: youngest scorer for Barcelona, youngest scorer in La Liga history, and youngest scorer for the Spanish national team. This Spanish wonderkid is one of the best attacking players in the world. Euro 2024 may turn out to be the breakthrough for the winger.

Jude Bellingham – England

Real Madrid and England’s poster boy, Jude Bellingham will be looking to make a mark at the Euros, following his stunning debut season at Spanish giant Real Madrid. The midfielder took the Spanish giants by storm, scoring 18 league goals in the just completed season, helping Madrid win the La Liga title and the Champions League. The 20-year-old also won the league’s best player award.

Toni Kroos – Germany

German and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will be playing the final games of his career on home soil during this year’s Euro, having announced his retirement from club football after a decade at Real Madrid. The 2014 World Cup winner seeks to add a Euro winners’ medal to his collection before hanging up his boots.

Phil Foden – England

Phil Foden’s impressive 19 goals and eight assists for Manchester City earned him the Player of the Season award as his team won a record fourth successive league title. The 23-year-old could be the key player for England at the Euro.

Florian Wirtz – Germany

Florian Wirtz was named the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year for his role in Bayer Leverkusen’s record breaking season. The midfielder scored 11 goals and 11 assists as his team won the league unbeaten. Wirtz is one of the brightest stars to emerge from Germany in the last decade, and all eyes will be on him in the competition.

EURO 2024 promises to be a thrilling tournament with these stars and many other players showcasing their talents. As the competition unfolds, it promises a tournament filled with high-quality football and unforgettable moments.