Top 10 Best Youngest Football Players of EURO 2024

At Euro 2004, a teenage Wayne Rooney shone as England advanced to the quarterfinals. Pedri, Spain's midfield potential, emerged throughout La Roja's Euro 2020 campaign, playing all but one minute. Kacper Kozlowski, a 17-year-old Polish midfielder, also made history at Euro 2020. He became the youngest player ever to compete in the tournament.

Once again, clubs have no shortage of young talents heading into Euro 2024, and some teams will be strong bets with a 2024 betting bonus. Can one of these shining stars make a difference for their country in Germany this summer?

Top 10 Youngest Players of EURO 2024

Top 10 Youngest Players of EURO 2024

1. Lamine Yamal - 16 years old (Spain)

Lamine Yamal has shattered records for Barcelona this season. Being the youngest player to ever play for Barcelona. He surpassed the previous record set by Ansu Fati, another La Masia graduate, at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days. He also set a record as the youngest player ever to play in a Champions League quarter-final, aged 16 years and 272 days.

These are just two of the many records he has set since his initial appearance. Since his debut, he has been among the top names on the club roster. Former Barcelona manager Xavi placed a lot of trust in the youngster, and it has paid off. Yamal delivered outstanding achievements in both the Champions League and domestic leagues.

2. Warren Zaïre-Emery - 18 years old (France)

Warren Zaïre-Emery, eighteen, is a symbol of the revolution at Paris Saint-Germain, as the team has shifted from signing "Galácticos" to focusing on the abundance of potential in the suburbs.

With more great players developed in Europe than any other club, PSG's famed program is led by the young player.

One of the key players for Luis Enrique's PSG is Warren Zaïre-Emery, whose mobility both on and off the ball gives PSG solidity in both their build-up and transition play.

3. Leo Sauer - 18 years old (Slovakia)

If you're looking for a good old-fashioned winger to watch this Euros, then Leo Sauer, an 18-year-old winger who plays for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, is one to watch.

The youngster broke through this season, featuring 12 times for Arne Slot's Feyenoord, scoring 2 goals and assisting 3 times in the Eredivisie.

Leo Sauer is a throwback to wingers of old, and is a constant threat with his directness on the ball, looking to frequently take on his man and get a cross or shot away.

4. Kenan Yıldız - 19 years (Türkiye)

Born in Bavaria to a Turkish father and a German mother, 19-year-old Kenan Yıldız chose to represent Turkey at the international level.

A decision that has already earned the young Juventus wonderkid 5 international caps, an accomplishment that would not have been possible if he had decided to represent Germany.

Türkiye is developing a new generation of talented young players, with Kenan Yıldız standing out as a potential world-class player.

Kenan Yıldız, a product of Bayern Munich's development system, moved to Juventus in 2022 to pursue first-team football opportunities.

Yıldız joined Juventus' first squad in late 2023 and has since made 25 appearances and scored 1 goal under coach Max Allegri.

5. Arda Güler - 19 years old (Türkiye)

Arda Güler has found it difficult to establish himself in Ancelotti's talented first squad since moving from Fenerbahçe to Real Madrid.

But as weariness from Real Madrid's thrilling Champions League run began to set in, Güler was given greater playing time in La Liga and performed admirably most of the time.

Due to his naturally left footed gait and low center of gravity, he has unavoidably been compared to football greats such as Mesut Özil and Lionel Messi. Furthermore, it becomes evident from seeing Arda Güler perform that these are more than just superficial parallels.

6. Giorgio Scalvini - 20 years old (Italy)

Giorgio Scalvini - Best Young Footballer in the Euro 2024

Italy's victory at UEFA EURO 2020 marked a shift in defensive leadership. It was Italy's final big tournament with the famed Bonucci and Chiellini defensive combo.

Since the Wembley final versus England, Italy has seen a surge in talent, with Giorgio Scalvini standing out as the most notable.

If there is a player worthy of succeeding the pair, it is Giorgio Scalvini, Atalanta's highly wanted centre-back, who is more than simply a rising star.

Scalvini, 20, is a modern ball-playing centre-back who excels at the tough tasks that defenders must perform.

With reports swirling that the Atalanta centre-back will move for a Champions League team this summer, UEFA EURO 2024 might be the tournament where the world recognises Giorgio Scalvini's enormous quality and promise.

7. António Silva - 20 years old (Portugal)

António Silva, a graduate of SL Benfica's illustrious academy, is expected to be among the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window.

The center defender has been Benfica's most outstanding player in the Primeira Liga this year.

Silva's talent has undoubtedly been crucial to Roger Schmidt's approach even though the Portuguese giants were not able to win Liga Portugal.

8. Xavi Simons - 21 years old (Netherlands)

Xavi Simons is fulfilling the promise and anticipations that surrounding him when he transferred to PSG in 2019 from Barcelona's La Masia development academy.

This season, the youthful attacking midfielder and versatile forward has thrived on loan at RB Leipzig, free from the demands of sporting the PSG uniform.

Since Simons was viewed as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé's obvious replacement at PSG, the pressure on the young player has mostly subsided as a result of the loan move.

9. Florian Wirtz-21 years old (Germany)

After joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 from FC Köln, Florian Wirtz made his debut as a youthful, exciting wonderkid. It seems like a very, very long time has passed since then.

Throughout his brief career, Wirtz—who is still only 21 years old—has had to exercise patience in the face of hardship, including injuries that could end his career and the impatient attention of the German media.

READ MORE: How to Watch Euro 2024 Live on US TV for Free and Legal

10. Illia Zabarnyi - 21 years old (Ukraine)

Illia Zabarnyi is one of the most intriguing players to watch at the Euros this year if defenders are your thing.

Illia Zabarnyi, like Giorgio Scalvini for Italy and Antonio Silva for Portugal, is among the players that many believe will emerge as the top defenders in international football.

After AFC Bournemouth shrewdly acquired Zabarnyi from Dynamo Kyiv in 2023, the 21-year-old was a revelation for Andoni Iraola's team.

Zabarnyi is a ball-playing center back with the technical qualities typically found in elite midfield players.

READ MORE: How to Watch Live UEFA EURO 2024 in My Country for Free? Full List of TV Channels, Live Streamings

Conclusion

Let us wish for a wonderful Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. There is no doubt that all of the players mentioned above have a great opportunity to propel their country forward.

There will undoubtedly be more players not featured on this list that shine on the international stage. These are just a few of the young stars Football Flick believes have the potential to light up the Euros.

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