EURO 2024: The Youngest and Oldest Goalscorers in History

EURO 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament, where talents of all ages will compete on the European stage. Football fans are not only looking forward to thrilling matches but also the performances of both emerging talents and experienced veterans. In this article, we shed light on the records of the youngest and oldest players who have ever made history at the European Championship.

The Youngest EURO Players to Score a Goal

Johan Vonlanthen: The Youngest EURO Player

Johan Vonlanthen broke the record as the youngest goalscorer in EURO history in 2004. The Swiss forward found the net against France on June 21, 2004, at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra, Portugal, at just 18 years and 141 days old. His record stood for only four days after Wayne Rooney surpassed it.

Despite his young age and early breakthrough, Vonlanthen did not have a long career as a goal scorer on the international stage. He scored only six goals for the Swiss national team. Nevertheless, his performance in 2004 remains a highlight in EURO history.

Wayne Rooney: The Second Youngest Goalscorer

Wayne Rooney is the second youngest player to score a goal at a EURO tournament. On June 17, 2004, at the age of 18 years and 237 days, he scored against Switzerland. Rooney's goal was remarkable but quickly overshadowed by Vonlanthen's record.

Nevertheless, Rooney remains the youngest player to score more than one goal in a EURO match. His two goals against Switzerland helped England to a 3-0 victory, and he later added two more goals in England's final group game against Croatia.

Renato Sanches: Portugal's Young Hero

Renato Sanches equalized for Portugal in their EURO 2016 quarter-final against Poland on June 30, 2016. At only 18 years and 317 days old, Sanches not only helped his team take the match to a penalty shootout but also secure the final trophy.

Sanches was the only teenager on the pitch as Portugal shocked host nation France to win the trophy in Paris. His performance was one of the many memorable moments during Portugal's triumphant EURO 2016 campaign.

The Oldest EURO Players Who Made History

Ivica Vastic: The Oldest Goalscorer

Ivica Vastic made history as the oldest player to score at a EURO tournament. On June 12, 2008, the Austrian forward, aged 38 years and 257 days, converted a penalty against Poland at EURO 2008. This was not only a highlight for Vastic but also the only goal Austria scored in the tournament.

Vastic's appearance in this match marked his 50th and final cap for Austria, as he scored with his final shot for his national team, breaking a EURO record in the process.

Goran Pandev: A Veteran's Last Mark

Goran Pandev, the veteran of North Macedonia, scored his team's first-ever goal at a UEFA European Championship tournament on June 13, 2021, against Austria. At the age of 37 years and 321 days, he became the second oldest player to score at a EURO, but his goal was in vain as Austria eventually won 3-1 in Bucharest.

Pandev's experience and determination provided North Macedonia with a brief moment of glory in their first EURO appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Young and Old Record Holder

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time, is both the fifth youngest and fifth oldest player to score at a EURO. He scored his first goal on June 12, 2004, against Greece at the age of 19 years and 128 days.

Ronaldo's most recent goal on June 23, 2021, against France, at the age of 36 years and 138 days, confirmed his place as one of the oldest scorers in EURO history. With EURO 2024 on the horizon, Ronaldo could once again make history by becoming the oldest scorer of all time.

EURO 2024 not only provides a platform for new talents but also for legendary players to solidify their legacies. From the youngest debutants to the oldest veterans, every goal and performance contributes to the rich history of the EURO. With records set by Johan Vonlanthen, Wayne Rooney, Renato Sanches, Ivica Vastic, Goran Pandev, and Cristiano Ronaldo, we look forward to the new chapters that will be written this year.

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Discover the youngest and oldest players who made history at the EURO. From Vonlanthen to Ronaldo, see who set records.

About the author of 'EURO 2024: The Youngest and Oldest Goalscorers in History'

Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.

I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.