Oldest and Youngest Players in EURO 2024 History

In this article, we delve deeper into the youngest and oldest players to ever participate in the European Championship (EURO) football tournament. We'll examine their performances, records, and how they evolved after their historic appearances at the EURO football event.

Youngest EURO Players

1. Lamine Yamal (Spain vs Croatia on 15 June 2024) – 16 years, 338 days
2. Kacper Kozlowski  (Poland vs Spain on 19 June 2021) – 17 years, 246 days
3. Jude Bellingham (England vs Croatia on 13 June 2021) – 17 years, 349 days
4. Jetro Willems (Netherlands vs Denmark on 9 June 2012) – 18 years, 71 days
5. Enzo Scifo (Belgium vs Yugoslavia on 13 June 1984) – 18 years, 115 days
6. Jamal Musiala (Germany vs Hungary on 23 June 2021) – 18 years, 117 days
7. Valeri Bojinov (Bulgaria vs Italy on 22 June 2004) – 18 years, 128 days
8. Johan Vonlanthen (Switzerland vs England on 17 June 2004) – 18 years, 137 days
9. Pedri (Spain vs Sweden on 14 June 2021) – 18 years, 201 days
10. Marcus Rashford (England vs Wales on 16 June 2016) – 18 years, 229 days

Lamine Yamal – 16 years, 338 days

The Spanish ace had long been expected to break the record, and he cemented his place in history when he started against Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Not only did he quickly impress, but he also set up Dani Carvajal's goal in a 3-0 victory. This naturally made him the youngest player ever to provide an assist in a EURO finals match.

Kacper Kozlowski - 17 years, 246 days

Kozlowski became the youngest player in EURO history in June 2021. He emerged from the bench in Poland's draw against Spain. Despite his record-breaking appearance, his career trajectory hasn't soared like that of other young talents.

• Signed by Brighton for £8 million post EURO.
• Yet to play a competitive match for the Premier League club.

Jude Bellingham - 17 years, 349 days

Bellingham held the record for the youngest player in EURO history for almost a week. He replaced Harry Kane in England's opening match against Croatia at Euro 2020. Bellingham has since developed into a key player for both England and Real Madrid.

• Youngest English player in a major tournament.
• Expected to play a crucial role in EURO 2024 for England.

Jetro Willems - 18 years, 71 days

Willems held the record for the youngest player at a EURO for over nine years. He represented the Netherlands at Euro 2012 at just 18 years old. Although Willems had a promising start, the tournament ended disappointingly for the Netherlands.

• Played in all three group stage matches at Euro 2012.
• Now playing for Heracles after 22 caps for the Dutch team.

Enzo Scifo - 18 years, 115 days

Scifo, a talented attacking midfielder, held the record for the youngest player in EURO history for almost three decades. Although Belgium was eliminated early in 1984, Scifo impressed and was seen as an emerging talent.

• Most World Cup appearances for Belgium (17).
• Represented Belgium in four different World Cup tournaments.

Jamal Musiala - 18 years, 117 days

Musiala made his international breakthrough at the postponed Euro 2020 tournament. He represented Germany and quickly became a key player for Bayern Munich. Musiala promises to be one of the biggest threats to the host of Euro 2024, Germany.

• Youngest player ever for Germany in a major tournament.
• Key player for both Bayern Munich and Germany.

Oldest EURO Players

1. Király Gábor (Hungary vs Belgium on 26 June 2016) – 40 years, 86 days
2. Lothar Matthäus (Germany vs Portugal on 20 June 2000) – 39 years, 91 days
3. Morten Olsen (Denmark vs Italy on 17 June 1988) – 38 years, 308 days
4. Maarten Stekelenburg (Netherlands vs Czech Republic on 27 June 2021) – 38 years, 278 days
5. Peter Shilton (England vs Netherlands on 15 June 1988) – 38 years, 271 days
6. Ivica Vastic (Austria vs Poland on 12 June 2008) – 38 years, 257 days
7. Jens Lehmann (Germany vs Spain on 29 June 2008) – 38 years, 232 days
8. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy vs Germany on 2 July 2016) – 38 years, 156 days
9. Pepe (Portugal vs Belgium on 27 June 2021) – 38 years, 121 days
10. Dino Zoff (Italy vs Czechoslovakia on 21 June 1980) – 38 years, 114 days

Gábor Király - 40 years, 86 days

Király became the oldest player in EURO history at Euro 2016. His impressive performance for Hungary earned him a place in the record books, despite their eventual elimination in the knockout stage.

• 150 caps for Hungary, a national record.
• Remained active until 43 years before retiring.

Lothar Matthäus - 39 years, 91 days

Matthäus set a record for the oldest player at a EURO in 2000. Although his performances weren't enough to take Germany far in the tournament, he remains one of the greatest German footballers of all time.

• 150 caps for Germany, a national record.
• Impact on the reform of German youth football after Euro 2000.

Morten Olsen - 38 years, 308 days

Olsen, Denmark's captain, set the record for the oldest player at a EURO during Euro 1988. He led his country on and off the field and later became Denmark's longest-serving national team coach.

• 102 caps for Denmark as a player.
• 15 years as Denmark's national team coach.

This article provides a fascinating glimpse into both the youngest and oldest players in EURO football history. From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, the EURO 2024 promises to be a blend of youthful talent and established names.

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Explore the youngest and oldest players in EURO 2024, their performances, records, and post-tournament careers.

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