The history of the youngest players at every stage of the Euro Cup!
Throughout history, major tournaments have frequently served as platforms for young talents to show their skills to the world, and the Euros are no exception. These players represent the youngest ever to grace the European Championship stage.
Kacper Kozlowski holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to participate in the European Championships. The Polish midfielder, currently with Brighton and Hove Albion, broke the record set by England’s Jude Bellingham just six days earlier. Kozlowski made his mark as a second-half substitute for Mateusz Klich during Poland's Euro 2020 group-stage match, debuting at the age of 17 years and 246 days. With an impressive record of seven goals in 29 appearances while on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, Kozlowski could secure a spot on Poland's roster for the upcoming tournament in Germany. Despite making six appearances for his national team since 2021, he has yet to score an international goal.
In recent European Championships, young goalkeepers have made their mark, notably 21-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma, who clinched the Player of the Tournament award and played a pivotal role in Italy's second title triumph. However, the record for the youngest goalkeeper at the Euros belongs to former Athletic Bilbao player Jose Angel Iribar. Debuting in the 1964 edition at just 21 years and 108 days old, Iribar set the mark. Four days later, he became the youngest winning goalkeeper as Spain secured their maiden European Championship with a 2-1 victory over the Soviet Union.
Euro 2004 saw Wayne Rooney's emergence, but Switzerland midfielder Johan Volanthen achieved a notable record before Rooney. While Rooney broke the record for the youngest goal scorer with a brace against Switzerland in England's second group game, Volanthen stole the spotlight four days later against France. Despite Switzerland's 3-1 loss, Volanthen's goal made him the youngest goal scorer at the time, at just 18 years and 141 days old. Despite Rooney's headlines, Volanthen's achievement remains unmatched, sealing his place in Euro history.
Wayne Rooney in the Iconic British Jersey!
Wayne Rooney held the record from Euro 2004 until his quarter-final appearance against Portugal. However, at Euro 2020, the record changed hands three times, showing young talent on the world stage. Pedri first held the record in the round of 16 against Croatia, followed by Jamal Musiala for Germany against rivals. Yet, it ultimately fell to Jude Bellingham. Making his tournament debut, the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder set the record at 18 years and four days during England’s 4-0 victory over Ukraine in the quarterfinals. Bellingham's achievement highlights the emergence of youthful energy in the European Championships.
Renato Sanches, currently on loan at A.S. Roma from Paris Saint-Germain, gained global attention in 2016. Despite not meeting early career expectations, he made a significant impact in that year's tournament. Called up as a prospect for Portugal, he debuted against Iceland and later played a crucial role. Sanches contributed to Portugal's victory against Croatia and broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the youngest Portuguese player in a knockout game. He scored the equaliser against Poland in the quarterfinal and was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament for his performances. Sanches made his final appearance at 18 years and 328 days old.
Euro 2024 promises to bring football excitement back to the forefront. However, in those celebrations, we must keep these players in mind who made a significant impact on the history of the game.
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