Euros 2024 was a historic one providing us with thrilling matches all around the campaign. Spain lifted the cup after defeating England by 2-1 in the final. Spain’s title win was the record fourth win in history. They tarnished the hopes of Englishmen who were looking to clinch their first Euros title.
There were many stand out performers in the cup. They stood up for their teams, helping as they could for the ultimate cause. Here we will look into the Top 10 Players of Euro Cup 2024.
Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)
Despite Georgia’s exit in the round of 16, Giorgi Mamardashvili set the tournament’s record for most saves, making the choice of a second goalkeeper an easy one. Numbers can sometimes be misleading, as Georgia conceded eight goals in just four games at Euro 2024. However, Mamardashvili’s 29 saves during the tournament highlight his crucial role in rewriting Georgian football history in Germany. In a competition dominated by strong defences, Valencia’s No. 1 stood out as one of the best goalkeepers.
Minutes 330
Saves 29
Clean sheet 1
Goals conceded 8
William Saliba (France)
Before the tournament, there were doubts about who would start in the centre of defence for Les Bleus. While Arsenal fans and regular Premier League viewers were already aware of William Saliba’s impressive skills, making him one of the top Premier League players heading to Germany, Didier Deschamps had often favoured other defenders like Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano until this summer.
Although France was eliminated by eventual winners Spain and missed a place in the final, they hadn’t conceded a goal from open play in the five matches leading up to the semi-final. This defensive solidity was largely due to Saliba’s ability to command the defensive third. Given his performance, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see how Liverpool’s alternative option will reclaim a spot in the team.
Minutes 571
Pass success rate 96.1%
Clearances per game 4.8
Long balls per game 2.2
Marc Cucurella (Spain)
At club level, Marc Cucurella has struggled since his highly anticipated arrival at Chelsea. However, under Luis de la Fuente’s guidance for Spain, Cucurella has recaptured the form he showed at Brighton & Hove Albion, thanks to a change in his role. This adjustment has significantly contributed to his improvement.
Before the tournament, the Spanish defender, who Gary Neville considered his nation’s weak link, stated, “I think this is my best form since coming to Chelsea.” He certainly carried this form into his international duties for Spain. His standout moment came in the final when he assisted Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal.
Minutes 546
Assists 1
Pass success rate (%) 91.9
Aerials won per game 2.8
Tackles per game 2
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Despite being just 21 years old, he shone above his peers, scoring 3 goals and emerging as the star performer in the German camp. He was brilliant with Bayern Munich and continued his run of form in the Euros. He impressed everyone with the ball in his feet and really tested the best of defenders.
A nightmare for defenders, he netted twice in his first two games, setting himself up for another remarkable summer. His goal against Denmark secured him the Golden Boot, a title shared with five other players.
Minutes 423
Goals 3
Shots per game 2
Pass success rate (%) 89.7
Dribbles per game 2.6
Key passes per game 1
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
No player in their bright orange kit shone brighter than Cody Gakpo, who was electrifying throughout his team’s campaign. He led the Dutch attack and was the defining factor in the team’s performance.
He was very emphatic on the pitch, scoring 3 goals and sharing the golden boot with other 5 players. He scored some of the most crucial last minute goals for his side ensuring his side reached the semi final.
Minutes 435
Goals 3
Assists 1
Man of the Match awards 2
Dribbled per game 1.8
Dani Olmo (Spain)
Several top European clubs are already eyeing the possibility of prying Dani Olmo away from RB Leipzig, and it’s easy to see why. The creative livewire epitomised Spain’s tiki-taka style with his intricate passing and deft positional movement in the midfield.
Teaming up with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in De la Fuente’s midfield setup following Pedri’s injury against Germany, they have once again showcased Spain’s exceptional ability to produce top-tier midfielders. La Roja have dominated this aspect of the beautiful game for decades, and under new management, their tradition remains strong.
Minutes 341
Goals 3
Assists 2
Man of the Match 2
Dribbles per game 2.8
Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Although he wasn’t named Player of the Tournament by critics, it was hard to ignore Fabian Ruiz’s impressive statistics throughout Euro 2024. Known for his composure in possession and ability to navigate through opposition lines, the Paris Saint-Germain player delivered piercing passes that were a joy to watch. He concluded the tournament with two goals and two assists.
While Rodri is more renowned, he found his equal in Ruiz this summer. Ruiz was crucial and integral to his team’s victories in the tournament.
Minutes 544
Goals 2
Assists 2
Pass success rate (%) 91.1
Average passes per game 71.5
Dribbles per game 2
Nico Williams (Spain)
Ahead of Euro 2024, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised Williams as “a gift from God.” Fans unfamiliar with the winger’s style quickly discovered his divine ability lies in his lightning-fast feet. Williams’ speed was so remarkable that when he broke into Athletic’s first team, the most common critique he received was to “slow down.”
He delivered for Spain when it mattered most, scoring in the final and consistently posing a threat on the left wing throughout the tournament. His impressive performance has caught the attention of top teams, with Barcelona being the leading contender for his signature.
Minutes 496
Goals 2
Assists 1
Shots per game 1.8
Pass success rate (%) 90.4
Dribbles per game 2.4
Key passes per game 2.2
Lamine Yamal(Spain)
At Euro 2024, Lamine Yamal was the young star attracting everyone’s attention from the outset. The moment he stepped onto the pitch in Germany, records were destined to be broken. Had Yamal and Spain extended their run in the tournament, even more records might have fallen.
In Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in their opening game, Yamal became the youngest player in men’s European Championship history at 16 years and 338 days old. On the same day, he set another record as the youngest player to register an assist at the tournament, setting up Dani Carvajal for Spain’s third goal.
Yamal continued to break records, becoming the youngest player to appear in a knockout stage match and in a final, the latter occurring just one day after his 17th birthday. The highlight came when Yamal scored a stunning equaliser in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win over France, making him the youngest player ever to score in a major men’s international tournament.
Minutes 507
Goals 1
Assists 4
Shots per game 2.6
Key passes per game 2.7
Rodri (Spain)
At Euro 2024, Rodri played a crucial role in Spain regaining possession, ranking first for possessions won in the middle third with 23 and third in the attacking third with six. He was a standout pass-master, attempting the 10th-most final third passes with 120 and making the top 10 for passes attempted (436) and completed (407) with a 93.35% accuracy. Rodri’s influence extended to his touches, recording 501 throughout the tournament. Defensively, he was also significant, making 13 tackles, the eighth-most at Euro 2024.
The main man for Spain, as chosen by UEFA’s technical observers, was Rodri. We’ve all grown accustomed to Rodri’s importance in whatever team he plays in. He is the lynchpin of Pep Guardiola’s midfield for Manchester City and plays the same role for Spain.
Minutes 522
Pass success rate (%) 93.3
Key passes per game 1
Average passes per game 72.7
Tackles per game 2.2
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Euro 2024 tournament showcased an array of exceptional talent across the continent. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these Top 10 Players of Euro Cup 2024 stood out, each playing a pivotal role in their team’s success. Their remarkable skills, game-changing moments, and sheer determination not only captivated fans but also set new benchmarks in European football.
As we celebrate their achievements, we also look forward to seeing how these standout players will continue to shape the future of the sport. Euro 2024 has undoubtedly been a testament to the enduring excellence and evolving brilliance of European football. Also, check out the list of Top 10 top players of Copa America Cup 2024.
