Euro 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with unexpected records and groundbreaking performances.
Historic achievements unfolded on the pitch, with each match adding a new chapter to football’s rich narrative.
This year’s European Championship not only showcased the sport’s enduring appeal but also highlighted its ever-evolving nature, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
The remarkable longevity of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in Euro 2024 marked his sixth European Championship, a testament to his enduring talent and fitness.
This feat set a new record for the most tournaments played by a single player. Despite Portugal’s early exit, Ronaldo’s career longevity continues to inspire.
According to UEFA, Ronaldo remains the top scorer in Euro history with 14 goals, underscoring his unparalleled contribution to the sport.
Rising star: Lamine Yamal
At just 16 years and 338 days, Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to appear in a Euro semi-final.
His debut for Spain against Croatia was a historic moment, highlighting the arrival of a new football prodigy.
Records Lamine Yamal has broken at the EUROs:
✅Youngest scorer in EURO qualifying: 16 years 57 days
✅Youngest EURO player: 16 years 338 days
✅Youngest EURO scorer: 16 years 362 days
✅Youngest player to appear in a EURO or World Cup semi-final: 16 years 362 days
✅Youngest… pic.twitter.com/xpDLIg8x5K— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2024
Yamal’s performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, culminating in him becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Euro history at 16 years and 362 days, surpassing the previous record by nearly two years.
Pepe’s enduring presence
Pepe, the veteran Portuguese defender, set the record as the oldest player to appear in a Euro match at 41 years and 130 days.
His appearance against France showcased his remarkable career longevity.
I can’t believe Pepe just played a full 120 minutes in the QFs of a European Championships against France… At 41 years and 130 days old.
What an absolute warrior.
Off to penalties. #PORFRA #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Rwaz8Iz81V
— Jacob Pacheco (@JacobPacheco6) July 5, 2024
Pepe’s leadership and defensive skills were crucial for Portugal, proving that age is just a number in football.
His participation in five European Championships further cements his legacy in the sport.
Spain’s historic dominance
Spain’s victory in Euro 2024 marked their fourth European Championship win, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
This triumph also made Spain the first team to win six matches in a single tournament.
???????? Spain are champions of Europe ????#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Ch0AF0iPWl
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024
Their journey to the final included impressive victories over Germany and France, showcasing their dominance in European football.
Record-breaking speed: Nedim Bajrami
Nedim Bajrami’s goal for Albania against Italy, scored just 23 seconds into the match, set a new record for the fastest goal in European Championship history.
The fastest goal in EURO history!
Nedim Bajrami ????????⚽️#EURO2024
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 16, 2024
This lightning-fast goal stunned the Italian team and fans alike, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament.
Turkey’s intense encounter with the Czech Republic
The match between Turkey and the Czech Republic saw an unprecedented number of yellow cards, with a record-breaking 18 cards issued.
This fiercely contested game, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Turkey, was a testament to the intense competition and high stakes of Euro 2024.
???? Crazy game between ???????? Czech Republic – Turkey ????????
???? A total of 18 yellow cards.
???? 2 players were sent off.
???? 1 straight red card.
???? 90+4’ winner from Cenk Tosun (Turkey)!❤️ Euros. #euro2024 pic.twitter.com/Q6ZbZvxOCB
— Fanatics of Football (@footynews129) June 26, 2024
The match will be remembered not only for its scoreline but also for the disciplinary records it set.
Young talents on the rise
Arda Güler, dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi,’ made an impressive debut at Euro 2024 by becoming the youngest debut goal-scorer at 19 years and 114 days.
1 – Arda Güler is the youngest player to score on his debut at a European Championship finals (19 years and 114 days), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record of 19 years and 128 days set in 2004. Jewel. pic.twitter.com/EUEJnTvJdK
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 18, 2024
His stunning goal against Georgia in the group stage showcased his exceptional talent and potential to become one of football’s future stars.
Late drama: Kevin Csoboth’s decisive strike
Hungary’s Kevin Csoboth scored the latest goal in normal time in Euro history, netting a 100th-minute winner against Scotland.
Here’s the goal that ended Scotland’s #Euro2024 hopes.
???????? Kevin Csoboth. 90+10.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 24, 2024
This dramatic late goal secured a crucial victory for Hungary, demonstrating the high tension and thrilling moments that characterized Euro 2024.
Spain’s goal-scoring prowess
Spain set a new record for the most goals scored in a single Euro tournament, with 15 goals.
This prolific scoring run included memorable performances from Dani Olmo and Álvaro Morata, highlighting Spain’s attacking strength and tactical brilliance.
Their offensive capabilities were a key factor in their journey to winning the championship.
The youngest debut: Jude Bellingham
England’s Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to debut for his national team in a Euro match at 17 years and 349 days.
At 17 years 349 days, Jude Bellingham is the youngest player to EVER make an appearance at the European Championships.
Here are 17 facts about the teenager to make you feel VERY old ????#ENG #ENGCRO #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/ruXlotKQg9
— GOAL (@goal) June 13, 2021
His composure and skill on the field belied his age, making him one of the standout young talents of the tournament.
Bellingham’s performances have set the stage for a promising international career.
