Best Youngsters to Look out for at Euro 2024

With a proven track record of launching the careers of future footballing stars, the European Championship offers a stage for young talent to shine.

The impactful performances of a young Wayne Rooney and the electrifying debut of Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 serve as prime examples.

Euro 2024 is set to be no different. Here are 6 young players with the talent and potential to take the tournament by storm and write their names into the history books.

Florian Wirtz is poised to be a breakout star at Euro 2024. The young German attacker has already established himself as a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, dazzling audiences with his creativity and composure on the ball.

Wirtz has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s unlikely title and 46-game unbeaten run. Playing alongside German talent like Jamal Musiala, Wirtz could thrive in a supportive attacking environment and light up the Euros.

The teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has Spanish football buzzing with anticipation for a potential breakout performance at Euro 2024. Despite his young age, Yamal has taken La Liga by storm with his electrifying pace and dribbling skills at Barcelona.

The 16 year-old has featured 32 times for Barcelona in the La-Liga this season, demonstrating his ability to perform against the best sides week in week out. Despite barcelona’s disappointing campaign this season, Yamal has shone and Spain will be hoping that this can continue at the Euros.

With his current red-hot form at RB Leipzig, Xavi Simons has a chance to shine brightly at Euro 2024. He boasts an impressive combination of goalscoring, creativity (already with 7 goals and 9 assists this season), and versatility across the attacking front, a quality the Netherlands national team has been missing.

If he can translate his club form to the international stage, he could be the difference-maker for the Dutch and emerge as a true star of the Euros.

Kobbie Mainoo has the potential to be a surprise difference-maker for England at Euro 2024. This highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder isn't just about potential, he's already showcased his talent on the big stage.

His man-of-the-match performance on his full England debut sent shockwaves through the football world, demonstrating his composure and ability to thrive under pressure.

Mainoo looks set to feature in the England midfield alongside Jude Bellingham, a youthful partnership which looks set to be the bedrock of England for the coming years.

Antonio Silva is quickly making a name for himself as one of Europe's brightest young defenders, following in the footsteps of Benfica academy stars such as Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.

At just 20 years old, he made a remarkable leap into the first team in 2022 and has since become a regular starter. Last season, he showed his strength by playing in 44 matches, becoming a key player in Roger Schmidt's defensive lineup.

Silva's impressive skills haven't gone unnoticed, with big clubs like Tottenham and Liverpool showing interest in him. If he keeps up his performances, he could shine on the biggest stages for years to come.

Benjamin Sesko is poised to be a star at Euro 2024. Sesko possesses a frighteningly good finishing touch that has already caught the eye of major clubs. Despite a slower start at RB Leipzig with 9 goals in 26 appearances, he's already Slovenia's main striker, evidenced by his impressive 10 goals for the national team.

England, who will face Slovenia in the group stage, will need to be wary of Sesko's goal threat as he looks to announce himself on the international stage.