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As EURO 2024 is getting closer the excitement for this major event is intensifying. Fans of football across Europe and around the world are eagerly awaiting to see their most beloved national teams take on the world in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With the initial group stage close, here are the top eight players likely to shine at the UEFA European Football Championship.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, is already considered one of the Top 3 players in world football. The French forward, who is known for his otherworldly speed and precise finishing, has become a key player for Paris Saint-Germain and Les Bleus.
His rise from a promising young player to a football hero has been celebrated with a variety of awards, including the "Golden Boy" award in 2017 and the "FIFA World Cup Best Player" award in 2018. Noteworthy is his incredible stat line, which he has managed to produce to this day. He has scored 325 goals and contributed 153 assists in 436 games.
His unique talent on the pitch gives France a crucial advantage in EURO 2024. As an athlete who can completely change the game, Mbappe is certainly one to watch throughout the UEFA European Football Championship.
2. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, an up-and-coming 20-year-old attacking midfielder from England, is one of the most talked-about stars in football nowadays. At just 16 years old, he joined Birmingham City FC, becoming their youngest-ever player. Since then, his professional career has experienced rapid development.
Real Madrid marked an important step forward for him and saw him increase his popularity among fans worldwide. In the current 2023/24 season, he contributed to 29 goals in 31 games for Real Madrid— an astounding record.
His impressive performances make him one of the key players to keep an eye on during this year's European Championship, especially as an influential midfielder who can help England navigate through an intricate group stage and beyond.
3. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, the 16-year old Spanish right winger, has quickly become a sensation at Barcelona, emerging from the famous La Masia academy. His maturity, carefreeness and skill on the field are remarkable for his age. As EURO 2024 approaches, Yamal is a player to keep an eye on, with fans eager to see if he can leverage his club's success on the international stage.
IMAGO / Ricardo Larreina Amador
4. Kenan Yildiz
Representing Turkey, Kenan Yildiz brings his talents to the international arena from his club career at Juventus. Despite being a newcomer with only three caps for Turkey's over-21 team, where he scored once, Yildiz's performance as a second striker has been noteworthy. Euro 2024 presents an excellent chance for him to showcase his abilities on a larger scale, and we're sure his role could be pivotal for Turkey.
5. Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Hojlund is a towering Danish forward who has made waves in international football. At nearly 2 meters tall, Hojlund's presence on the field is as impressive as his talent.
After beginning his professional career at Atalanta BC, his move to Manchester United has seen his potential grow exponentially. In just ten games with Manchester United's Red Devils, Hojlund has scored 19 goals and two assists.
His impressive forward performance is a reason to be on the lookout for Denmark as they attempt to make it through the group stage in the UEFA European Football Championship.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. Even at the age of 39, his name is still synonymous with top-of-the-line football. After a highly publicized transfer to Al-Nassr FC, Ronaldo's allegiance to his country's team, Portugal, remains unshaken.
As a center forward, his experience and skills will be crucial for Portugal during what may be his final performance at the European Championship. In addition, Ronaldo's ability to play in crucial moments has been the hallmark of his career and makes him a player to look out for during this tournament.
7. Xavi Simons
Despite being young, Xavi Simons has already shown signs of becoming a football powerhouse. His transition from PSV Eindhoven to RB Leipzig has been marked by a rapid growing impact on the pitch.
As a player for the Netherlands, Simons is set to showcase his energetic and imaginative playmaking skills as an attacking midfield. Already having played 11 times for his national team, Simons's contributions could be vital in guiding the Netherlands through to the knockout phase of Euro 2024.
8. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala, an up-and-comer on the German soccer scene, is rapidly making waves internationally. At only 21 years old, this midfielder from Bayern Munich's squad has quickly won fans over due to his stellar play.
Musiala's ability to combine agility, precision, and scoring goals makes him a perfect candidate for Euro 2024's high-stakes tournament in his home nation of Germany. Expectations are high that Musiala can deliver memorable performances during his homecoming tournament.
Musiala will play an essential role for Germany as they navigate Euro 2024's group stage and aim for glory in the final tournament groups. All eyes will be on Musiala to see if he can help lead his national team to glory on home soil.
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