The UEFA European Championship has always been a stage where football’s brightest talents shine, and among these stars, the youngest players often capture the most attention. These young players, mostly just teenagers, defy the odds by showcasing their incredible talent on one of football’s biggest stages. Ahead of EURO 2024, let us take a look at youngest players to have played in UEFA Euro Cup.
Youngest players to have played in UEFA Euro
England teenager Jude Bellingham made history during the UEFA Euro 2020 match against Croatia when he substituted for Harry Kane in the 82nd minute. At just 17 years old, Bellingham became the youngest player ever to appear in the UEFA Euro. Before him, the record was held by the Netherlands’ Jetro Willems since 2012.
However, Bellingham’s record was quickly surpassed by Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski, who was 109 days younger and made a single appearance to claim the title. Now, Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, is poised to become the youngest player in UEFA Euro history if he takes the field in Euro 2024.
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List of youngest players to have played in UEFA Euro
Rank | Player | Nation | Year | Age |
1 | Kacper Kozlowski | Poland | 2021 | 17 years and 246 days |
2 | Jude Bellingham | England | 2021 | 17 years and 349 days |
3 | Jetro Willems | Netherlands | 2012 | 18 years and 71 days |
4 | Enzo Scifo | Belgium | 1984 | 18 years and 115 days |
5 | Jamal Musiala | Germany | 2021 | 18 years and 117 days |
6 | Valeri Bojinov | Bulgaria | 2004 | 18 years and 122 days |
7 | Johan Vonlanthen | Switzerland | 2004 | 18 years and 141 days |
8 | Pedri | Spain | 2021 | 18 years and 201 days |
9 | Marcus Rashford | England | 2016 | 18 years and 229 days |
10 | Wayne Rooney | England | 2004 | 18 years and 233 days |