As Euro 2024 concluded with Spain lifting the continental trophy for the fourth time, we take a look at the records shattered in Germany. Spain triumphed over England in a thrilling final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, marking the end of a month-long football extravaganza.
Key Takeaways
- Spain won their fourth European Championship title.
- Several records were broken, including youngest player, oldest player, and fastest goal.
Lamine Yamal: Youngest Player and Scorer
Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a European Championship game at the age of 16 years and 338 days. He surpassed Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski, who was 17 years and 246 days old at Euro 2020.
Yamal also became the youngest player to score a goal at the Euros, netting in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win against France at 16 years and 362 days old.
Pepe: Oldest Player
Portugal defender Pepe set the record for the oldest player ever at a European Championship when he played against the Czech Republic at the age of 41 years and 130 days. He broke the previous record held by Hungary’s Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days old at Euro 2016.
Luka Modric: Oldest Scorer
Luka Modric became the tournament’s oldest goalscorer when he scored for Croatia against Italy in a 1-1 draw. Modric was 38 years and 289 days old, breaking the record set by Austrian Ivica Vastic in 2008 by 32 days.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Sixth Euros
Cristiano Ronaldo competed in his sixth European Championship, a record in itself. Although he did not add to his all-time tournament best tally of 14 goals, he now has a total of 30 appearances, at least seven more than any other player.
Fastest Goal: Nedim Bajrami
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history, putting his team ahead after just 23 seconds against Italy. This shattered the previous record of 67 seconds set by Dmitri Kirichenko of Russia in 2004.
Second-Most Own Goals
Euro 2024 saw 10 own goals, just one short of the record 11 own goals set in the previous edition (2021). Players like Antonio Rudiger (Germany) and Jan Vertonghen (Belgium) were among those who scored own goals.
The tournament was a memorable one, not just for the thrilling matches but also for the numerous records that were broken, making Euro 2024 a historic event in the world of football.
