Explore the top 9 records could be broken at euro 2024 results in this post.
The European Football Championship, which has been held since 1960, is no stranger to setting records. Regarded as the second most esteemed football tournament globally, following the World Cup, the Euros has established its reputation through numerous unforgettable matches and exceptional displays of talent.
With the 17th edition of the tournament about to commence from 14th June to 14th July, this piece examines nine enduring records that have the potential to be surpassed by the time the competition concludes.
| 9 records that could be broken at Euro 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Record | Country | Player (or/and performance) | Edition |
| 1 | Team with the most goals in a tournament | France | 14 goals scored in the competition | 1984 |
| 2 | Most goals in one tournament | France | Michel Platini (9 goals) | 1984 |
| 3 | Fastest hat-trick | France | Michel Platini (19 minutes) | 1984 |
| 4 | Most finals campaigns | Portugal | Cristiano Ronaldo (5) | – |
| 5 | Fastest goal | Russia | Dmitri Kiritchenko | 2004 |
| 6 | Oldest goal-scorer | Austria | Ivica Vastic | 2008 |
| 7 | Youngest goal-scorer | Switzerland | Johan Vonlanthen | 2004 |
| 8 | Oldest player | Hungary | Gabor Kiraly | 2016 |
| 9 | Youngest player | Poland | Kacper Kozlowski | 2021 |
9. Youngest Player: Kacper Kozlowski (Spain 1-1 Poland, 06/16/21)
It’s not surprising that the name Kacper Kozlowski doesn’t seem familiar. The 20-year-old midfielder, who was once the youngest player ever to play in the Ekstraklasa (Polish top division), now plays for Brighton but is on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands. He has made over 20 appearances in the Eredivisie in the 2023/2024 season and hopes to be on the plane when Poland travels to the Euros in the summer after defeating Wales in the playoffs.
Kozlowski has already created history in this continental championship, becoming the youngest player ever to compete at 17 years and 246 days. On June 19, 2021, the Polish No. 6 replaced Mateusz Klich shortly before the hour mark, leading his team to a draw against Spain and their first – and only – point in this 16th edition of the championship.
8. Oldest Player: Gabor Kiraly (Hungary 0-4 Belgium, 06/26/16)
Gabor Kiraly held the record for Hungary’s most appearances (108) for many years, and his distinct style influenced an entire generation. Throughout his more than 25-year career, the goalie, who has previously played for Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Herta Berlin, has worn thick grey cotton tracksuit trousers on the pitch.
The Hungarian wore an odd attire on French pitches during Euro 2016, when, at the age of 40 and 86 days, he became the oldest player in history to play a match in the continental competition against Belgium. Kiraly, who retired in November 2016, was playing his farewell match for Hungary when the Red Devils defeated him 4-0.
7. Youngest Goal-Scorer: Johan Vonlanthen (Switzerland 1-3 France, 06/21/04)
Greece’s stunning victory in the final made history at Euro 2004, but one player took advantage of the opportunity to put his name to the record books as well. On June 21st, Switzerland faced France in the group phase, and Johan Vonlanthen took advantage of the opportunity to become the competition’s youngest goalscorer.
At 18 years and 141 days old, the youthful centre-forward answered to Zinedine Zidane’s opening, but was unable to keep the Swiss national team from losing after Thierry Henry scored a late double. Vonlanthen’s career was varied, including stops at Red Bull Salzburg, Grasshopper Club Zurich, and Servette FC. He is now retired.
6. Oldest Goal-Scorer: Ivica Vastic (Austria 1-1 Poland, 06/12/08)
Ivica Vastic of Austria became the oldest goalscorer in Euro history, four years after Johan Vonlanthen made history as the youngest. On June 12th, the Burschen (Ed’s boys) faced Poland in Group B, and the attacking midfielder converted a penalty in the 90th minute to earn his team a point.
The former LASK player was 38 years, 257 days old at the time. However, the goal was insufficient to propel Austria into the quarterfinals of “their” European Championship, where they finished third in Group B.
5. Fastest Goal: Dmitri Kiritchenko (Russia 2-1 Greece, 06/20/04)
Most people remember the 2004 European Championship for its unlikely winner, Greece, who defeated Portugal in the final. However, the 12th edition of the Euro set a record that still stands 20 years later. On June 20th, as Greece and Spain competed to see which of the two teams would advance to the quarterfinals, Yorgos Karagounis’ teammates faced Russia, who had already been eliminated.
Dmitri Kiritchenko, a striker for CSKA Moscow, had the opportunity to make history by scoring the tournament’s fastest goal in 67 seconds. Otto Rehhagel’s team finally lost 2-1, although they advanced to the finals on goal difference.
4. Most Tournaments Played: Cristiano Ronaldo
Some players stand out for their skill, longevity, and consistency of performance. Christiano Ronaldo is one of them. The five-time Portuguese Ballon d’Or winner is now in Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al Nassr, and is anticipated to represent Portugal in Euro 2024, barring any surprises.
He has already competed in this competition five times, setting a record, and he is unquestionably the best player to have played in contests. And, while no other player would be able to challenge him for the top slot, he could still develop and do what he has done throughout his career: push the limitations a little further.
3. Fastest Hat-Tricks: Michel Platini (France 3-2 Yugoslavia, 06/19/84)
Euro 1984 will always be Michel Platini’s tournament. ‘Platoche’ (his French nickname) scored nine times during the event, cementing his place in tournament history. But what makes his achievement even more astounding is that he scored in each of his games.
He scored against Denmark (group stage), Portugal (semi-final), and Spain (final), as well as a brace against Belgium (group stage) and, most notably, a hat-trick against Yugoslavia. Three goals in 19 minutes, between the 59th and 78th minutes, will go down as the fastest hat-trick in Euros history.
2. Player with the Most Goals Scored in One Tournament: Michel Platini, Euro 1984
France is a true talent factory. While the country is well-known for the quality of its training and exceptional pool of talent, it is worth noting that its players have always lit up pitches around the world. With 13 goals in 1958, Just Fontaine set the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, which he still holds today.
Almost 30 years later, Michel Platini performed a same accomplishment, this time at a European Championship. Les Bleus won their first major trophy on home soil in 1984, with the iconic No. 10 scoring nine goals in six games.
1. Team with the Most Goals Scored in One Tournament: France, Euro 1984
Perhaps it comes as no surprise that the French squad also holds the record for the most goals scored in a single European Championship. Michel Hidalgo’s men finished the 1984 season with 14 goals, thanks to Michel Platini’s nine goals. In addition to the famed French No. 10, Alain Giresse, Luis Fernandez, Bruno Bellone, and Jean-Francois Domergue also scored, adding to the excitement.
