By Seyi Babalola
Euro 2024 begins today and there will be a variety of superstars hoping to steer their nations to victory.
Daily Sun brings to you top stars to watch out for as the competition begins today.
Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham’s spectacular debut season with Spanish megaclub Real Madrid has quickly elevated the attacking English midfielder to one of Europe’s hottest commodities.
Bellingham stunned the Spanish powers with 18 league goals in the 2023-24 season, helping Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League trophy.
He will be eager to continue on his outstanding club record and might be the deciding factor in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, as they seek a first European Nations title.
Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)
Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s most expensive signing in the summer of 2023, more than justified his price tag by scoring 10 English Premier League goals and became the youngest player to score double-figure goals in the 2023-24 EPL season at the age of 21.
After overcoming injury concerns and a form dip, Hojlund emerged as a promising attacking talent in the Premier League’s final months and will be hoping to maintain that form into Euro 2024.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne was the midfield mastermind behind Manchester City’s successful 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) title run, directing the Sky Blues’ fourth consecutive EPL triumph.
Belgium will hope De Bruyne is fit and firing for the Euros when he might help a new-look squad improve on their quarterfinal performances at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Lamine Yamal, who is only 16 years old, has already achieved several incredible milestones in his early career, including being the youngest scorer for Barcelona, the youngest scorer in La Liga history, and the youngest scorer for the Spanish national team.
The Spanish wonder kid’s explosive personality on the wings and unique ability to find the back of the net make him one of the greatest forward alternatives for the national team at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Phil Foden (England)
Phil Foden’s remarkable 19 goals and eight assists for Manchester City earned him Player of the Season honours as his team won a record fourth consecutive English Premier League title.
The 23-year-old impressed for City in attacking midfield, and if Gareth Southgate plays him there rather than out wide, Foden might be the Three Lions’ danger man.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe, known for his mesmerizing dribbling, pace, and accurate finishing, has been a standout player on France’s fantastic national team in recent years.
The 25-year-old, who will wear the captain’s armband at the Euros, comes into the tournament after a fantastic last season with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 44 goals in all competitions.
Mbappe is committed to play for Real Madrid next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, will be hoping to finish on a positive note in what may be his final international outing for Portugal.
The 2016 Euro champion has had a successful season at Al Nassr, scoring 35 goals and assisting 11 times in 31 league games this season.
Ronaldo’s expertise with the national team, having scored 128 goals in 206 games, will be beneficial to the team. However, it remains to be seen whether coach Roberto Martinez will start him every game.
Toni Kroos – (Germany)
The German midfielder will play his final match on home soil during Euro 2024, having announced his retirement from club football after a decade at Real Madrid.
The 2014 World Cup winner has a trophy-laden career with Bayern Munich, Madrid, and the national team, and he will want to add a Euro winners medal to his 2014 World Cup trophy before hanging up his boots.
