UEFA Euro 2024 Top Scorer Predictions: From Ronaldo to Mbappe- Battle of Champions
As UEFA Euro 2024 gears up for an action-packed start on June 15, the anticipation for the top scorer award is already high.
From seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo to rising stars like Kylian Mbappe, the competition promises to be fierce. Let’s delve into the top contenders and their goal-scoring prowess for this exciting tournament.
With UEFA Euro 2024 set to begin on June 15, goals are predicted to be scored in abundance. Germany’s opening match against Scotland, their Group A opponents, is set for this Saturday in Munich at 12:30 AM IST. In 51 games during Euro 2020, 142 goals were scored, or 2.78 goals per game on average.
The goal average in the competition was the highest since Euro 1976, before the group stage was added. There were 11 own goals throughout the tournament, which is two more than in all the previous iterations combined.
Cristiano Ronaldo also set a new record in the European Championships with 14 goals during Euro 2020. 2020 saw him tie Patrik Schick for the most goals scored with five.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
With five goals each, Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick of the Czech Republic were the top scorers at Euro 2020. This time around, he qualified with a score of 10, and he will be trying to silence his detractors by helping Portugal win another Euro championship. It’s possible that this is his last competition for Portugal.
2. Kylian Mbappe (France)
After a protracted transfer dispute, Kylian Mbappe finalized a surprise move to Real Madrid. He will be France’s key focal point once more, and his teammates will look to him for support when things go rough. He was the third-highest scorer in the qualifying round with nine goals. In Germany, he is anticipated to contend for the Golden Boot.
3. Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United scored seven goals throughout the qualifying campaign, and it appears like Denmark has finally figured out how to stop losing in important events. They now have a goal scorer, something they lacked previously.
4. Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane, a striker for Bayern Munich, led England in scoring during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. He was the fourth-highest scorer overall with eight goals. With players like Phil Fodern readily available, the England team will be centered around him, and he should score a lot of goals this time around.
5. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
With 14 goals, Lukaku led all scorers in the qualification round. Along with Harry Kane, Karim Benzema, and Emil Forsberg, he scored four goals at Euro 2020, making him the second-highest scorer. He has been absent from important international competitions, but he will be heading Belgium’s front line in Germany once more.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record Breaking 6th UEFA Euro: What Portugal Can Expect from CR7
Players Set to Retire After UEFA Euro 2024: A Farewell to Legends
As UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off, football enthusiasts brace for an emotional ride as several iconic players bid adieu to international football. Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the luminaries expected to hang up their boots post-tournament, marking the end of an era. Here’s a closer look at the players bidding farewell after this momentous event.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
A stalwart of the game, 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his record sixth appearance at the Euros. Despite challenges in recent tournaments, his goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched, particularly evident in his performance in the Saudi Pro League. However, speculations suggest that this could be his final stint in international football, adding an emotional layer to his Euro 2024 journey.
2. Toni Kroos (Germany)
Toni Kroos, a pivotal figure in Germany’s midfield, has already announced his retirement post-Euro 2024. Despite a brief hiatus from international football in 2021, Kroos returned and played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful campaigns. Now, as he prepares to bid adieu to all forms of football, his presence will be sorely missed on the international stage.
3. Luka Modric (Croatia)
The maestro from Croatia, Luka Modric, has been instrumental in his team’s rise as title contenders, notably seen in their 2018 World Cup runner-up finish. With Croatia eyeing further success, Modric, at 38, aims to conclude his international career on a high note, potentially adding another trophy to his illustrious resume.
4. Oliver Giroud (France)
A veteran striker for France, Oliver Giroud, is set to retire from international duty post-Euro 2024. With a remarkable 13-year tenure and crucial goals under his belt, Giroud’s experience and knack for scoring make him a valuable asset, whether starting or coming off the bench, for Les Bleus in their Euro campaign.
5. Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Manuel Neuer, Germany’s decorated goalkeeper, is likely to bid farewell to international football after Euro 2024. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Neuer’s contributions to the national team have been immense, including his pivotal role in their 2014 World Cup triumph. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Neuer’s legacy as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation remains unquestionable.
The UEFA Euro 2024 not only promises intense on-field action but also serves as a poignant moment to honor these legendary players for their invaluable contributions to the beautiful game.