The European Football Championship 2024, hosted in Germany from June 14 to July 14, concluded with a series of historic achievements. This year's tournament was a stage for record-breaking performances, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging talents. As fans witnessed thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, numerous records were set that will be remembered for years to come. From unprecedented player milestones to team accomplishments, Euro 2024 proved to be a landmark event in the world of football. In addition to these remarkable feats, it is crucial for fans and bettors alike to adhere to safe gambling practices when engaging with the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, set several records at Euro 2024. He became the oldest captain at the tournament. This Euro was also the sixth European Championship for the forward in his career, which is also a tournament record.
Ronaldo finished the Euros without goals for the first time. He scored only a goal, becoming the oldest author of assists and repeating the record for goal assists at the Euros.
Portugal defender Pepe became the oldest player in the history of European Championships: he took to the field at the age of 41. The previous achievement belonged to Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kirai (40 years and 86 days), who reached the 1/8 finals at Euro 2016.
Pepe played two group-stage matches at Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic (2-1) and Turkey (3-0). The only match in which the Portuguese did not take part was against Georgia (0:2). In addition, he fully played both play-offs against Slovenia (0-0-0 on penalties, 3-0-0 on penalties) and France (0-0-0 on penalties, 3-5 on penalties).
Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who made his debut at the tournament at the age of 16 years 338 days in a match against Croatia, became the youngest player in Euro history.
Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championship. In the match against France, he scored the first goal at the Euro at the age of 16 years and 362 days. Previously, the record belonged to Swiss Johan Fonlanten, who scored at the age of 18 years and 141 days at Euro 2004.
Yamal also surpassed Pele's record for the youngest goal scorer in World and European Championship history. Pele scored against an opponent in 1958 at the age of 17 years and 239 days.
The Barcelona midfielder (16 years and 353 days), in the match against Georgia, became the youngest player in history to play in the Euro playoffs. The Spaniard broke the record of Englishman Jude Bellingham (18 years and 4 days, Euro 2020). Yamal also became the youngest player in Euro history to score a goal in the playoffs - he assisted Ruiz.
Croatia's captain, Luka Modric, became the oldest goal scorer in the history of European soccer championships. He scored in the 55th minute of the third round of the group stage of Euro 2024 against Italy. The Croatian scored this goal at the age of 38 years and 289 days, breaking the record of Austrian Ivica Vastich, who in 2008 hit the gates of the Polish national team at the age of 38 years and 257 days.
In the third round game between the Czech Republic and Turkey (1:2), the teams set a Euro record for the number of cautions in one match. Chief referee Istvan Kovacs showed 18 cards to players of both teams during the game - 16 yellow and two red cards. This is a record in the history of the Euros.
Two penalties were earned by Czech players: midfielder Antonin Barak was sent off for a second yellow card in the 20th minute, and forward Tomas Hory (90+8) received another red card in the end.
