At every international tournament some of the best players in world football are under pressure to perform to the best of their ability that they showcase so often at club level. Even Lionel Messi, considered by most to be the greatest player of all time, had to suffer through years of international disappointment before eventually succeeding on the world stage with Argentina well into his thirties.
On the other hand, less well-known players use the platform in front of new fans to show their true ability and put themselves in the shop window for transfer season – James Rodriguez’s 2014 World Cup performances shot him to stardom and got him a big move to Real Madrid.
Here are the three players who were the biggest winners at Euro 2024!
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Biggest Winners:
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
Georgia’s giant ‘keeper had an outstanding tournament – he finished the group stage having made seven more saves than any other goalkeeper and behind only Fabian Ruiz as the outstanding player across the first three matches in multiple publications. At just 23-years-old, the Valencia ‘keeper will certainly be considered as a top option by many of Europe’s top clubs this summer.
- Merih Demiral
Once considered a top prospect at Juventus, Turkish defender Merih Demiral has been off the radar of many football fans for the last few years after failing to make an impact in Turin. However, he enjoyed an excellent tournament for Turkey, who played their part in some of the most exciting matches in the tournament, scoring twice in the Last 16 against Austria
- Dani Olmo
Spain midfielder Olmo wasn’t quite an unknown quantity heading into the tournament, but his performances were right up there with the very best in the competition for an outstanding Spain side.
The RB Leipzig midfielder started Euro 2024 on the bench and did well in the minutes that he was given, but he showed his true quality when Pedri’s injury against Germany ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Olmo’s outstanding close control and lethal finishing was on full display against Georgia, Germany and France – he finished the tournament with five goal contributions and has gone from a player considered a bright talent to one of the premium attacking midfielders in world football.
