Major international tournaments represent a chance for football’s biggest stars to cement their status on the grandest stage.
From Cristiano Ronaldo powering Portugal to Euros glory in 2016, to Lionel Messi’s crowning moment in Qatar 2022, this is where legends are made.
Euro 2024 promises to be no different, with some of the game’s biggest stars battling it out as they look to make their nation’s dreams a reality.
And more often than not, it’s a country’s best player who steps up to the plate to deliver the goods.
With that in mind, talkSPORT has taken a look at every team’s top player, before ranking each of them from worst to best.
There were plenty of close calls, but from lesser-known names to bonafide superstars, it’s likely that this lot will be lighting things up in Germany over the summer.
So, without further ado, let’s dive straight in and see firstly who topped the bill for each country, and secondly where they ranked among their tournament peers.
24) Radu Dragusin – Romania
The 21-year-old centre-back is Romania’s key man. He enjoyed a steady season, helping Genoa to a comfortable mid-table position in Serie A while offering a physical presence at the back.
And the defender’s performances didn’t go unnoticed with Tottenham snapping him up in the January transfer window.
Dragusin played every minute of his country’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign, which saw them go unbeaten – winning six and drawing four games while keeping six clean sheets – as they topped their group ahead of Switzerland.
It’ll be a tall order for Romania to repeat that success in Germany after being drawn into the same group as Belgium, but if they are to do anything of note this summer, Dragusin and co. will need to bring that steely defensive record with them.
23) Elseid Hysaj – Albania
- Age: 30
- Position: Full-back
- Current Club: Lazio
- International Caps: 82
It’s fair to say Hysaj has been around the block on the international stage.
And while such stats are usually reserved for veterans of the game, the defender remains in the peak of his career, blending all that experience with a body still young enough to rampage up and down the flanks.
Albania have been drawn into the dreaded ‘group of death’ at Euro 2024, alongside tournament holders Italy, Spain, and Croatia. Hysaj will have his work cut out if his country are to perform a minor miracle and progress to the knockout stages.
Still, Albania can draw hope from their qualification campaign, where they edged out the Czech Republic to top Group E. Hysaj completed seven of the eight qualifying matches, including bagging an assist for Asani Brand’s wondergoal during their impressive 2-0 victory over Poland.
- Age: 29
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: West Ham
- International Caps: 68
Soucek has become something of a cult icon in east London, helping West Ham to European glory back in 2023 and acting as a human battering ram when latching onto the end of James Ward-Prowse’s indirect free-kicks.
In recent times, he’s been head and shoulders – figuratively and literally – above his international teammates, helping the Czechs reach Euro 2024 by playing a starring role in every qualifying match, scoring three times along the way for good measure.
Even a gruesome-looking injury in November’s draw to Poland couldn’t slow Soucek down as he lived up to his hard-as-nails reputation. Having now been drawn alongside Portugal and Turkey in Group F, a whole nation will be relying on Soucek to drive them on as they look to create history.
- Age: 29
- Position: Striker
- Current Club: Al Hilal
- International Caps: 89
Since his move to Saudi Arabia, Mitrovic has been on fire. Averaging just shy of a goal-a-game, the frontman’s electric form has even seen his side surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to clinch the Saudi Pro League title.
Granted, the level Mitrovic is currently playing at isn’t comparable to Europe’s top leagues, but he’s shown in patches during qualifying just how lethal he can still be on the international stage, too. A hat-trick against Lithuania and brace versus Montenegro point towards the threat he still poses.
That said, Serbia have been pretty unconvincing of late, and having been drawn in Group C alongside England and Denmark, they’ll have to rediscover some much-needed form if they are to progress. If ever there was a man for such an occasion, it’s big Mitro.
- Age: 27
- Position: Left-back/Central Midfield
- Current Club: Arsenal
- International Caps: 61
Zinchenko is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most complete and versatile competitors.
Having joined Manchester City in 2016, Zinchenko proved himself as a trusted part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, often used as a backup option at left-back in City’s defence.
Clearly a player who was destined for more than just being a squad player, the Ukrainian moved to Arsenal where he’s now one of the central leadership figures in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
A fierce competitor, Zinchenko will be huge for Ukraine’s hopes of progressing through this summer’s Euros.
19) Federico Dimarco – Italy
- Age: 26
- Position: Wing-back
- Current Club: Inter Milan
- International Caps: 17
Dimarco has been a bit of a late bloomer. Having represented Italy at every level from U15s upwards, it wasn’t until 2022 that he finally made his senior bow. His club career has been similar: after numerous loan moves, he finally cemented his place in boyhood club Inter Milan’s first team and hasn’t looked back since.
A wing-back by trade, Dimarco is at his scintillating best when given licence to maraud forward, and he’s been a thorn in the side of many opposition teams this season.
Italy aren’t quite what they used to be, but the defending European champions will be hoping they can replicate some of the magic they conjured up in 2021 to take the tournament by storm. It’s likely that Dimarco – alongside Nicolo Barella and Federico Chiesa – will be central to that.
After arriving at Old Trafford last summer for £72m, Hojlund had the weight of the world on his shoulders this season as he looked to emulate the club’s great strikers of yesteryear. The start of his time at Man United didn’t exactly go to plan, but he’s since made up for it in 2024 and is beginning to find his feet.
Still, the Danish national side will be hoping they get the version of the striker that commanded such a big fee in the first place, as opposed to what followed immediately after his arrival.
Seven goals across eight qualifying games provide plenty of reasons for Danes to be optimistic, although Hojlund will be facing much sterner defences in Germany than the likes of Kazakhstan and San Marino.
- Age: 31
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Club: Atletico Madrid
- International Caps: 64
Oblak has spent the best part of a decade between the sticks for Atletico, developing a reputation as one of the very best goalkeepers in world football. He’s been at the heart of a Diego Simeone side renowned over the years for its steely defensiveness, and has even previously earned comparisons to Lionel Messi.
That world-class form may have dwindled somewhat in more recent times, but as the captain of his country, Slovenia still very much look to him as their leading star.
Four clean sheets throughout qualification helped Slovenia to a second-placed finish, as they ended the group level on points with Denmark, who they’ll meet again in Germany in Group C alongside England and Serbia.
- Age: 27
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Manchester United
- International Caps: 41
It wasn’t so long ago that McTominay looked to be heading for the exit door at Old Trafford, but this season has seen the midfielder muscle his way back into United’s plans and establish himself as an integral squad member.
The Scot has typically been deployed in a more deep-lying position – helping to add defensive solidity – but more recently he’s been given the creative licence to bomb forward, timing late runs into the box perfectly to add goalscoring to his repertoire. One such performance against Chelsea even led to comparisons to Diego Maradona.
McTominay has been no less integral to Scotland’s qualifying campaign. His seven goals in eight matches helped drive the Tartan Army to Germany, including netting both in a historic 2-0 win over Spain in October.
It wasn’t all fun and games, though, with some ill-tempered moments during a 2-2 draw with Georgia, where McTominay accused the opposition of being ‘cry babies’. Now drawn in a group alongside the hosts Germany, who they face in their opening game, the Scots should fancy their chances against anyone.
- Age: 30
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Inter Milan
- International Caps: 84
Billed as one of the Bundesliga’s top five greatest ever Turkish players, Calhanoglu has since taken his career to Italy, crossing the Milan divide in 2021 to become a mainstay in Inter’s midfield.
The 29-year-old initially rose to prominence thanks to his sublime free kicks, many of which have been clipped up and gone viral across social media. Calhanoglu isn’t just a set piece merchant, though, with his passing and long shots bringing a level of threat that will concern even the best international sides at Euro 2024.
Turkey, captained by Calhanoglu, topped their qualifying group ahead of Croatia, and will be hoping they can deliver a much-improved display in Germany from the underwhelming group-stage exit they suffered at Euro 2020.
14) Marcel Sabitzer – Austria
- Age: 30
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Borussia Dortmund
- International Caps: 78
A cruel ACL injury to captain David Alaba has robbed him of the chance to lead his side out at Euro 2024, meaning Austria are now relying on midfield stalwart Sabitzer to hold down the fort.
Ex-Manchester United manager Ralph Rangnick has breathed new life into Austria, modernising the playing style and getting the fans back on side. Whether that’s enough to get them out of a group containing France and the Netherlands remains to be seen.
Rangnick and Sabitzer know each other well, having previously linked up at Old Trafford and RB Leipzig. The midfielder has enjoyed a steady if slightly uninspiring season at current club Borussia Dortmund, but did net four goals for Austria throughout qualification to help them to second place, finishing just a solitary point behind Belgium.
13) Milan Skriniar – Slovakia
The Slovakian captain arrived at PSG last summer, helping the Parisians take their customary place at Ligue 1’s summit. A committed team player who puts his body on the line, he’s also known for his impressive passing range.
Half a decade at Inter Milan preceded Skriniar’s move to France, where he forged a reputation as one of the world’s best defenders. Now partnering club captain Marquinhos at the heart of defence, the duo are widely regarded as one of the best centre-back pairings around.
Skriniar is virtually ever present in Slovakia’s backline when it comes to international fixtures, and helped his nation qualify from (a somewhat easy) group to book their place in Germany. Belgium is the sternest test they face in Group E this summer, but Skriniar and co. will be confident they can progress to the knockouts.
- Age: 23
- Position: Centre-Midfield
- Current Club: Liverpool
- International Caps: 40
For the most part, deciding which player is their country’s star has been a hard task. Not here. Szoboszlai is the archetypal modern day midfielder: strong, athletic, and technically gifted. He is by far and away Hungary’s brightest talent.
Earning an average FotMob rating of 8.4 across eight games, Szoboszlai took Hungary’s qualification by storm, racking up four goals and three assists to help seal their place at Euro 2024.
A big-money move to Liverpool last summer was just reward after a brilliant season and a half at RB Leipzig, where he’s continued his stellar form, earning praise from club legend Jamie Carragher for his goal scoring and striking up an unlikely friendship with title rival Erling Haaland.
Hungary will now face the steep task of getting out of a group containing Germany, Switzerland, and Scotland, but with Szoboszlai pulling the strings and an army of supporters behind them, confidence in doing so will be sky-high.
- Age: 31
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- International Caps: 123
Xhaka is always someone who guarantees box office entertainment. His topsy-turvy time at Arsenal was packed with highs and lows, the nadir of which unquestionably came when he shouted ‘f*** off’ at his own fans in 2019.
After Mikel Arteta’s arrival, though, Xhaka eventually became an integral member of the side, demonstrating his strengths of running from deep to join in attacks before he departed for Bayer Leverkusen last summer – a transfer which made him cry tears of joy.
The Swiss international now plays at the heart of Xabi Alonso’s electric side, helping Leverkusen to new heights as they won a maiden Bundesliga title by going the entire campaign undefeated.
Building off a strong defensive unit containing Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Newcastle’s Fabian Schar, Xhaka will look to knit attack and defence together as the Swiss come up against Scotland, Hungary, and hosts Germany in Group A.
- Age: 38
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Real Madrid
- International Caps: 174
If you were to look up the phrase ‘ageing like a fine wine’ you’d likely find a picture of Luka Modric next to it. At the ripe old age of 38, Croatia’s captain can still be seen running the midfield at arguably Europe’s biggest club and spraying balls deemed to be ‘pass of the decade’.
Modric’s metronomic-like ability to control both the ball and everything around him is a sight to behold. As he heads into what is surely his last major international tournament, the midfielder will be hoping to go out on an almighty high, having already won an unprecedented sixth Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.
Modric unsurprisingly played a starring role in qualification, too, not in the form of goals or assists, but generally dictating the tempo of games and helping to drive Croatia forward with his exceptional reading of the game.
Croatia were on the cusp of glory in 2018, ultimately losing in the World Cup final to France, but if there is to be a happy ending for this golden generation of players, they’ll need to do what they do best: overcome the odds and beat either Spain or Italy to a place in the knockout stages.
9) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia
- Age: 23
- Position: Winger
- Current Club: Napoli
- International Caps: 29
Few players will single-handedly face as much pressure this summer as Kvaratskhelia who shoulder the expectations of Georgia on his shoulder alone.
The Napoli star is one of Europe’s top attacking stars and that has been evident in his performances in both Serie A and the Champions League.
At 23 years of age, the winger will be desperate to guide his team into the competition’s knockout stages, but with Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal in their group, they could face a difficult time.
- Age: 35
- Position: Striker
- Current Club: Barcelona
- International Caps: 148
Euro 2024 won’t see many strikers who are more complete that Robert Lewandowski.
He might be 35 years of age, but while other players in their mid-thirties are winding down and gearing up for retirement, the Poland star just seems to be getting better and better.
Strutting his stuff for Barcelona at the moment, Lewandowski knows what it’s like to shoulder the responsibility of spearheading Poland’s hopes at Euro 2024, but with scoring goals being his specialty, the classy forward will be confident in showing his best.
- Age: 28
- Position: Winger
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- International Caps: 59
With Germany gearing up to host this year’s tournament, you’d expect the country to be red-hot with anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately, Germany’s abysmal form has instead led to a cloud of anger and uncertainty.
Hansi Flick was dismissed as manager in 2023, and Julian Nagelsmann has thus far done little to convince fans Germany could be considered serious Euro 2024 contenders. If they are to really turn it on on home soil, though, it’ll likely be sparked by Sane.
The Bayern Munich winger is at the peak of his powers, bagging goals and assists freely in the Bundesliga alongside international teammates Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller. That form hasn’t translated to the national side, however, with some lacklustre displays – including a sending off in a friendly against Austria – leaving German fans yearning for more.
Germany qualified automatically for Euro 2024 and will be hoping to shake off their cobwebs to put in a typically ruthless and efficient display when they meet Scotland in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
- Age: 32
- Position: Centre-back
- Current Club: Liverpool
- International Caps: 66
It’s fair to say the Netherlands aren’t what they once were. Ronald Koeman is back for his second spell in charge and things haven’t exactly been going swimmingly. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of reasons for Dutch fans to be optimistic, and none more so than their towering world class centre-back, Van Dijk.
After a period of decline following a nasty collision with Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Van Dijk has returned to somewhere near his best form this campaign.
The defender played a big part in the Netherlands Euro 2024 qualification, too, helping the Dutch to five clean sheets while scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over Greece.
The Netherlands finished qualification in second place behind France, but a 4-0 humbling against the group leaders showcased the current gap between a half-decent Dutch side and a phenomenal French one.
Having been drawn against them again in Group D, Netherlands will need every inch of Van Dijk’s six-foot-three frame to help keep the goals out.
- Age: 29
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Manchester City
- International Caps: 88
Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly the global superstar of this Portugal side, but with his powers over the elite game waning, it is Silva who has emerged as his nation’s greatest hope if they are to repeat their Euro 2016 success.
Such is Silva’s impact on a team, when he weighed up leaving Man City last summer, teammate Jack Grealish literally begged him to stay. Fortunately for Jack, Silva agreed and has remained one of his club and country’s most crucial players.
Ex-England international Stuart Pearce has even labelled Silva Pep Guardiola’s ‘favourite player’ and it’s easy to see why. Capable of playing almost any outfield position, Silva makes the game look easy at times, blending effortless technique with a steely determination and work rate.
The midfield maestro featured in all but one of Portugal’s Euro qualifiers, playing a starring role as his homeland won 10 from 10 to book their tickets to Germany. Three goals and four assists during qualification points towards Silva’s impact, who will now need to repeat his form at the tournament proper to help deliver the ultimate career ending for Cristiano.
4) Rodri – Spain
- Age: 27
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Manchester City
- International Caps: 49
The Spanish national team have been blessed since the turn of the 21st century with some truly wonderful players. From Xavi and Iniesta to Puyol and Pique, La Roja have largely dominated World and European football.
It almost seems unfair, then, that when a player of Sergio Busquets calibre comes to the twilight of his career, he’s instantly replaced by someone as good as Rodri. The defensive midfielder has plugged such a big hole almost effortlessly, stepping up at international level while also filling the void at his club left by Fernandinho.
In addition to physicality and technique, it’s Rodri’s in-game intelligence that separates him. He’s even hinted at a career in the boardroom after he hangs up his boots, such is his understanding of, and commitment to, football.
Spain topped their qualifying group ahead of Scotland, winning seven out of the eight games, with Rodri playing in every fixture. The aforementioned ‘group of death’ awaits them in Germany, but with Rodri anchoring the midfield, they’ll be firm favourites to progress.
- Age: 32
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Manchester City
- International Caps: 99
If you were to draw up a list of footballers who could’ve won a Ballon d’Or had Messi and Ronaldo not existed, De Bruyne would be near the top. Manchester City’s pass master has been a beacon of excellence over the last eight Premier League seasons, blessing English football fans with his artistry.
A devastating four-month injury curtailed the first half of De Bruyne’s 2023/24 campaign, but he’s since made a full recovery and is now on course to shine at Euro 2024.
After comfortably qualifying for the tournament, Belgium have been handed a favourable draw alongside Slovakia and Romania in Group E. Naturally, due to injury, De Bruyne’s participation during qualification was severely limited, so he’ll be looking to make up for lost time in Germany.
Similar to Croatia, this probably represents Belgium’s last chance at international glory with this current crop of players. France and England may be the favourites, but with the likes of Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku alongside De Bruyne, the Red Devils have every chance.
- Age: 30
- Position: Striker
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- International Caps: 90
The toughest decision in this entire ranking was whether Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane should be considered England’s star player. In the end, the latter just edged it on account of his achievements at international level and England’s sheer lack of world-class alternatives in his position.
It’s hard to know whether Kane has got even better since he traded the Premier League for the Bundesliga, or that, now he’s surrounded by similarly outstanding footballers, we’re just seeing his truest form: the world’s best striker, equally adept at dropping deep and playing breathtaking passes as he his at arriving in the box to finish an array of chances.
After being ‘seduced’ into joining Bayern Munich, Kane’s form left his teammates in awe, despite a failure to win silverware.
Every time you think he’s peaked, Kane seems to find another level, an extra gear to slide into. He’s already England’s all-time record goal scorer, but inevitably he won’t be greeted with universal adoration unless he finally ends England’s hoodoo at major tournaments.
And this may well be his best chance yet. Gareth Southgate’s side are now outright favourites to win Euro 2024 following a favourable draw that pits them against Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia, and many of the young, up-and-coming English players have blossomed into world-beating talent.
Kane will take to the pitch in Germany alongside the likes of Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, all of whom have really come into their own over the past two seasons. France are the only country who can really hold a candle to England’s talent, so the pressure will be on. Over to you, Harry…
- Age: 25
- Position: Striker
- Current Club: Real Madrid
- International Caps: 77
It goes without saying that Kylian Mbappe is a generational talent. A player many view as the natural heir to Messi and Ronaldo, the newly-signed Real Madrid superstar has shown time and again that he can deliver on the world’s biggest stages.
France are blessed with an abundance of riches but Mbappe stands alone as their crown jewel. His lightning pace and deadly finishing combined with supreme close control make him one football’s the hardest players to mark.
He’s a natural ‘big-game player’, as he evidenced in 2022’s iconic World Cup final, where he hit a devastating hat-trick, making him the first player to do so since Sir. Geoff Hurst in 1966.
Euro 2024 qualification wasn’t much different, with the striker putting teams to the sword, scoring nine times in eight matches, including another hat-trick in France’s scarcely believable 14-0 win over Gibraltar.
If there’s one guarantee, it’s that Mbappe will go into his Terminator-esque zone in Germany, destroying any and every nation in his path.