The five best wonderkids at Euro 2024

Updated: 30 Apr 2024 13:40 BST
4 min read

Warren Zaire-Emery, Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Maino, Euro 2024 — © IMAGO

Plenty of exciting youngsters will showcase their talents at Euro 2024.

Some of Europe's most promising up-and-coming prospects will square up at the tournament in Germany, though many will also be absent. Due to the likes of Sweden, Ireland and Norway not qualifying, brilliant talents such as Lucas Bergvall, Hugo Larsson, Evan Ferguson and Antonio Nusa won't be present.

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Despite this, there is bound to be a wealth of talent on display in the summer. The host nation boasts two of the game's best youngsters in Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, while England have the brilliant Jude Bellingham in their ranks. None of them, however, feature on this list.

That is because we have decided to limit our options to teenagers only. So here are the five best wonderkids at Euro 2024.

Lamine Yamal (16, Barcelona)

Though this list is in no particular order, Lamine Yamal might just be the best of the best in terms of European prospects right now. The exciting winger - at times dubbed the 'next Lionel Messi' (no pressure!) - has broken seemingly every conceivable age-related record for Barcelona and Spain.

Yamal is set to star for La Furia Roja just as he has done for the Blaugrana since bursting onto the scene in early 2023. A devastating dribbler and confident in front of goal despite being just 16, the Barcelona wonderkid will provide special of plenty moments in the future.

Pau Cubarsi (17, Barcelona)

Staying with Barcelona, Pau Cubarsi is next up on our list. The 17-year-old centre-back emerged in the 2023/24 season and has become one of the Catalans' most important players. His defensive nous and stunning passing range make watching him brilliant fun despite being a defender.

Cubarsi's rapid rise to prominence didn't go unnoticed by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and he handed the teenager his senior bow in March 2024. The young defender may not yet be a guaranteed starter for La Roja, but it is only a matter of time before he stakes his claim for a regular place in the side.

Arda Guler (19, Real Madrid)

Crossing the El Clasico divide, the next player to keep an eye on is Arda Guler. The Turkish youngster hasn't had the easiest of debut seasons at Real Madrid, but his talent is undeniable.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is already a regular fixture in Turkey's side and he will back himself to work some magic in Germany. Judging by his country's results in the build-up to the tournament, they will need his wizardry.

Warren Zaire-Emery (18, PSG)

Let's head across the Pyrenees to France where Warren Zaire-Emery plies his trade. The PSG youngster committed his long-term future to the French giants upon turning 18 after enjoying a truly spectacular breakout season under Luis Enrique.

While not yet as important to Didier Deschamps as he has been to Enrique, Zaire-Emery could quite conceivably see plenty of minutes at Euro 2024. The central midfielder has everything required to become one of Europe's best in his position and his ability in possession is already second to none.

Kobbie Mainoo (19, Man Utd)

Last but certainly not least, Kobbie Mainoo needs to be featured on this list. The Man Utd youngster seemingly came out of nowhere in late 2023 and almost immediately established himself as a key player under Erik ten Hag.

England boss Gareth Southgate and Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham were quick to play down expectations when the 19-year-old made his senior debut for his country, but it would not at all be surprising to see Mainoo start a few games at Euro 2024 ahead of more senior players. His performances in 2023/24 certainly deserve to be rewarded with a starring role in Germany.