The Euro 2024 tournament hasn’t seen the usual fireworks from its top stars. Michel Platini’s legendary performances in the ’80s seem a distant memory. The likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo haven’t lit up the stage as expected. Messi scored in every knockout stage of the World Cup in Qatar, but at Euro 2024, the big names have been quiet.
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone seven games without a goal at a major tournament. His only notable moment was an assist to Bruno Fernandes against Turkey. Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski managed goals only from the penalty spot in their final group games.
Harry Kane, who topped the scoring charts in his first year at Bayern Munich, looks lost in Germany. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham have also struggled to shine.
Injuries and exhaustion have taken their toll. Mbappe returned early from a broken nose, while Lewandowski missed half the group stage due to fitness issues. The grueling European season and the Saudi Pro League’s demands have left many players undercooked or overworked.
FIFPRO’s legal claim against FIFA over the match calendar highlights the problem of expecting top performances in every game.
Despite this, teams like Germany, Spain, and Austria have performed well. Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, with players logging the most minutes this season, has been impressive. Tactical changes have made opponents more formidable. The influence of coaches like Pep Guardiola and Didier Deschamps has led to high possession games with deep defenses, stifling attacking talent.
The Euros have historically been unpredictable, often defined by unexpected heroes. While stars like Platini and Marco van Basten dominated in their eras, recent tournaments have seen goalkeepers and lesser-known players steal the spotlight. The question now is whether Euro 2024 needs its stars to shine or if new talents like Jamal Musiala, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal will take center stage.
As the tournament progresses, fans are left wondering if a new Platini will emerge to dominate Euro 2024. For now, the biggest stars remain hidden, leaving room for new names to make their mark.
