This summer is going to be huge for football fans with both the Euros and the Copa America on the horizon.
Even more exciting is the fact that some of your favorite players will be making their tournament debuts, eager to make a lasting impression. Here are the top 10 superstars who will be playing in their first Euros or Copa America this summer.
10. Endrick: Brazil’s Teenage Phenom
Endrick, the 17-year-old sensation headed to Real Madrid, will be making his debut at the Copa America. He has already earned a spot in Brazil’s squad ahead of established stars like Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison. His performance in the friendly against England in March showcased his immense potential.
9. Mykhailo Mudryk: Ukraine’s Shining Star
Mykhailo Mudryk scored the goal that booked Ukraine a spot at Euro 2024, and he’ll be making his debut in a senior international tournament. The 23-year-old will be under pressure to dazzle and help his team make a deep run in the tournament.
8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Georgia’s First Major Tournament
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will lead Georgia in their first-ever major tournament at the Euros. The 2023 Serie A MVP has been a part of the national team since 2019, but Georgia had never qualified for a major tournament until now. The entire country will be looking to him for inspiration.
7. Gabriel Magalhães: Brazil’s Defensive Rock
Gabriel Magalhães, the Arsenal center-back, will be making his first Copa America appearance this summer. His impressive performances earned him his first senior team call-up in 2023. Given his form, Gabriel could play a crucial role in Brazil’s defense.
6. Alphonso Davies: Canada’s Trailblazer
Alphonso Davies will be making his first Copa America appearance this summer. The Bayern Munich defender made history by scoring Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal in 2022 and will now lead his team in the Copa America. Canada doesn’t frequently qualify for this tournament, so Davies will be eager to make the most of this opportunity.
5. Lamine Yamal: Spain’s Young Prodigy
Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, is almost guaranteed to start for Spain at the Euros. This will be his first major tournament, as he was only 13 during the last Euros. His rapid rise has been remarkable, and all eyes will be on him to see how he handles the big stage.
4. Alejandro Garnacho: Argentina’s Teenage Sensation
Alejandro Garnacho will be making his first appearance at a major tournament with Argentina at the Copa America. The teenager missed out on Argentina’s Copa America and World Cup wins in 2021 and 2022, respectively, but he’ll be hoping to make a significant impact this summer.
3. Rafael Leão: Portugal’s Dynamic Winger
Despite looking like a seasoned pro, Rafael Leão will be making his first Euros appearance. The AC Milan winger got his first Portugal call-up in October 2021, after the last Euros. He went to the 2022 World Cup and even scored for Portugal, but this will be his first time at the Euros. Can he make a big impact on his debut?
2. Cole Palmer: England’s New Hope
Cole Palmer will be representing England in a major tournament for the first time this summer. After a stellar debut season with Chelsea, Palmer has caught the eye of many. The question remains whether he will play on the right over Saka or be utilized as a number 10.
1. Florian Wirtz: Germany’s Rising Star
The 21-year-old Florian Wirtz has had an amazing season with Bayer Leverkusen and will be one of the key players for Germany as they aim to win the Euros on home soil. This will be his first time representing his country in a major tournament, having missed the last Euros and the 2022 World Cup due to an ACL injury. Expect Wirtz to be front and center this summer.
These ten players’ debut appearances at the Euros or Copa America are highly anticipated and will undoubtedly add excitement to the tournaments. As these rising stars step onto the international stage, fans around the world will be watching closely to see how they perform.