European football statistics offer a factual view of the game, reflecting player performances and team strategies. The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament provides a valuable dataset to analyze key metrics, particularly the top goal scorers who have defined the competition.
Euro 2024 Top Scorers
Overview of Top Scorers
The latest statistics on the top goal scorers in UEFA Euro 2024 show a competitive landscape. As of July 14, 2024, six players have scored 3 goals each, indicating a shared prominence in the tournament’s goal-scoring chart. These players are Dani Olmo, Georges Mikautadze, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Schranz, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane.
1. Dani Olmo (Spain)
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
Matches Played: 5
Minutes Played: 341
Dani Olmo, representing Spain, scored 3 goals across 5 matches. He contributed 2 assists, making him a key playmaker for his team. Olmo’s 341 minutes on the pitch demonstrate his consistent involvement in Spain’s attacking strategy.
2. Georges Mikautadze (Georgia)
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
Matches Played: 4
Minutes Played: 346
Georges Mikautadze, from Georgia, matched Olmo’s goal tally with 3 goals in 4 matches. Mikautadze also provided 1 assist. He played 346 minutes, showing his effectiveness in fewer matches compared to other top scorers.
3. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
Matches Played: 6
Minutes Played: 525
Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands also scored 3 goals, but over 6 matches, more than any other player on the list. Gakpo’s 525 minutes indicate his endurance and critical role in the Netherlands’ campaign, contributing 1 assist as well.
4. Ivan Schranz (Slovakia)
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Matches Played: 4
Minutes Played: 334
Ivan Schranz, representing Slovakia, scored 3 goals without any assists. He played 334 minutes in 4 matches, making his contributions strictly goal-focused.
5. Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Matches Played: 5
Minutes Played: 423
Jamal Musiala from Germany also scored 3 goals, with no assists. His 423 minutes over 5 matches underscore his presence on the field, focusing purely on finishing opportunities.
6. Harry Kane (England)
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Matches Played: 7
Minutes Played: 605
Harry Kane, representing England, notched 3 goals in 7 matches, playing a total of 605 minutes, the most among the top scorers. Kane’s extensive playtime highlights his pivotal role in England’s journey through the tournament.
New UEFA Golden Boot Rule
UEFA’s decision to alter the rules for the Golden Boot reflects a more inclusive approach. In Euro 2024, players who score the same number of goals now share the award, with no tie-breaker based on assists. This rule change allowed the six aforementioned players to jointly hold the top scorer title, marking a significant shift in how goal-scoring success is recognized.
Euro 2024 Discipline
Discipline in UEFA Euro 2024 was a critical aspect of the tournament, with teams and players demonstrating varying levels of adherence to the rules. The tournament saw a significant number of yellow and red cards, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness on the field.
Yellow Cards in Euro 2024
Total Yellow Cards: 231
Average Per Match: 4.52
In Euro 2024, referees issued a total of 231 yellow cards across 51 games, resulting in an average of 4.52 yellow cards per match. This statistic highlights the stringent enforcement of rules and the aggressive play that characterized many of the matches.
Teams with the Most Yellow Cards
Spain: 16 Yellow Cards in 7 Matches
England: 14 Yellow Cards in 7 Matches
Austria: 12 Yellow Cards in 4 Matches (3 Per Match)
Spain recorded the highest number of yellow cards, accumulating 16 over the course of 7 matches. England followed closely, receiving 14 yellow cards in 7 matches, indicating a similarly aggressive approach. Austria, with 12 yellow cards in just 4 matches, had the highest per-game average of 3 yellow cards, surpassing even Germany, which received 13 yellow cards in 5 matches.
Red Cards in Euro 2024
Total Red Cards: 6
Euro 2024 saw 6 red cards issued throughout the tournament, marking significant disciplinary breaches by the players involved. These red cards often turned the tide of the games, with teams forced to adapt to the numerical disadvantage.
Notable Red Cards
Czech Republic vs. Turkey: 2 Red Cards for the Czech Republic
Fastest Red Card: Antonín Barák, 20th Minute (Czech Republic vs. Turkey)
Latest Red Card: Dani Carvajal, 120+6th Minute (Spain vs. Germany, Final)
The Czech Republic’s group stage clash with Turkey was particularly eventful, with two Czech players receiving red cards, severely impacting their game plan. Antonín Barák of the Czech Republic holds the record for the fastest red card of the tournament, issued in the 20th minute. Dani Carvajal’s dismissal in the 120+6th minute during the final against Germany was the latest red card, showing how discipline was enforced until the very last moments of the tournament.
Team Discipline in Euro 2024
Turkey: 22 Disciplinary Points (19 Yellow Cards, 1 Red Card in 5 Matches)
Germany: 68 Fouls (13 in Defensive Third, 29 in Own Half)
Turkey topped the disciplinary points chart with 22 points, a sum of 19 yellow cards and 1 red card in just 5 matches. This statistic underscores Turkey’s aggressive and, at times, reckless play. Germany, despite their strong performance in the tournament, committed the most fouls, totaling 68. Out of these, 13 fouls occurred in their defensive third, and 29 fouls were committed in their own half, showing a defensive strategy that bordered on the aggressive.
Historical Context: Discipline in Euro Tournaments
Euro 2004 Discipline: 5 Cards Per Match
Greece’s Yellow Cards: 18 Yellow Cards (Euro 2004)
Gibraltar’s Discipline in Qualifying: 7 Yellow Cards, 2 Red Cards
Wales in Qualifying: 21 Yellow Cards, 3 Red Cards
Comparatively, Euro 2024 was less severe in terms of discipline than Euro 2004, which had an average of 5 cards per match, the highest in the history of the tournament. Greece, during their surprising 2004 championship run, received 18 yellow cards, a record that underscores their gritty and tenacious play. In the Euro 2024 qualifying rounds, Gibraltar received the fewest yellow cards (7) but also picked up 2 red cards. Wales, however, was the worst-disciplined team in the qualifiers, with 21 yellow cards and 3 red cards, reflecting a consistently undisciplined approach throughout the qualifying stage.
Top Goalkeepers Heading into UEFA Euro 2024-25
Goalkeepers play a crucial role in determining the success of their teams in major tournaments. Heading into the 2024-25 UEFA European Championship, several elite goalkeepers are expected to make significant impacts. These players are known for their skills, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure.
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Age: 25
Key Achievements: Best Player at Euro 2020, 11 Clean Sheets in 25 Ligue 1 Appearances (2023-24 Season)
Gianluigi Donnarumma, at 25 years old, remains Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper. Donnarumma’s performance in Euro 2020, where he was named the tournament’s Best Player, solidified his reputation. In the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season, he maintained 11 clean sheets in 25 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), underscoring his reliability. His ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations makes him a formidable last line of defense for Italy.
2. Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Age: 38
Key Achievements: FIFA World Cup Winner, Multiple Bundesliga Titles
Manuel Neuer, a veteran at 38 years old, has had a storied career. Neuer’s accolades include a FIFA World Cup victory and multiple Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich. As Germany’s most experienced goalkeeper, Neuer is expected to lead the national team in what could be his final major tournament. His leadership and reflexes continue to set him apart, even as he nears the end of his career.
3. Mike Maignan (France)
Age: 28
Key Achievements: 5 Clean Sheets in 6 Euro 2024 Qualifying Matches
Mike Maignan, aged 28, has established himself as France’s top goalkeeper. During the Euro 2024 qualifying rounds, Maignan kept 5 clean sheets in 6 matches, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability and positioning skills. Maignan’s rise as France’s number one has been marked by consistent performances, making him a key figure for the upcoming tournament.
4. Jan Oblak (Slovenia)
Age: 31
Key Achievements: Key Player for Atlético Madrid, Known for Reflexes and Aerial Ability
Jan Oblak, 31, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Oblak’s exceptional reflexes and aerial dominance have made him a cornerstone of Atlético Madrid’s defense. As Slovenia’s first-choice goalkeeper, Oblak’s performance will be crucial in determining how far his team can progress in the tournament.
5. Yann Sommer (Switzerland)
Age: 35
Key Achievements: 19 Clean Sheets Across All Competitions, Serie A Title with Inter Milan (2023-24 Season)
Yann Sommer, at 35 years old, continues to deliver top performances. In the 2023-24 season, Sommer kept 19 clean sheets across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s Serie A title win. Sommer’s experience and consistency make him Switzerland’s most reliable goalkeeper heading into the UEFA Euro 2024-25.
6. Jordan Pickford (England)
Age: 30
Key Achievements: Instrumental in England’s Recent Tournaments
Jordan Pickford, aged 30, has been England’s go-to goalkeeper in recent international tournaments. Pickford’s performances in past Euros and World Cups have been marked by crucial saves and a strong command of his area. As England aims to secure their first European Championship title, Pickford’s role will be vital in ensuring defensive solidity.
7. Diogo Costa (Portugal)
Age: 24
Key Achievements: Emerging Talent, Strong Performances in International Competitions
Diogo Costa, 24, is one of the rising stars among European goalkeepers. Costa has shown promise in international competitions, including his performances for Porto. As Portugal’s first-choice goalkeeper, Costa will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament, capitalizing on his agility and shot-stopping skills.
8. Unai Simón (Spain)
Age: 26
Key Achievements: Consistent Performer for Spain
Unai Simón, at 26 years old, has been a consistent presence in goal for Spain. Simón’s performances have been marked by his ability to make crucial saves and his composure under pressure. As Spain looks to make a deep run in the tournament, Simón will be central to their defensive strategy.
These goalkeepers represent the best in European football, each bringing unique skills and experience to their respective teams. Their performances in UEFA Euro 2024-25 will undoubtedly shape the outcomes of their teams’ campaigns.
