From Ronaldo to Mbappe: Euro 2024’s big names battle form and fortune
With a colorful spectacle unfolding with a tapestry of vibrant fans across Germany some of the world’s biggest names have been off the pace in albeit thrilling Euro 2024.
16 teams have made it to the knockout round of the tournament yet stuttering form and hard luck have plagued many of football’s leading lights who have underwhelmed in the just-ended group phase.
Perhaps the biggest name, Cristiano Ronaldo, featuring at a record sixth European Championship, is yet to get on the score sheet after three games. The 39-year-old will become the oldest goal scorer in the history of the tournament if he manages to ripple the back of the net.
Real Madrid’s new boy Kylian Mbappe headed into the tournament with high expectations given his underwhelming show in the previous edition.
The former PSG man, however, had to wait until Les Bleus’ third game to find the back of the net by converting from the spot – his first in the history of the competition. He may however be given the benefits of the doubt given his initial setback that has forced him to wear a protective mask – breaking his nose in the opening game against Austria after his efforts had triggered an own goal to help the 2018 World Cup champions win their only game thus far.
Poland’s talisman Robert Lewandowski was sidelined in their opening game defeat due to a thigh injury. Poland were eventually eliminated after losing to Austria. His solitary goal came in their last group game against the French.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have both scored from open play for the Three Lions but have vastly underperformed considering the stellar campaigns they concluded with their respective clubs.
And so have Phil Foden and Antoine Griezmann, who have fired blanks at the Euros after strong seasons for Man City and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Romelu Lukaku comes off the worst on this list, albeit not for want of trying. Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer is without a goal after seeing three ruled out by VAR as his team narrowly made their way to the knockout round.
With 15 matches still to play from now till the final, fans are still waiting for the tournament’s big names to rise to the occasion.
