Euro Cups, just like World Cups, not only serve as stages for the crowning of big football stars but also as launching pads for young talents whose international value skyrockets.

From José Ángel Iribar, locking down Spain's goal in the 1964 Euro; to Paolo Maldini as a defensive general on the left wing in Germany 1988; through Cristiano Ronaldo’s youthful power in Portugal 2004; and finally Pedri’s unstoppable teenage magic in the Euro 2020.

Following in the footsteps of these legends are several young players making their Euro debut, aiming to make a mark. Here are ten standouts:

Florian Wirtz:

• Probably the most sensational breakout of this past football season.
• A brilliant attacking midfielder who dazzled in Germany with Xabi Alonso’s unstoppable Bayer Leverkusen and aims to repeat his performance with the "Mannschaft" as they host the tournament.
• Half of Europe is vying for his services, but he has already expressed his intention to stay one more year with Alonso at the “aspirin” club.

Lamine Yamal:

• The youngest player at the Euro, just 16 years old, already shaping up as one of Spain’s main offensive weapons, if not the main one. A tiny devil with intimidating dribbling, speed, and finishing skills like no other in La Roja’s recent memory.
• At Barcelona, he’s emerged as the great hope for a club in tough times, and the Euro, where he is set to start on the right wing, could be the stage where he solidifies his role.

Arda Güler:

• A genuine talent to dazzle Turkey's opponents. Despite a first season at Real Madrid marred by injuries and lack of opportunities, he arrives at the Euro ready to showcase his vast footballing skills.
• His offensive skills are limitless: dribbling with surgical precision, elegant movement, clear vision, and powerful shooting. If he can bring out his magic, Turkey could be a surprise contender.

Nico Williams:

• A sharp knife on the left wing. Few defenders can withstand his dazzling one-on-one moves, a skill he’s complemented with improved decision-making.
• After his best season with Athletic Club, including a Copa del Rey win after 40 years, he comes to the Euro aiming to establish himself as one of the continent’s top wingers and boost Spain from the left side.

Warren Zaïre-Emery:

• The gem of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, who has shone this season under Luis Enrique, becoming one of the standouts in the French squad.
• Technical, skillful, instinctive... just a few adjectives to describe this unique midfielder. Deschamps has a diamond in him who can ignite games for France.
• Though he’s theoretically a backup, he could make a sudden impact when he takes the field for “Les Bleus.”

Benjamin Šeško:

• A Slovenian striker with great presence and physique. Nearly two meters tall, unbeatable in the air, coming off a breakout season in the Bundesliga and donning the Red Bull wings: his leaps are like flights.
• After a stellar season with Leipzig, recruited to replace a star like Christopher Nkunku, he aims to be Slovenia’s attacking reference alongside Oblak on the other end of the field.

Kobbie Mainoo:

• A pleasant surprise in Manchester United’s inconsistent season. A midfielder with incredible box-to-box ability, the frame of a locomotive, and endless physical prowess.
• The natural successor to Casemiro at the “Red Devils,” having already taken the starting spot from him on several occasions, and the future anchor of England’s midfield; his place in the British starting eleven isn’t certain, but he’ll get significant minutes. It wouldn’t be surprising if he secures the spot.

Xavi Simons:

• Another player infused with RB Leipzig’s daring and irreverent spirit through dribbling, imbalance, and goals.
• After a brief stint at the Qatar World Cup, the Dutchman wants to prove himself to Ronald Koeman and showcase his talent for the Netherlands.
• A strong showing with the Dutch at the top continental tournament could clear up his situation.

João Neves:

• The latest promise from Benfica’s endless academy. A brilliant football brain who sees plays before he even receives the ball, with immense skill in passing and finding spaces unseen by most midfielders.
• Benfica is thrilled with the potential earnings from this sharp mind for football; meanwhile, Portugal's coach Roberto Martínez knows he has the perfect piece in the young Portuguese to complement the technical midfielders in his squad.

Rasmus Højlund:

• A powerful forward looking to make his mark after an inconsistent season with Manchester United. He has all it takes to be the spearhead of a Denmark team aiming to replicate the surprising heights reached in the last Euro - making it to the semifinals and almost beating England.
• His impressive physique and understanding of space make him a key player for the “Danish Dynamite.”
• The Euro is Denmark’s favorite tournament - they’ve won it once and reached the semifinals three times - and Højlund will try to emulate the likes of Vilfort, Brian Laudrup, and Povlsen to pull off another shock like in 1992.