7 youngest goal scorers in Euro history including Cristiano Ronaldo, Arda Guler

The European Championship highlights some of the planet's top football talents, all striving to bring glory to their countries.

Amid such fierce competition, standing out is tough, but certain players have managed to leave an immediate mark on the Euros.

Throughout the tournament's history, numerous young talents have risen to the challenge, scoring early in their careers.

While some went on to achieve great success, others didn't sustain their early promise.

Sports Brief takes a look at the seven youngest goal-scorers in Euro history.

Youngest scorers in Euro history

7. Ferenc Bene - 19 years, 183 days

Bene demonstrated remarkable goal-scoring ability during the summer of 1964, starting with his early success at the European Championships for Hungary.

Despite his goal against Spain, his nation lost 2-1 in the semi-finals, but Bene scored again in the third-place playoff.

His impressive form continued at the Olympics, where he scored 24 goals in 13 matches, including six in one game, helping Hungary win the gold medal.

Bene's incredible summer began at the European Championships, where he scored his first goal in the competition at just 19 years old, paving the way for his later achievements.

Ferenc Bene, Hungary#Hungary #Magyar pic.twitter.com/MmKEdgcP80

— Football Memories (@footballmemorys) March 28, 2024

6. Cristiano Ronaldo - 19 years, 127 days

Entering the 2004 Euros as the highly touted Golden Boy, Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to shine.

He scored his first international goal by heading in a cross from Luis Figo against Greece in the opening match.

Despite Portugal losing that game, the tournament marked the beginning of one of football's most illustrious international careers.

5. Arda Güler - 19 years, 114 days

According to data analysts, Opta Stats, Güler recently became the fifth youngest goal-scorer in UEFA Euro history, breaking Ronaldo’s debut scoring record.

The star already likened to Lionel Messi netted his goal during the 2024 edition against Georgia, helping Turkey to a 3-1 victory.

4. Dragan Stojković - 19 years, 108 days

Dragan Stojković, now the Serbian manager, once held the top spot among the youngest Euro scorers. He scored a late penalty in Yugoslavia's 3-2 loss to France.

Although it was only a consolation goal, it secured his place in history until Wayne Rooney surpassed him in 2004.

3. Renato Sanches - 18 years, 317 days

Sanches entered the 2016 Euros after a standout season with Benfica. He scored a crucial goal against Poland, becoming the third youngest Euro scorer.

Sanches' strike helped Portugal draw level with Poland after Robert Lewandowski had opened the scoring early on.

2. Wayne Rooney - 18 years, 237 days

Rooney broke records at the 2004 Euros, becoming the second youngest scorer with his header against Switzerland in the group stages, per Euro Sport.

Already a Premier League sensation, his goal helped England to a 3-0 victory and made him the youngest player to score a brace in the tournament.

1. Johann Vonlanthen - 18 years, 141 days

Wayne Rooney’s record lasted just four days before Johann Vonlanthen claimed the top spot.

He scored the equaliser for Switzerland against France in the group stages that same year.

Despite the Swiss' eventual loss and elimination, his goal secured his place in the Euro history books.