African stars dominate Euro 2024, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with their electrifying performances. While Spaniard Rodri was officially named the tournament’s best player by the UEFA technical committee, the undeniable impact of African players on the competition cannot be overstated. This article explores the impact of African players on Euro 2024 and highlights their remarkable contributions.

African Stars Outshone by Rodri: Best Player of Euro 2024

A Manchester City defensive midfielder, Rodri had an excellent tournament and was awarded the best player title. His performance was was overshadowed by the remarkable displays of African-origin players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who also impressed from Spain.

Rodri’s Euro 2024 Stats:

• Minutes played: 521
• Goal scored: 1
• Assists: 0
• Passes attempted: 439
• Passes made: 411
• Passing Accuracy: 92.84%

Rodri has played 56 matches for the Spanish national team and has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists. He first played for the youth team of Atletico Madrid, then for Villarreal for a short time, and then back to Atletico in 2018. In the summer of 2019, he went to Manchester City in a €70 million deal.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams: African Stars Steal the Show at Euro 2024

Two African-origin players, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, were strong contenders for the best player trophy at Euro 2024. Both players, wingers for the Spanish team, showcased exceptional talent and skill.

• Lamine Yamal: Born to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal scored a legendary goal against France in the semi-finals and provided 3 assists.

• Nico Williams: With Ghanaian parents, Williams emerged as a major attraction, scoring a crucial goal in the final against England.

The African Influence on Euro 2024

African stars dominate Euro 2024, with their presence felt across multiple teams. France, in particular, featured prominently with 15 players of African descent. In the match against Portugal, the French team fielded 10 players of African heritage simultaneously.

Historical Best Players of Euro Championships

• 1996: Matthias Sammer (Germany)
• 2000: Zinedine Zidane (France)
• 2004: Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece)
• 2008: Xavi Hernández (Spain)
• 2012: Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
• 2016: Antoine Griezmann (France)
• 2020: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
• 2024: Rodri (Spain)

Conclusion

Euro 2024 underscored the influence of African talent in European football. Players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams not only highlighted their skills but also brought pride to their African heritage. The tournament demonstrated the benefits of diverse backgrounds in European football, enriching the game with unique talents and contributions