Under-21 European Championship: 15 Players of the Tournament from Years Gone By
The Under-21 European Championship is set to kick off on Wednesday, but who were the stars of previous tournaments? Can you name these 15 players of the tournament from Under-21 Euros of years gone by? Test your knowledge with this quiz and see how well you do!
#1: 2002 – Andrea Pirlo
The first player of the tournament award was given to Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo in 2002. Pirlo was a key part of Italy’s midfield during the tournament, helping them to a runner-up finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to have a successful career at club level, winning two Champions League titles with AC Milan and Juventus.
#2: 2004 – Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2004, after helping England to a fourth-place finish. Rooney scored four goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick against Switzerland in the group stage. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of England’s greatest ever players.
#3: 2006 – Cesc Fabregas
In 2006, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas was awarded the player of the tournament award. Fabregas was instrumental in Spain’s run to the final, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of Spain’s greatest ever players, winning two European Championships and a World Cup.
#4: 2007 – Sergio Aguero
Argentine forward Sergio Aguero was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2007. Aguero scored three goals and provided two assists during the tournament, helping Argentina to a third-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of Argentina’s greatest ever players, winning two La Liga titles with Atletico Madrid.
#5: 2009 – Mario Balotelli
Italian forward Mario Balotelli was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2009. Balotelli scored three goals and provided two assists during the tournament, helping Italy to a runner-up finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to have a successful career at club level, winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City.
#6: 2011 – Isco
Spanish midfielder Isco was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2011. Isco scored three goals and provided four assists during the tournament, helping Spain to a third-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of Spain’s greatest ever players, winning two Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
#7: 2013 – Paul Pogba
French midfielder Paul Pogba was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2013. Pogba scored two goals and provided two assists during the tournament, helping France to a fourth-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of France’s greatest ever players, winning four Serie A titles with Juventus.
#8: 2015 – Dele Alli
English midfielder Dele Alli was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2015. Alli scored three goals and provided two assists during the tournament, helping England to a runner-up finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of England’s greatest ever players, winning two Premier League titles with Tottenham Hotspur.
#9: 2017 – Saul Niguez
Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2017. Niguez scored three goals and provided one assist during the tournament, helping Spain to a third-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of Spain’s greatest ever players, winning two Europa League titles with Atletico Madrid.
#10: 2019 – Joao Felix
Portuguese forward Joao Felix was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2019. Felix scored three goals and provided one assist during the tournament, helping Portugal to a fourth-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of Portugal’s greatest ever players, winning two Primeira Liga titles with Benfica.
#11: 2021 – Mason Mount
English midfielder Mason Mount was awarded the player of the tournament award in 2021. Mount scored three goals and provided three assists during the tournament, helping England to a third-place finish. He was also named in the team of the tournament, and went on to become one of England’s greatest ever players, winning two Premier League titles with Chelsea.
Conclusion
The Under-21 European Championship has seen some great players over its history, with 15 players being awarded player of the tournament awards since 2002. From Andrea Pirlo to Mason Mount, these players have gone on to have successful careers at both club and international level. So why not test your knowledge and see how many you can name?