Arda Guler and Francisco Conceicao Steal the Show

Arda Guler on his European Championship debut, curled in a stunning early contender for goal of the tournament as Turkey triumphed over Georgia 3-1. Another day at Euro 2024 and once again, two young stars took center stage. Shortly after, 21-year-old Francisco Conceicao scored just 111 seconds after coming on, clinching a late 2-1 victory for Portugal against the Czech Republic. Guler, dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ at 19, became only the third teenager to score on their Euro debut, joining the likes of Ferenc Bene and Cristiano Ronaldo. His remarkable 20-yard strike also made him the youngest player to score in his first European Championship appearance.

Guler, who recently joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce, initially faced fitness and form challenges but finished strong, winning La Liga and becoming the first Turkish player to lift the Champions League with five goals in the last five league matches of the season. Ashley Williams, former Wales defender, hailed Arda Guler’s goal as “incredible,” while Stephen Warnock praised his skill and potential. In the tournament’s second Group F match, Porto’s Conceicao continued the trend of young talents making an impact, securing an injury-time winner in his competitive debut for Portugal.

Euro 2024 has showcased other emerging stars including Bayern Munich’s 21-year-old forward Jamal Musiala, who impressed in Germany’s opening game and Florian Wirtz, the youngest scorer for Germany at a European Championship. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 16-year-old also made history as the youngest player to feature in the tournament, dazzling in Spain’s emphatic 3-0 win over Croatia. Additionally, England’s 20-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham representing Real Madrid scored the decisive goal against Serbia, marking a milestone in his young career.