The Under-21 European Championships in Slovakia have once again showcased the next generation of football talent, with several young players making their mark. BBC Sport highlights five standout performers who have caught the eye during the tournament.
**Nick Woltemade (Germany)**
Germany’s Nick Woltemade emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals and joint-top assister with three. The 23-year-old Stuttgart striker, dubbed a “two-metre Messi-Musiala” by his club captain, scored a historic hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Slovenia. His performances have attracted interest from Premier League side Chelsea, following a breakthrough season at Stuttgart where he netted 17 goals in 33 appearances.
**Charlie Cresswell (England)**
England’s Charlie Cresswell, now with Toulouse in Ligue 1, was a defensive rock, playing every minute as England retained their title. The 22-year-old centre-back led with 52 ball recoveries and boasted a 91% passing accuracy. He also scored in the opening match against the Czech Republic, strengthening his case for a senior England call-up in 2026.
**Geovany Quenda (Portugal)**
Portugal’s 18-year-old midfielder Geovany Quenda, set to join Chelsea for up to £44m in 2026, impressed with three goals and two assists in four matches. His performances, including two player-of-the-match awards, justified the hype, with Portuguese pundits predicting he could be worth double his transfer fee in two years.
**Djaoui Cisse (France)**
France’s 21-year-old midfielder Djaoui Cisse, a regular for Rennes, became a key figure in France’s semi-final run. His box-to-box displays included three goals, one assist, and a 91.75% passing accuracy. Cisse’s ability to break lines and contribute defensively with seven ball recoveries underlined his growing reputation.
**Luka Kharatishvili (Georgia)**
Georgia’s goalkeeper Luka Kharatishvili, 22, shone despite his team’s early exit. Playing for Dinamo Batumi, he made six crucial saves in a 3-2 loss to France and a last-minute stop to secure a 2-1 win over Poland. His performances have put him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs.
These young stars have not only lit up the tournament but also signalled their potential to shape the future of football.
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