From Cristiano Ronaldo to Griezmann: Top 5 Leading Goal Scorers in EUROs – No. 5 will blow your mind

With just a few hours left to the start of the EURO Cup 2024, let's take a trip down memory lane and find out who are the leading goal scorers in the history of the competition. It is no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo has featured in the tournament more times than anybody. The 2024 edition will be his 6th appearance at the Continental Cup.

Ronaldo led his side to glory in the 2016 EURO Cup and was the top scorer in 2020 (2021) with 5 goals. He has compiled a good sum in his longstanding career and since the impending tournament is seen as Ronaldo's last Euro Cup for Portugal, it is understandable that he would look to go out on a high. Thus, more "Siuuus" are expected in EURO 2024. Besides Ronaldo, the major focus would be on Kylian Mbappe. The French captain hasn't been able to make much impact in the EURO till now and hence the new Real Madrid player would be looking to modify the books.

While an exciting month of action is about to begin, ahead of the start let's take a look at the top-5 leading goalscorers in the history of the EURO Cup.

Also Read | Top Football Players who will miss UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany

5.)  Romelu Lukaku, Patrick Kluivert, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, Nuno Gomes and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (6)

Romelu Lukaku set a record with 14 goals in the European Championship qualification campaign leading up to Euro 2024. The Belgium international is also tied for fifth in goals scored at the tournament proper, with six goals. Lukaku is the only current player in a six-way tie, sharing the spot with some legendary names.
Patrick Kluivert won the Golden Boot for the Netherlands at Euro 2000, while Wayne Rooney's electrifying performance at Euro 2004 helped him reach six goals.

Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Nuno Gomes also each scored six goals in the European Championship.

4.) Antoine Griezmann (7 goals)

Antoine Griezmann aims to add to his seven European Championship goals this summer. The Frenchman has consistently excelled in major tournaments for Les Bleus, including his six-goal performance at Euro 2016, where he won the Golden Boot. Griezmann was outstanding during France's 2018 World Cup victory and again as Didier Deschamps' team reached the 2022 World Cup final. He has proven himself under the pressure of tournament football.

3.) Alan Shearer (7 goals)

Alan Shearer's spot in the England squad was under scrutiny leading up to Euro '96. Despite winning consecutive Premier League Golden Boots, he faced a goal drought at the international level, failing to score in 12 games over 21 months before the tournament. However, manager Terry Venables trusted Shearer, who rewarded that faith by scoring five goals at Euro '96. His prolific form, including a memorable double against the Netherlands, helped England reach the semi-finals on home soil.

2.) Michel Platini (9 goals)

Michel Platini is the second-highest scorer in European Championship history, with an incredible nine goals, all scored in a single tournament during Euro '84 for France.
Platini netted nine goals in just five games, including the winner against Denmark and back-to-back hat-tricks against Belgium and Yugoslavia in the group stage.
In the knockout rounds, his 119th-minute winner against Portugal in extra time pushed France into the final, where he opened the scoring in the victory over Spain.
This triumph marked France's first major international title, with Platini's performance considered one of the greatest individual campaigns in Euros history.

1.) Cristiano Ronaldo (14 goals)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in European Championship history, with 14 goals across five tournaments.
Ronaldo is the only player to have played in and scored in five editions of the tournament, earning the Golden Boot at Euro 2020.
As the Portugal captain, he continues to be a key part of the squad for this summer's competition, aiming to extend and break more European Championship records.