The UEFA European Championship, popularly known as the Euros, is an age-old competition steeped with football legends. From its inception in 1960, the tournament has evolved and maybe turned into the most awaited one in the continent, featuring many unforgettable goals and performances par excellence. Here we look at who is up there among the top goal scorers in the history of the Euros, updated through the championship of 2020.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 14 Goals
The Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, remains the all-time highest goal scorer in the history of the European Championships. As of the end of the 2020 tournament, he has 14 goals to his name in the championship, which states nothing but his consistency and brilliance over multiple editions of the Euros.
2004: 2 goals (vs. Greece (1), vs. Netherlands (1))
2008: 1 goal (vs. Czech Republic (1) )
2012: 3 goals (vs. Netherlands (2), vs. Czech Republic (1))
2016: 3 goals (vs. Hungary (2), vs. Wales(1) )
2020: 5 goals (vs. Hungary (2), Germany (2), vs. France (1))
2. Michel Platini – 9 Goals (France)
It was, however, a French midfield maestro who held the record for many years before Ronaldo surpassed him. Platini’s remarkable tally of 9 came in just one tournament – the 1984 Euros. His performance was spectacular, leading France to their first European Championship title.
1984: 9 goals (vs. Denmark (1), vs. Belgium (3), vs. Yugoslavia (3), vs. Portugal (1),vs. Spain(1))
3. Alan Shearer (England) – 7 Goals
The prolific striker for England, Alan Shearer, comfortably places among the top scorers, registering seven goals. His contributions came in the two tournaments of 1996 and 2000, with his presence and deadly finishing making the biggest of impacts.
1996: 5 goals (vs. Switzerland (1), vs. Scotland (1) , Netherlands (1), vs. Germany (1)
2000: 2 goals (vs. Germany (1), vs. Romania (1))
4. Antoine Griezmann (France) –7 Goals
Antoine Griezmann, through his displays, added to the rank of elite scorers in the 2016 and 2020 tournaments. In the 2016 edition, he notched up six goals and took home the Golden Boot award for his inspired form that helped France to the final before hitting the target again in 2020 to take his overall tally to 7.
2016: 6 goals (vs. Albania (1) , vs. Ireland (2), vs. Iceland (1), vs. Germany (2))
2020: 1 goal (vs. Hungary (1) )
5. Ruud van Nistelrooy (The Netherlands) – 6 Goals
The goal machine of the Netherlands, Ruud van Nistelrooy, scored 6 goals in his Euro career. He participated in two tournaments: the 2004 and 2008 editions. A player recognized for his poaching abilities, and how he could be clinical in front of goal, Ruud is always remembered as a menace for opposition defenders.
2004: 4 goals (vs. Germany (1) , vs. Czech Republic (1) , vs. Latvia (2))
2008: 2 goals (vs. Italy, vs. Russia)
6. Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands) – 6 Goals
Behind them is another Dutchman, Patrick Kluivert, with six goals. He was also crucial in the 1996 and 2000 performances for the Netherlands.
1996: 1 goal (vs. Switzerland (1))
2000: 5 goals (vs. Denmark (1), Yugoslavia (3), vs. Italy (1) )
7. Thierry Henry (France) – 6 Goals
Thierry Henry, France’s all-time top scorer, has also found success in the competition, scoring six goals for the championship in his appearances at the competitions of 2000, 2004, and 2008. Henry’s pace, trickery, and lethal finishing combined to make him one of the most fearsome forwards of his generation.
2000: 3 goals (vs. Denmark (1), vs. Czech Republic (1), vs. Portugal (1) )
2004: 2 goals (vs. Switzerland (2) )
2008: 1 goal (vs. Netherlands (1) )
8. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)- 6 Goals
Swedish talisman Zlatan Ibrahimović has tallied six goals in the European Championships, and he has represented his country in four different tournaments from 2004 to 2016. Goals galore—some of them acrobatic—in any tournament have him appearing, and the same is happening again for Ibrahimović in the Euros.
2004: 2 goals (vs. Bulgaria (1) , vs. Italy (1) )
2008: 2 goals (vs. Greece (1) , vs. Spain (1) )
2012: 2 goals (vs. Ukraine (1), vs. France (1) )
Honorable Mentions
Several other players have, too, been at the threshold of being listed among the highest scorers regarding goals, which are there to be mentioned. Among these, the leading scorers are Wayne Rooney from England, Nuno Gomes from Portugal, and Mario Gómez from Germany, with five goals in the tournament, a clear testimony of scoring potential on the big stage.
Summary
Many great goal scorers have graced the UEFA European Championship history. Since Ronaldo’s record-breaking feats, through Platini’s outstanding performance in 1984, these players have brought about many memorable moments to the fans. Now that we look forward to the next tournament, a legacy left by the top scorers in history will always inspire and bring enjoyment to all football fanatics.