Five Future Stars Who Launched Their Careers at the U21 Euros

As we prepare for the upcoming Under-21 European Championships, it’s worth reflecting on five players who launched their illustrious careers at this pivotal tournament.

This competition has consistently featured some of the globe’s most promising young talents, often leaving audiences in awe. However, for many others, it has served a crucial purpose.

Since its transformation into a more prominent event in the 1990s, with a revamp that allowed it to be hosted in a single country over the course of one month—similar to other major international fixtures—it has acted as a springboard for numerous players, paving their paths to greatness.

Andrea Pirlo emerged as one of Italy’s all-time greats, yet few foresaw such greatness at the start of the new millennium. He entered the U21 EURO 2000 amidst a modest loan stint at Reggina from Inter Milan, where he struggled to make a mark.

At the tournament held in Slovakia, however, Pirlo showcased his immense potential. As the captain of Italy, he shone brightly throughout the competition and netted two goals in the final against the Czech Republic—one being a trademark free-kick—leading his nation to victory and securing the Player of the Tournament title.

While he found it difficult to secure a regular place back at Inter, his elevated stature earned him a mid-season loan to Brescia, where his fortunes dramatically changed.

He adapted from a traditional number 10 to a deep-lying playmaker, a move necessitated by the presence of Italian legend Roberto Baggio in his preferred position, and he thrived in this new role. His exceptional form led to a €17 million transfer to AC Milan at the end of that season.

Petr Čech was already the first-choice goalkeeper for Sparta Prague and a Czech international when U21 EURO 2002 rolled around, having debuted three months earlier. Still, it was his key role in guiding his national team to the title in Switzerland that truly elevated his profile.

In the final against a formidable French side that had previously defeated the Czechs 2-0, Čech delivered a stellar performance, keeping the match scoreless over 120 minutes. During the ensuing penalty shootout, he made two crucial saves, leading his country to their first youth title.

France manager Raymond Domenech later remarked, “They had a great goalkeeper, exceptional not just in stature but in how he played, and that made the difference.” It was a sentiment echoed throughout the French camp, prompting Rennes to sign him that summer.

Čech quickly made his mark, establishing himself as Rennes’ first-choice keeper and catching the eye of Chelsea, where he moved two years later. The rest, as they say, is history.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar arrived at U21 EURO 2006 determined to make an impact after being overlooked for the senior squad’s World Cup roster, despite recently being named Ajax’s player of the season and the Netherlands’ talent of the year after joining the club just six months prior. And make an impact he did.

Huntelaar stole the spotlight, scoring four goals in total, including a brace in the final and a spectacular lob over France’s Steve Mandanda in the semi-final. The Oranje lifted the trophy, and he was named Player of the Tournament.

Following this success, he became Ajax’s vice-captain and gained recognition from national coach Marco van Basten, scoring two goals and supplying two assists in his debut against the Republic of Ireland. Despite competing with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie, he maintained his place in the squad and affirmed his status as Ajax’s standout player.

After two remarkable seasons in the Eredivisie and a goal-scoring cameo at EURO 2008, he secured a move to Real Madrid.

Manuel Neuer has solidified his reputation as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever at Bayern Munich, and his impressive performances at U21 EURO 2009 were pivotal in clinching a transfer to the German giants.

The Schalke keeper conceded only one goal in five matches during Germany’s title-winning campaign, earning accolades for his outstanding display in the semi-final against Italy, where he thwarted efforts from Mario Balotelli and Thiago Motta.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented during the tournament, “I believe Manuel Neuer is interested in coming to FC Bayern. If Schalke signals readiness to negotiate, we’ll begin talks.” Post-tournament, Bayern intensified their interest.

Although Schalke held onto Neuer for an additional two seasons, Bayern finally secured his services in 2011.

Xherdan Shaqiri also caught Bayern’s eye during this tournament, as the Swiss winger dazzled in the 2011 edition.

In his first opportunity to shine on a larger stage, the Basel player netted once—a stunning goal—during Switzerland’s impressive run to the final, and his relentless threat to defenders earned him a spot in the team of the tournament.

Just over six months later, he made the switch from Basel to Bayern for around €12 million, eventually enjoying over a decade competing at the highest levels of European football with the likes of Bayern, Inter, Liverpool, and Lyon.