The Euros 2024 promises to be particularly intriguing due to several factors. Firstly, the tournament will showcase the talent and depth of European football, with top young players from across the continent competing on the grand stage. Furthermore, the Euros 2024 will be hosted by Germany, adding an extra layer of excitement as fans anticipate the vibrant atmosphere and world-class stadiums that the host nation will provide.
There are many storylines that may unfold from the upcoming tournament, and the biggest of all is Cristiano Ronaldo! Will it be his last ever Euros?Plenty of young talent in the batch of stickers, let’s see what the set brings us.
It should be noted that in this review, I am not including parallels. I am treating every sticker on a level playing field and picking the my opinion of best stickers as if they were all printed to the same quantity.
Let’s get into the top 10!
10 – Johan Bakayoko International Rookie Sticker – #BEL-PTW – True Rookie Sticker from Topps UEFA Champions League 2023-2024
Bakayoko is a solid winger that can perform every task well. He can cross effectively from the right wing, or cut inside for the shot. Being able to do this gives rise to indecision from opposition defenders. This is especially effective as he is very skilled at crossing, almost forcing defenders to follow him to the byline. In addition, he is strong physically and is balanced on the ball.
Johan is my wildcard pick for the tournament as a youngster that can make a difference. Being so young, I can’t see him being a starter but he can definitely make an impact off the bench! Time will tell, but I think this is a rookie worth taking a risk on!
9 – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – #GEO8-9 & #GEO-LUX-SP (Insert) – International Rookie Sticker from Topps The Road to UEFA Nations League Finals 2022-2023 — True Rookie Sticker from PANINI Russian Premier League 2019-2020
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, pace, and creativity on the field. He possesses excellent close control and the ability to beat defenders with ease, often using his quick acceleration and agility to navigate through tight spaces. With his dynamic playing style and versatility to operate on either flank, Kvaratskhelia has become a key player for both his club and the Georgian national team.
As for the upcoming Euros 2024, expectations are high for Kvaratskhelia to make a significant impact for the Georgian national team. As one of their key attacking players, he will be relied upon to provide creativity and offensive threat in the tournament. He has been a major part of Georgia’s qualification to the competition, maybe he can work miracles in the tournament!
It is likely Georgia aren’t going to be doing much in the tournament. Nonetheless, this is a top sticker from a top player!
8 – Cole Palmer International Rookie Sticker – #ENG3 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini English Premier League 2021-2022
Cole Palmer is a promising midfielder known for his technical ability, and creativity on the field. He is comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or on the wings, where he can use his dribbling skills and vision to create goal-scoring opportunities for his team.
He has been in immense form for Chelsea this season (2024), with a staggering 16 goals from midfield! On top of that, it has been for a very poor Chelsea side. He has been their shining light of the season.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Euros 2024, there is anticipation surrounding Palmer’s potential involvement with the England squad. As a player with the ability to provide creativity and energy in midfield, he could offer valuable depth and versatility to the team’s lineup. I don’t think he will be getting a starter place, as England’s midfield is completely stacked. I think he has the potential to make a difference off the bench.
7 – Antonio Silva International Rookie Sticker – #POR6 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 2022-2023
Antonio Silva is a confident young center-back. He currently plays for Portugese giants, Benfica, and has been very impressive in his short career. He is known for being an accurate tackler, who is very good at winning back possession, and at anticipating and intercepting plays. He is also comfortable on the ball, possessing good technical ability, as well as good distribution.
Roberto Martinez likes to play with a back 3, so Antonio Silva has a strong chance of getting some big tournament game time! Even if he is a bit-part player in the tournament, I am confident that he is set for a very large career. I think he is due for a move to a bigger league!
Maybe this is one of those stickers for the longterm.
6 – Rasmus Hojlund International Rookie Sticker – #DEN21 & #DEN-PTW(Insert) – True Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 2022-2023 Celebration
Rasmus Hojlund is a talented Danish striker who has incredible physical capabilities and technical skills. He primarily operates as a number 9 and is capable of holding up the ball as well as making fast effective runs behind the back 4. He is a solid finisher, not a killer yet, but this will come in time. He had a slow start to life at Manchester United(2024), but he has had a much improved second half of the season, often getting on the scoresheet.
As for his expectations for the upcoming Euros 2024, Hojlund likely aims to contribute significantly to the Danish national team’s success. They will look to him for the crucial goals they will want to progress in the competition. Despite being young, I think he is ready for this weight on his shoulders, and I think he has a good chance of a strong competition.
5 – Arda Güler International Rookie Sticker – #TUR16 & #TUR-PTW(Insert) – True Rookie Sticker from Colecciones ESTE LaLiga 2023-2024
Arda Güler is a Turkish wonderkid known for his incredible technical ability, drawing comparisons to the great Mesut Ozil. Primarily attacking midfielder, Gürler possesses excellent dribbling skills, pace, and creativity on the ball. He is adept at taking on defenders, creating space, and incisive balls in behind the defence Gürler also has a keen eye for goal, capable of scoring from distance or finding the back of the net with well-timed runs into the box. He has already scored a few bangers for the Turkish National Team
The whole nation of Turkey will be watching to see what he can produce at this upcoming tournament. The Real Madrid man, will strive to showcase his skills and contribute to his team’s success in the tournament. Güler’s focus will be on helping Turkey navigate through the group stage and progress as far as possible in the knockout rounds.
Turkey have a deceptively strong team, who knows what they can achieve at the 2024 Euros!
4 – Jude Bellingham – #ENG16 & #ENG-SP(Insert) – International Rookie Sticker from Panini UEFA Euro 2020 Tournament Edition — True Rookie Sticker from Panini FIFA 365 2021
Jude Bellingham is youngster renowned for his maturity, versatility, and dynamic playing style. Despite his young age, he is considered one of the world’s best players and is tearing it up for Real Madrid on a weekly basis!
He displays exceptional composure on the ball, intelligence in decision-making, and a strong physical presence. Bellingham possesses impressive technical skills, including precise passing, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal. He is known for his tireless work rate, often contributing defensively with interceptions and tackles while also driving his team forward in attack.
England already has high expectations on Bellingham, and will hope he can lead England to glory! Bellingham will be instrumental in England’s midfield, providing creativity, energy, and stability. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a valuable asset for the team.
England will be going into this tournament as one of the big favourites, and a lot of the expectation is down to this man. This sticker has the potential to be a very big one!
3 – Cristiano Ronaldo – #POR2 – International Rookie Sticker from Panini UEFA Euro Portugal 2004 — True Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 2002-2003
Cristiano Ronaldo, we all know is one of the greatest players of all time, if not the greatest! Known for his remarkable athleticism, technical skills, and being an assassin in front of the goal, Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the sport. If there is a big game, it’s likely this guy is going to pop up with a goal!
Heading into the upcoming Euros, Ronaldo’s expectations remain high as he continues to defy age and maintain his exceptional performance level. As the captain and leader of the Portuguese national team, he will be instrumental in their quest for success. Ronaldo’s experience, determination, and hunger for victory make him a formidable force on the pitch, and he will be eager to add another major international trophy to his illustrious career.
I think this is such a big sticker because it could well be his final International sticker! For a player as big as CR7, that is a big deal. It simply is a huge sticker!
Here is a history of CR7’s career through stickers.
2 – Warren Zaire-Emery International Rookie Sticker – #FRA16 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini Foot 2023-2024
Zaire-Emery primiarly plays as a defensive midfielder. For someone of 18 years, he has a great physical foundation and remarkable technical abilities. Zaïre-Emery is both good at winning the ball and launching the plays, providing structure to its team plays, giving balance to the midfield. He is rightly described as a wonderkid! At the time of writing, he has managed 2 caps for France and 67 appearances for PSG.
Now that is absolutely insane, he is 18 and has played for one of the best teams in the world 67 times! He has a huge future ahead of him and this sticker could be an absolute monster in 10 years times. I don’t expect him to get too much game time as France’s squad is very strong, especially in the center of the pitch with Camavinga and Tchouaméni ahead of him.
Whether he plays or not doesn’t take away from the potential of this sticker. Definitely grab this one early while there is plenty around to grab!
1 – Lamine Yamal International Rookie Sticker – #ESP19 & #ESP-PTW – True Rookie Sticker from Colecciones ESTE LaLiga 2023-2024
Lamine Yamal is the best rookie sticker in the Topps Uefa Euro 2024 set.
Now this guy is almost comical how good he is! Lamine Yamal is only 16 years old and already has 6 caps and 2 goals for Spain. I don’t know what you were doing at 16, but I sure as hell wasn’t anywhere near achieving something like that!
Yamal is a left-footed forward with excellent dribbling, passing and chance-creating abilities, Lamine Yamal is able to play either as a centre-forward, an attacking midfielder or a winger, notably on the right flank. He is incredible technical and diminutive with the ball at his feet. With his technical profile, he was compared to Lionel Messi, which is very very big shoes to fill. I won’t go as far to make that comparison but the future looks very bright for this guy!
At 16 he has managed to get 45 appearances for the Barcelona first team and has bagged 6 goals. This guy doesn’t even seem like a real person! I have no idea how its possible but he is a true generational talent!
He definitely has the ability to go right to the top. The only question mark is whether he has the temperament to keep progressing. I like his chances and it goes without saying – GET THIS STICKER!
Summary
This was a very interesting set to review as there were loads of youngsters to consider. It should be said that this is my opinion and highly speculative as most of the players chosen are at the start of the career with high upside. The only sure thing in this set is the CR7 sticker. I am confident with Yamal as my number 1 choice as the young fella is a freak of nature. Hopefully he can continue on the right path.
I will be looking forward to the tournament, and if there is a star performer or a young star breaking onto the scene, this list might be subject to updating. Let me know what you think of my list by commenting below or you can message me on my instagram.
Thanks for reading!