While much of the attention will turn to the continent’s young and brightest stars this
summer, there remains a host of older players set to play a crucial role in the fortunes of
their respective countries at Euro 2024.
These mature and experienced heads are vital for national teams that are serious about reaching the latter stages of the tournament or have grander ambitions of being crowned Champions.
Here Are 9 UEFA Euro 2024 Veterans and Oldest Players To Look Out For
1. Olivier Giroud (37)
Olivier Giroud remains a huge goal threat having scored 16 goals for AC Milan this season.
During Euro 2024 qualification the Frenchman played eight matches, finding the net three
times in just ten shots. Giroud faces stiff competition upfront with the likes of Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani in good form this campaign. Yet he will still provide a reliable and effective option for Didier Deschamps’ Bleus, even if from the bench.
2. Jan Vertonghen (37)
On the list of Euro 2024 oldest players, Jan Vertonghen is still going strong in defence for
Anderlecht with 29 appearances this campaign. Euro 2024 qualifying saw the Belgian
feature in seven games, making 37 ball recoveries and scoring a goal against Estonia. Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco could pair Vertonghen alongside Arthur Theate or Wout Faes at Centre-back after recently producing a solid display vs England. Vertonghen's age doesn't diminish his strength and positional intelligence, posing a formidable challenge for Europe's top forwards.
3. Domagoj Vida (35)
At age 35, Domagoj Vida is excelling with AEK Athens, featuring 37 times this season
and scoring an impressive eight goals. In the Euro 2024 qualifying group stages the Croatian
defender made eleven interceptions and recently played a full 90-minute against Egypt. Vida must contend with the likes of Manchester City Centre-back Josko Gvardiol for a starting role in Zlatko Dalić’s side. Yet the experienced defender offers stability and ‘know-how’, vital if Croatia progress to the later rounds of the competition.
4. Daley Blind (34)
Daley Blind has been ever present for Spanish side Girona this season, having made 33
appearances in all competitions. During Euro 2024 qualifiers he featured five times and
recently played 89 minutes in a 2-1 friendly loss to Germany. For the national team, Blind is typically deployed as an advanced full-back, midfielder or centre-back. His adaptability and competence in several different positions make him a brilliant option for Ronald Koeman. Even as one of UEFA Euro 2024 old players, Blind’s experience will be of great importance as the tournament reaches its final stages.
5. Andriy Yarmolenko (34)
This season has proved challenging for Andriy Yarmolenko, with the Ukrainian scoring just
five goals in ten matches for Dynamo Kyiv. A knee injury has plagued large parts of his
season and he only returned in late March. Yet, Yarmolenko has found the net twice in his last two league games and is hitting form at the opportune moment. Ukraine possesses a strong forward line that includes Mykhailo Mydruk but veteran Yarmolenko provides a fascinating wildcard for Serhiy Rebrov’s team.
6. Matteo Darmian (34)
Now aged 35, Matteo Darmian has enjoyed a productive season with Inter Milan as part of
their Serie A winning side. In the Euro 2024 qualifying group stage, the Italian defender scored one goal in his four matches played, completing 90 minutes twice against Malta and North Macedonia. Darmian is in direct competition with Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo for the right-back spot. However, the veteran gives Luciano Spalletti a dilemma and an option to utilise his experience in those inevitable high-pressure moments.
7. Luka Modric (38)
Luka Modric remains a key figure at Real Madrid and in his 12th season at the Bernabeu
has made 42 appearances. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, he featured eight times and registered a solid 88% passing accuracy. Although on the Euro 2024 old players list, Modric is certain to start at the tournament. Croatia's captain is still as influential as ever in the holding midfield turned playmaker role. Manager Zlatko Dalić will rely upon his leadership, immense quality, and calmness in big-game situations.
8. Thomas Muller (34)
Thomas Muller remains a consistent force for Bayern Munich, having made 39 appearances in his 16th Bundesliga campaign. During the Euro 2024 qualifying matches, the German made a significant impact, playing in only four games but managing to score three goals and provide three assists. Muller is expected to play a supporting role from the bench during the Championships, offering experience to solidify a youthful midfield when needed. Despite his age, Muller's intelligence and threat in dangerous areas are poised to cause problems for even Europe's best teams.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (39)
Concluding our list, Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 39, continues to produce astounding statistics, having already scored an impressive 48 goals in 47 games for Al Nassr this season. In Euro 2024 qualifying, the Portuguese legend hit ten goals in nine group-stage matches. The oldest player to play in this Euros, Captain Ronaldo will be looking to drive Portugal towards another European Championship final after his country’s victory in 2016. CR7’s near-unrivalled experience and pure talent will prove an immeasurable asset for Roberto Martinez’s squad this summer.
Bonus - Pepe (41)
Pepe, the oldest player in Portugal's squad for Euro 2024, is one of the veterans to watch in Germany. At 41, the former Real Madrid star is now second on the all-time list of European Championship selections, making his fifth appearance. Despite his age, Pepe continues to be a crucial figure in Portugal's defence, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to Roberto Martinez's team. His inclusion in the squad alongside a mix of seasoned players and young talents highlights his enduring quality and importance. As Portugal aims to contend for the title, Pepe's performance and experience will be key factors to watch.
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