Euro 2016 is entering the latter stages and French stadia are jumping with the drama of hard-won victory and devastating defeat.
Will it be home team France who win the day, can the ‘worse Italian team ever’ cause an upset, or will current champions Germany prevail? Of course, Euro 2016 is also a showcase for players.
As the tournament unfolds the odds on which team will claim the ultimate glory and which players will standout for their talent and determination change on an hourly basis.
Big clubs around the world will be watching closely to see who they’d like to get on their books before the new season starts in August. In the past, a number of ambitious players have secured huge transfers thanks to their very visible on-pitch performances in UEFA European Championship. Here are ten of the best…
Jean-Pierre Papin
Although his team was out at group stage of the 1992 European Championship, French player Jean-Pierre Papin found time to impress AC Milan. The striker’s fast footwork saw him score two goals and he was signed by the Italian team for a then record-breaking £10 million.
Stefan Kuntz
Striker Stefan Kuntz was a stand-out player during Euro ’96 when he knocked out hosts England with a converted penalty. His team, Germany, was victorious and Kuntz took home a winner’s medal. He also caught the eye of German club Arminia Bielefeld, who soon signed him up.
Karel Poborsky?
Another Euro ’96 hero, Czech Republic winger Karel Poborsky made his name with one specific goal during the tournament’s quarter finals in a match against Portugal. Alex Ferguson, then manager for Manchester United, was seduced and signed the talent for £3 million.
Patrik Berger
As his team raced to the Euro 96 final, one British team had its eye on Czech Republic player Patrick Berger. Soon after the tournament he was signed to Anfield for a cool £2 million.
Savo Milosevic
A striker with a record 29 goals at 90 games, Savo Milosavic put in a great performance at Euro 2000 and was soon signed to Parma for £16 million.
Nuno Gomes
Portuguese player Nuno Gomes thrilled his countrymen with four important goals at Euro 2000. At the summer’s end he was snatched up by Fiorentina for an estimated £12 million.
Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson, having recently left Celtic, played for his native Sweden in the Euro 2004 tournament, scoring three impressive goals. Barcelona spotted the talent and by the end of the year he was learning Catalan.
Theo Zagorakis?
Greek midfielder Theo Zagorakis was on the team that surprised fans and pundits alike at Euro 2004 by winning. As well as being named Player of the Tournament, Zagorakis was soon signed to Bologna for a price tag of €1.5 million.
Roman Pavlyuchenko?
At Euro 2008 a somewhat obscure player – Roman Pavlyuchenko – scored three times to take his team, Croatia into the semi-finals. When deadline day rolled around Tottenham reached into its pocket for £14 million to invite him into its ranks.
Andrey Arshavin?
Another player who shone in 2008, Russian winger Andrey Arshavin scored against Sweden, attracting the attention of Arsenal. Arsene Wenger secured the player for his own team early the following year, for an eye-watering £15 million.
