Stand up, Arda Guler. The Turkish prodigy became the youngest-ever player to score on their Euro debut, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo‘s 2004 record.
The 19-year-old, hot off his Champions League trophy at Real Madrid, scored a golazo in the 65th minute. His strike, a targeted curler in the top left corner, helped Turkey break through a resilient Georgia side, putting them ahead 2-1.
The strike topped his teammate’s volley in the 25th minute and is already being hailed as the tournament’s best goal.
Interestingly, the goal drew comparisons to Guler’s first-ever international goal last year against Wales from roughly the same spot on the pitch.
Arda Güler dethrones Ronaldo’s Euro debut record
“Youngest scorer on EURO debut? I’m not interested in personal achievements,” said the man of the match, Guler, after the game
The starboy, aka ‘Turkish Messi‘, looks to break out in this European tournament, setting up a promising second season at Real Madrid next season. After a slow start due to an ongoing meniscus knee injury, he still scored six goals in 10 La Liga matches.
“He’s going to be a very important player for us in the future,” Ancelotti told the Guardian. “There’s no doubt: he’s staying next year. We have a lot of affection for him. He’s the youngest. The ball is in love with him.”
Will Guler become one of Euro 2024’s breakout stars?
Photo: ig/ardaguler
