How are the Soccer Stars Doing?
UEFA Euro 2024 takes a short breather beginning today before quarterfinal action starts on Friday. Let’s take the opportunity to look at the tournament so far and the players who have broken through and been a huge part of this year’s championships.
EURO 2024 TOPPS NOW® Card 35 Jude Bellingham – Miraculous bicycle kick keeps the dream alive
Story so far
• Scored in England’s opening game
• Overcame criticism by scoring the Goal of the Tournament so far, saving England with spectacular last-second bicycle kick
What’s at stake?
• Become front-runner for the Ballon D’or, awarded to FIFA’s player of the year
• Lead England to its first major championship since 1966
what they’re saying
• “One of the best (goals) in our history, I reckon. What a player he is.” England Captain Harry Kane.
EURO 2024 TOPPS NOW® Card 34 Jamal Musiala – Strike helps Germany storm into the quarter-finals
Story so far
• Tied for tournament lead with three goals
• Scored in both opening game and Germany’s first knockout-stage match
• Averaged two shots per game in first four matches
What’s at stake?
• Build his legend by leading Germany to a title
• Become youngest player to win Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament
what they’re saying
• “Musiala has the best case of anybody to claim the Golden Ball this summer” – Steven Chicken, Four Four Two Magazine
EURO 2024 TOPPS NOW® Card 14 Arda Güler – UEFA European Championship Record: Youngest player to score on debut
Story so far
• Third teenager to score and assist at a European Championship (joining Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney)
• Led Türkiye into first Quarterfinal since 2008
• Added over a million followers on Instagram during tourney
What’s at stake?
• Make claim for more playing time at Real Madrid
• Late push for Golden Boy award (given to world’s best U-21 player)
what they’re saying
• “Arda’s potential is better than Messi.” – Güler’s former youth coach Erol Tokgözle
EURO 2024 TOPPS NOW® Card 37 Nico Williams – Lights up tie with goal and assist
Story so far
• Electric efforts on the wing for Spain
• Created 9 chances in 4 games
• Scored and assisted in win against Georgia
What’s at stake?
• Big-money move to a top club
• Tracked by Chelsea and Arsenal but wants Barcelona
what they’re saying
• “He has everything to succeed at FC Barcelona, the club has to consider him.” – Barcelona legend Rivaldo
2023 Topps Pristine Road To Euro 2024 Georgia Giorgi Mamardashvili Gold /50
Story so far
• Incredible goalkeeping displays for upstart Georgia
• Led nation to round of 16 in first-ever international tournament
• 30 saves in 4 games
What’s at stake?
• 23-year old likely to be sold by current club Valencia
• Linked to Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle
what they’re saying
• “After just a few training sessions he was already the talk of the coaching staff: He’s great.” – Jose Bordalas, Former coach at Valencia
