Top Ten Players of the U21 Euro Championship

The 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia was a show of unrestrained ability, daring skill, and the kind of heart-stopping action that reminds you why the future of football has never looked brighter. Between June 11 and June 28, young stars took over pitches in Bratislava and beyond and made them their playground.

England’s 3-2 extra-time win over Germany in the final made them champions, but the real buzz came from the players who ignited the tournament. Here’s our top ten list of performers who made this U21 Euro unforgettable

1. Harvey Elliott: England Title Defense Mastermind

Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott was the no-contest favourite, clinching the Player of the Tournament award as a player performance that was constantly teasing fans’ appetites. The 22-year-old midfielder scored five goals, including a game-sealing double in England’s 2-1 semi-final surprise over the Netherlands. His vision, nimbleness, and capacity to create space flipped matches on their head.

2. Nick Woltemade: Germany’s Towering Talisman

Nick Woltemade, the 23-year-old VfB Stuttgart striker, was a wrecking crew all by himself, taking home the Golden Boot with six goals and three assists. He stands at 1.98m, and he’s a physical monster, but finishing and agility were pure artistry. His late goal against England in the final wasn’t enough to clinch the title, but his 20 goal involvements this season in 33 games for Stuttgart show why he was awarded a senior Germany cap in the Nations League. Woltemade’s deep-lying play against France had scouts drooling. He’s big enough for the big stage.

According to reports in Germany, Bayern Munich have agreed a deal for Euro U-21’s top scorer Nick Woltemade! The deal with Stuttgart for the striker will take place after the tournament ends, with the final set for tomorrow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mu1BTUUXmG

— 365Scores (@365Scores) June 27, 2025

 

3. Geovany Quenda: Portugal’s Teenage Wizard

Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, 18, was the Portuguese side’s youngest player and acted as though he was part of the furniture. He chipped in with three goals and two assists throughout the group stages, including a powerful right-footed volley against Poland, and showed his adaptability. Quenda, signed by Chelsea for the 2026-27 season, had defenders twirling around with his capacity to beat with his left foot and finish with his right. His expedience in cramped quarters made Portugal’s quarter-final push charged. This lad’s a future Ballon d’Or candidate, no doubt.

4. Elliot Anderson: England’s Unsung Hero

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson didn’t steal the headlines like the other Elliott, but his industry and calmness were crucial for England. The 22-year-old midfielder’s defensive grit was on display during the group stage, even after being booked just 15 seconds into the opener against Czechia. His possession control kept England going and his understated playmaking created the turning points. Anderson’s unobtrusive brilliance is the reason why he is a Forest regular. Can he quietly make it into England’s senior team soon? Don’t count him out.

5. Javi Guerra: Spain’s Midfield Motor

Valencia’s Javi Guerra, born in 2003, was the pulse of Spain’s campaign, which came to an end with a quarter-final defeat at the hands of England. The 22-year-old midfielder’s goal-scoring instinct and work rate made him the player to watch. Guerra’s knack of popping up with timely goals and his control over the tempo had Spain fantasizing about a sixth U21 crown. His engine-room presence was tireless, and he’s already on the shopping lists of Europe’s heavyweights.

6. William Osula: Denmark’s Breakout Star

Newcastle United’s William Osula, age 21, was in Slovakia seeking to impress after just two full matches for his side last season. He did. His ruthless finishing and creative movement, not least helping create the goal for teammate Conrad Harder against Georgia, explained why Newcastle coaches rate him highly. Osula’s display might make him a loan target in 2025-26. Newcastle has him contracted until 2029, so he has time to build on things, but this tournament, with three goals and two assists, marked his debut.

7. Conrad Harder: Denmark’s Deadly Finisher

Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder was Denmark’s secret weapon, lighting up their group-deciding match with two clinical finishes, one with each foot. His 21-year-old striker’s partnership with Osula against Georgia was a standout, and it showed that he can be in the right place at the right time. Harder’s movement and composure helped enable Denmark’s quarter-final push. He is not yet a household name, but wait a season or two. He’ll get there.

8. Paul Nebel: Germany’s Crafty Playmaker

Mainz 05’s Paul Nebel, 22, brought flair and determination to Germany’s last charge. His 15 goal contributions to the Bundesliga this season translated to the U21 level, where his pace and cleverness broke through defenses. Nebel’s league-leading Bundesliga high-intensity pressures attest to his motor, but it was his quick runs and precise passes that impressed most in Slovakia. Germany’s final defeat did not put a damper on his shine – he’s a name to watch out for.

9. Rocco Reitz: Germany’s Tireless Engine

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz, 23, was Germany’s midfield motor, combining relentless running with technical finesse. His 11/12 duel wins against France and a key assist in the 4-2 group-stage win over Czechia showed his all-action style. Reitz’s last-gasp sprint to block a shot in the quarter-final against Italy earned roars from the bench. He’s caught the eye of clubs like RB Leipzig. Is he the next Bundesliga breakout?

10. Jorrel Hato: Netherlands’ Defensive Rock

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, 21, was a force of nature on the defence for the Netherlands, as much attacker as defender. The adaptability of the modern full-back proved beneficial in the group stage, where he nullified wingers who threatened and got up the pitch with menace. Hato took the Netherlands to the semi-finals, though they were unable to defeat England. With senior international caps already under his belt, Hato’s ready for a top transfer. Is he the new Virgil van Dijk?

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What’s Next for These Stars?

The U21 Euro isn’t only a tournament; it’s a springboard. Past stars like Dani Olmo and Fabián Ruiz used it to kickstart their careers towards global renown, and so is this class of 2025. Elliott’s already a regular in Liverpool’s first team, Woltemade’s breaking through in Stuttgart, and Quenda’s Chelsea move is a declaration of intent. Before the 2026 World Cup, these players are trying out for senior call-ups.

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By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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