Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo featured in the Euro 2024 final for England against Spain.
Young wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo tasted final heartbreak with England as the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain.
Mainoo has been a revelation for England this tournament – at no surprise to any Manchester United supporter.
He has established himself as an international starter and deservedly started in the final in Berlin.
Kobbie Mainoo one of youngest players to start European Championship final
The youngest player ever to start a major tournament final was Pele, for Brazil way back in 1958, aged 17.
This record was shattered by Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal last night, on the winning side. He turned 17 just days ago.
Lamine Yamal is therefore also the youngest player to start a European Championship final. Kobbie Mainoo now ranks third on this list.
Mainoo overtook Cristiano Ronaldo, who had prior to the day ranked as the second youngest starter in European Championship history to start a final, back in 2004.
- Youngest players to start a European Championship final
- Lamine Yamal: Spain, 17, Euro 2024
- Renato Sanches: Portugal, 18, Euro 2016
- Kobbie Mainoo: England, 19, Euro 2024
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal, 19, Euro 2004
Mainoo turned 19 in April. Ronaldo celebrates his birthday two months earlier.
Ronaldo has gone onto have an incredible, record-setting career, yet this is the second one he has seen fall to Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo following Ronaldo footsteps
No teenager had scored in the FA Cup Final since Cristiano Ronaldo managed it in 2004 against Millwall.
Alejandro Garnacho broke that streak against City two months ago, before Kobbie Mainoo also did so.
It is good company for Mainoo to be in. The Manchester United teenager is special, and we can’t wait to see him back in club action eventually.
This Euro 2024 experience has been good for him, but now he must rest up, before Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the USA.