Months and years pass in eager anticipation of football’s greatest events, leaving us with cherished memories of spectacular matches. This is how we revelled in the excitement of the UEFA EURO, and the CONMEBOL Copa America. While those finals have already been played, this summer brings another thrilling event: the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

This year’s tournament marks the 21st annual international youth football championship organised by UEFA for European men’s national teams under 19. After Germany hosted the previous edition, Northern Ireland will now host the event from 15 to 28 July 2024. The UEFA Executive Committee appointed the country as the host during its meeting in Switzerland in 2021.

Over time, the format of the tournament has evolved. It now consists of two stages: the qualification stage and the final stage. The final stage features eight teams composed of players born on or after 1 January 2005. As with previous tournaments held in even-numbered years, this championship serves as the UEFA qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The top five teams will earn a spot at the 2025 World Cup in Chile as UEFA representatives.

The matches will be hosted at three venues:

• Windsor Park, Belfast (Capacity: 18,500) – Semi-finals and final matches;

• Seaview Stadium, Belfast (Capacity: 3,383) – Group stage games;
• Inver Park, Larne (Capacity: 3,000) – Group stage games.

This year’s Euros has shown that many exceptional football talents often need to be recognised. The upcoming championship will reveal a new generation of future stars who will shine at the UEFA U19 European Championship, and their performances will likely play a crucial role in their teams’ quest for glory. 

Here are some key players to keep an eye on: 

1. Kevin Zeroli, Italian National Team (AC Milan U23) – 19 years old. Market value: €2 Million.

Kevin Zeroli, a midfielder, has already debuted for AC Milan and captained their U19 team. As a classic number eight, he is skilled with the ball and frequently joins the attack, offering support to the forwards. Zeroli is confident in front of the goal and adeptly uses his body to shield the ball or win fouls. His leadership qualities and intelligence make him an essential player for Italy.

Kevin Zeroli – A Talent You NEED to Know – 2023ᴴᴰ

2. Kieran Morrison, Northern Ireland national team (Liverpool U18) – 17 years old. Market value: N/A.

As the host nation, Northern Ireland proudly presents several budding stars, with Kieran Morrison of Liverpool FC being a significant highlight. In the previous season, this young forward featured in 28 matches for Liverpool’s U19 squad, netting 13 goals. Morrison is a technically adept player, celebrated for his skilful dribbling, incorporating deft touches, interceptions, and ball rolls to navigate past defenders and generate scoring opportunities. His powerful and precise shooting will be crucial for his team’s aspirations of making an impact on home soil.

17 year old Kieran Morrison Is A Joy To Watch!

3. Francesco Camarda, Italy national team (AC Milan U23) – 16 years old. Market value: €10 Million.

Francesco Camarda recently captured headlines by becoming the youngest player to debut in Serie A for AC Milan at just 15 years and 260 days. In the early stages of his youth career, he scored an astonishing 485 goals in 89 matches for Milan’s youth academy. Camarda is renowned for his finishing prowess and strong dribbling abilities, enabling him to create scoring chances. His height, combined with his youth, suggests he will continue to develop, potentially becoming a formidable aerial threat. Camarda is a strong candidate for the tournament’s top scorer accolade.

Francesco Camarda ● AC Milan Generational Talent ⚫🔴🇮🇹 Goals & Skills

4. Emir Bars, Turkey national team (PSV U21) – 19 years old. Market value: €325 000.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Emir Bars chose to represent Turkey at the youth level, a decision that might leave the Dutch with some regrets. Bars has signed a professional contract with PSV and become a pivotal figure in the team, which achieved a mid-table finish in the Eredivisie. As a technically proficient midfielder, Bars often finds himself in advanced positions, effectively utilising his striking abilities and line-breaking runs. His dribbling skills, including ball rolls, interceptions, and intricate passes, render him a dynamic presence on the field.

Emir Bars • PSV Eindhoven • Highlights Video

5. Ethan Mbappé, France national team (LOSC Lille) – 17 years old. Market value: €1.5 Million.

The younger sibling of superstar Kylian Mbappé naturally attracts attention, but Ethan Mbappé is a remarkable talent in his own right. An astute and technically gifted midfielder, he excels in ball control from deep positions, utilising dribbling and precise long passes. Subtly effective, he adeptly employs fundamental skills to overcome challenging situations, vital for his potential future as a defensive midfielder. Mbappé’s intelligence shines through in his key interceptions and tackles, marking him as a player to watch closely.

Ethan Mbappé – Technical Young Midfielder – 2023ᴴᴰ

The president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, highlighted the tournament’s pivotal role in the development of young football talent:

“We are delighted that the Irish Football Association can finally host this prestigious tournament. I want to thank the association and its president, Conrad Kirkwood, for their patience and tireless efforts to ensure the event’s success.”

“Over the years, the Under-19 European Championship has proven to be an important platform for launching flourishing international careers. Notable players such as Kylian Mbappé, Manuel Neuer, Nicolò Barella, and Harry Kane left a memorable mark on this stage before advancing to their senior squads, emphasising the tournament’s importance. It is a unique chance for young fans to see the stars of tomorrow in action, and I am confident this tournament will inspire many to follow in their footsteps.”

“Hosts Northern Ireland are now joined by the seven best teams from the qualifiers, each ready for the final push to claim this prestigious European trophy. I wish them all to be on top of their games and may the best one win!”

U19 EURO qualifiers draw:

Match Dates:

• Group A: Northern Ireland (hosts), Norway, Italy (title holders), Ukraine;
• Group B: Denmark, Türkiye, France, Spain;
• Group A Matches: 15, 18, 21 July;
• Group B Matches: 16, 19, 22 July;
• Semi-finals: 25 July;
• Final: 28 July.

Recent Champions:

• 2017 – England;
• 2018 – Portugal;
• 2019 – Spain;
• 2022 – England;
• 2023 – Italy.

As the teams prepare to battle for the prestigious European trophy, the stage is set for thrilling matches that will capture the hearts of fans worldwide. From group stage clashes to the exhilarating final at Windsor Park, the UEFA U19 EURO promises to deliver unforgettable moments and forge new chapters in football’s illustrious narrative.

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