The newest star I’m most looking forward to this edition: Lamine Yamal (Spain, 18-year-old left winger)

1. A clear talent gap at the top: his football market value has broken 400 million euros, the youngest-ever European Championship starter in history; at just 16, he delivered a truly legendary performance in a major tournament—everything from dribbling, changing pace, long-range shots, to wide-area crosses is top-tier.



2. Tactically irreplaceable: Spain’s only one-man “breach point” in their possession-based play; when facing a compact, dense defense, he is the team’s core weapon for breaking the deadlock.



3. Honor expectations are through the roof: predictions say he’ll contribute 3-4 goals plus multiple key assists this tournament; he is expected to sweep the World Cup Best Young Player award, while also competing for the Ballon d’Or—directly completing the handover from the Messi–Ronaldo era.

Alternative stars: Endrick (Brazil), Bellingham (England), but Yamal has a higher ceiling in major tournaments and a stronger story.