The European Championships have witnessed some of the most iconic moments in football history, with many strikers etching their names into the annals of the sport by scoring decisive goals.
However, for every hero, there are those whose fortunes took a turn for the worse, leaving them cursed by the tournament they hoped to conquer.
Despite their incredible skills and successes at the club level, these strikers have been haunted by their misfortunes at the Euros, becoming infamous for their near misses, disallowed goals, and missed opportunities.
1. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
At the 2024 European Championships, Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku had three goals disallowed by VAR. The new ‘Snickometer’ technology nullified his goal against Slovakia due to a slight touch by a teammate’s arm.
Another goal against Romania was ruled offside by the narrowest of margins. Lukaku’s frustration grew as these disallowed goals left him goalless. Despite his efforts, he became known as the ‘VAR Golden Boot‘ winner.
2. Andre-Pierre Gignac (France)
Andre-Pierre Gignac will always remember his missed opportunity in the 2016 Euros final against Portugal. In the dying moments, his slow shot hit the post, denying France a winning goal in regular time.
Portugal eventually won in extra time, with Gignac’s miss looming large. His post-match words, “It will haunt me for the rest of my career,” encapsulate his anguish. This moment is a dark cloud over his otherwise successful career.
3. Julio Salinas (Spain)
Julio Salinas faced heartbreak at Euro 1996 when Spain controversially lost to England in the quarter-finals. Two goals were disallowed for offside, and three penalty claims were ignored.
Salinas himself had a perfectly timed run nullified by a linesman’s flag. He expressed his frustration, saying, “We not only played against 11 players and 70,000 fans but also three officials.” This game left a bitter taste in his mouth.
4. Thomas Muller (Germany)
Thomas Muller has been a standout player for Germany in World Cup tournaments but has struggled at the Euros. Despite scoring nine World Cup goals, he has never netted in three European Championships.
In Euro 2020, Muller missed a crucial one-on-one chance against England in the last 16. Germany’s subsequent loss at Wembley added to his Euros misfortune. Muller’s inability to score at the Euros remains a mystery.
5. Harry Kane (England)
England’s Harry Kane has faced a long-standing trophy drought, with Euro 2020 adding to his woes. Despite scoring his penalty in the final shootout against Italy, England lost the match.
This defeat was a crushing blow for Kane, who had hoped to end his trophy curse. His missed opportunity in a major final haunts him. The Euros have been a source of frustration for the prolific striker.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his club success, has had little luck at the Euros. In Euro 2012, despite a stunning goal against France, Sweden was eliminated in the group stage.
This early exit denied Ibrahimovic the chance to shine further. His lack of significant Euros success contrasts with his prolific club career. The tournament remains a challenging stage for the Swedish star.
7. Fernando Torres (Spain)
Fernando Torres experienced mixed fortunes at the Euros, despite his international success. In Euro 2004, Torres missed key chances, contributing to Spain’s early exit.
Although he redeemed himself in Euro 2008, those earlier misses still linger. Torres’s inconsistent Euros performances contrast with his other international achievements. His Euros journey has been a rollercoaster.
8. Alessandro Del Piero (Italy)
Alessandro Del Piero’s Euros curse is epitomized by the Euro 2000 final against France. Del Piero missed a crucial chance to double Italy’s lead before France equalized and won extra time.
This missed opportunity haunted Del Piero for years. His otherwise stellar career includes this bitter memory. The Euros final loss is a significant what-if moment for him.
9. Alan Shearer (England)
Alan Shearer, one of England’s greatest strikers, faced disappointment in Euro 1996. Despite scoring goals, Shearer missed a crucial penalty in the semi-final shootout against Germany. England’s exit in front of their home crowd was a bitter pill to swallow. Shearer’s missed penalty is a memorable low point. The Euros left a mark on his illustrious career.
10. Raul (Spain)
Spanish legend Raul had a forgettable moment in Euro 2000 when he missed a crucial penalty in the quarter-final against France. Trailing 2-1, Raul’s missed penalty dashed Spain’s hopes of a comeback.
This moment stands out in his otherwise exceptional career. Raul’s miss is a significant disappointment for Euros. The penalty miss remains a haunting memory.
11. Christian Vieri (Italy)
Christian Vieri’s missed penalty in the Euro 2000 quarter-finals against the Netherlands was a nerve-wracking moment. Despite Italy’s eventual victory, Vieri’s miss added tension to the match. This miss was a significant blow for the striker. The penalty miss is a notable Euros moment for Vieri. The drama of the game remains memorable.
12. Wayne Rooney (England)
Wayne Rooney’s Euros journey has been one of frustration despite a brilliant start. His dazzling performance in Euro 2004 set high expectations. However, injuries and underwhelming performances marred his subsequent appearances.
Rooney’s lack of major Euros success is a stark contrast to his early promise. The tournament has been a source of disappointment for him.
Final thought
These strikers, despite their immense talent and club success, have faced unforgettable and haunting moments at the European Championships. Their stories serve as a reminder that even the best can be struck by misfortune on football’s biggest stages.
The Euros, with its high stakes and intense competition, can make or break careers, leaving a lasting impact on those who fall short of glory. These cursed strikers exemplify the heartbreak that comes with pursuing greatness in the beautiful game.
