Cristiano Ronaldo had to step aside as by becoming the youngest player ever to score on his European Championship debut. At 19 years and 114 days old, Guler, who's been dubbed 'Turkish Messi' due to his exceptional playing style, struck during Turkey's resounding 3-1 triumph over Georgia, kick-starting their Euro 2024 in winning fashion. It was exactly two decades ago when set the previous record when he scored for Portugal on home soil during their clash with Greece, the eventual winners of the tournament at Euro 2004.
Real Madrid youngster Guler, who is just 14 days younger than when Ronaldo set his record, pulled off a stunning strike in an end-to-end contest. Thundering in from 25 yards out, Guler managed to put Turkey ahead after Georgia had wiped out their advantage during the first half in Dortmund. Though his time on-field for Real Madrid was cut short this season, Guler still managed to score six goals in an impressive dozen games after his impactful move from Fenerbahce in a $32 million deal.
Old-hand Ronaldo, who turned 39 this February, didn't wait long to respond to Guler's outstanding feat, however, setting another record for himself by becoming the first-ever player featuring in SIX European Championships as his game kicked off around an hour later. The decorated Ronaldo, who has played for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus in his glittering career, won the European Championship with his team back in 2016. He's eyeing the same victory lap.