Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo in record list after playing in Euro 2024 final with England

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo overtook Cristiano Ronaldo in the list of youngest players to feature in a major international tournament final. He started for England in their 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, July 14, in Berlin.

While Mainoo made his senior debut in the 2022-23 season, he had a breakout 2023-24 campaign with Manchester United. This saw him being called up for the England squad for Euro 2024. He played just four minutes in the first game, remained on the bench for the second, and played 45 minutes in the third.

However, Mainoo then started in the Round of 16 and established his place in the starting XI for the rest of the tournament. He also started in the final aged 19 years and now ranks third on the list of the youngest players to start in a major tournament final.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who previously held the second position, dropped to fourth. Pele, who led the list at 17 years old, was overtaken by Spain's Lamine Yamal on Sunday. So, Yamal, Pele, and Mainoo make the top three in that order with Ronaldo dropping out.

This isn't the only list Mainoo shares with Cristiano Ronaldo. He and Alejandro Garnacho scored for Manchester United in their FA Cup final win over Manchester City. They became the first two teenagers to do so for United since Ronaldo in 2004 and only the third and fourth overall.

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Wayne Rooney likens Nico Williams to ex-Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo

Nico Williams has made a lot of buzz due to his performances for Athletic Bilbao and Spain over the last year. The left-winger helped Athletic Club win the Copa del Rey last season, contributing eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions.

Ahead of the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, Wayne Rooney likened Williams to his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. He wrote in his column for The Times (via Football Transfers):

“Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.

He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions. He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well. England need to be really careful with him.”

England failed to be careful with him as Williams scored the opening goal for Spain in their 2-1 win in the Euro 2024 final. He won the Player of the Match award as well.