Renato Sanches has broken a host of records at Euro 2016, and the Portugal prodigy has achieved another milestone this evening by becoming the youngest ever player to win the European Championship at the age of 18 years, 326 days and winning the young player of the tournament award.
Sanches was the breakthrough star of the tournament, with the new Bayern Munich signing demonstrating his ability by showing maturity beyond his years. He started the final tonight as Portugal prevailed past hosts France with a 1-0 victory, which was secured courtesy of a strike from Eder in extra-time.
Despite this being his first major tournament, Sanches seemed instantly at home on the big stage and kept the ball very well, registering an average pass accuracy of 85%, while he created five chances for his team-mates.
Sanches will surely go on to feature for Portugal at many more international tournaments, and he looks set for a very bright future at club level too following his move to Bayern.
The youngster’s recent progression has been rather astonishing. He only made his senior debut in March this year following some impressive performances for Benfica.
Sanches will seek to continue to develop and it will be intriguing to see how he fares in his new surroundings next season.
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