Euro 2016 qualifiers are over besides playoffs and the real competition is fast approching. That prodded us to go and find out who the European Championships top scorers are, including some who could move up the list next summer. Michel Platini, who holds the top spot, is the current (suspended) UEFA president, and may be in line to replace departing (suspended) FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who announced his pending resignation in June. Both Platini and Blatter have corruption charges hanging over their heads, hence the suspensions.
European Championships Top Scorers
1. Michel Platini (France): 9 goals, 5 appearances.
2. Alan Shearer (England): 7 goals, 9 appearances.
3. Thierry Henry (France): 6 goals, 11 appearances.
4. Patrick Kluivert (The Netherlands): 6 goals, 9 appearances.
5. Ruud van Nistelrooy (The Netherlands): 6 goals, 8 appearances.
6. Nuno Gomes (Portugal): 6 goals, 14 appearances.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 6 goals, 14 appearances.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden): 6 goals, 10 appearances.
Zlatan and Cristiano could theoretically move up next summer with good performances in France. It's amazing that Michel Platini is the record-holder with only five appearances, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a new leader after next summer, knowing what Zlatan Ibrahimovic ans Cristiano Ronaldo can do.
Goal data courtesy of worldsoccer.about.com and football-bible.com.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus