Euro 2024 most fouls standings and players to watch for semi-finals
We’re now at the Euro 2024 final and the pressure is rising. It is undeniable that maintaining a composed demeanour is crucial for success.
What that essentially means is limiting the number of fouls. However, it’s far from a guarantee because, whether they like it or not, some players cannot help themselves by bringing the opposition down, increasing the likelihood of entering the referee’s book.
Defensive midfielders
Modern football tactics dictate that every team entering this competition will field a defensive midfielder, with some opting for one player sitting in front of the backline and others utilising two patrollers. This role takes on greater importance as the individual protects a team’s defence, but with the game often being played at breakneck speed, they are prone to bringing the opposition down.
There will be no surprise that Robert Andrich of Germany leads the way for fouls among midfielders, and in total, with 11 in 320 minutes. And unless there is a big showing in the final, it looks like he will take that crown.
Defenders
Defenders are most likely to increase their foul count due to their proximity to opposition attacking players on the pitch and their primary role of keeping forwards at bay. During the 2023/24 domestic season, Portugal full-backs, Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) and João Cancelo (Barcelona), committed 40 or more fouls.
But it’s Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands sitting top for fouls among defenders, committing 12 in his nation’s run to the semi-finals.
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Aggressive attackers
The rise of gegenpressing has coincided with some teams instructing their forwards to be aggressive from the front. This means pressing defenders when not in possession. Consequently, certain attackers have become known for accumulating unnecessary fouls.
Alvaro Morata have both committed 12 fouls, the most among attackers, although he many not commit more with La Roja as he is a doubt for the final.
Euro 2024 teams committing the most fouls
With just one game left to go at Euro 2024, a grand total of 1,122 fouls have been committed. Top of the league right now are Spain with 83 fouls in their six games, 15 more than any other team. That may not be a surprise with La Roja kings of the dark arts. England are eighth overall with 50, the lowest of the teams to have reached the semi-finals.
Most fouls committed in previous Euro tournaments
For some who pride themselves as enforcers, being ranked high on this list could be seen as a badge of honour. But make no mistake — it’s an inglorious ranking that could blight a player’s reputation. Hence, no award is presented to whoever finishes a tournament having committed the most fouls. Look at some of the recent “winners”, and you’ll find a familiar name or two, with all playing outside of defence.
| Year | Player | Nation | Fouls |
| Euro 2020 – Europe | Thomas Delaney | Denmark | 15 |
| Euro 2016 – France | João Mário | Portugal | 15 |
| Euro 2012 – Poland/Ukraine | Mario Balotelli | Italy | 17 |
| Euro 2008 – Austria/Switzerland | Michael Ballack | Germany | 22 |
| Euro 2004 – Portugal | Deco | Portugal | 23 |
