Is this the most pointless skill you've seen at Euro 2024?

Euro 2024: Xavi Simons of Netherlands
(Image credit: Future)

Euro 2024 has been a festival of football so far. Long-range goals, masterclasses from the best and brilliance at every turn.

OK, not every turn. Xavi Simons has been fun to watch so far, with the Dutch schemer pulling the strings for Ronald Koeman's men this summer – but his rabona against Romania could, perhaps, be the most pointless trick executed so far at Euro 2024

Well-performed, yes. An innovative way to whip in a cross, yes. But considering there was absolutely no one in the area waiting for it – and the cross didn't actually clear the Romanian backline, the Netherlands star's flick must go down as the most pointless of the tournament. Sorry, Xavi. 

Xavi Simons' Romania rabona

Xavi Simons' Romania rabona (Image credit: Future)

The moment led to a discussion between BBC commentators, Steve Wilson and Danny Murphy, with the former reflecting on his own career.

Murphy, who played for Liverpool, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur among others, declared that he never actually tried a rabona in his own career. Wilson, meanwhile, remarked that he'd be lucky to make contact with the ball if he tried.

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When you put it like that, perhaps we're being harsh on young Xavi Simons. 

The Netherlands headed into the break a goal to the good in the Euro 2024 last-16 clash in Munich. 

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Surprise Euros hero issues warning to Premier League clubs before potential transfer

Revealed: Why Kylian Mbappe celebrated in Jan Vertonghen’s face after France v Belgium own goal

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.