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The youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championships, Johan Vonlanthen, ended his career at just 26 years old due to personal reasons.
In the 2004 continental championships, at the age of 18 years and 137 days, the forward sent the ball into the net of the French national team, surpassing the previous record held by England's Wayne Rooney as the youngest scorer.
Vonlanthen did not have much success in his club career: he played for Bern's "Young Boys", later moved to PSV Eindhoven, NAC Breda, "Brescia", "Salzburg", and "Zurich" clubs. In 2011, he signed with "Itagui" from Colombia, but the contract was terminated.
"I feel great, I am happy," said the Colombian footballer, adding that his family's growth partly influenced his decision. "I want my newborn son to grow up in Colombia."
Vonlanthen played 40 matches for the national team and scored seven goals. He did not play in the 2006 World Cup, had an episodic role in the 2008 European Championships, and was not called up to the national team for the 2010 World Cup.
