EURO 2024: Top 5 pictures from opening ceremony

The highly anticipated EURO 2024 tournament officially kicked off on Friday with a lively and colourful opening ceremony at the Football Arena in Munich, Germany. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the festive event was a celebration of football, music, and Germany's rich cultural heritage.

The ceremony was a vibrant spectacle filled with bright colours, booming music turned up way too loud, and a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, though the latter was toned down to a modest level. 

At the centre of it, all stood a giant inflatable trophy, serving as a symbolic representation of the coveted prize that teams will battle for over the next month.

In a touching tribute, the entire stadium came together in a unified clap, honouring the memory of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer. 

The emotional moment saw Beckenbauer's wife Heidi joined by former captains Jürgen Klinsmann and Bernard Dietz as we honoured the German great ahead of kick-off to pay homage to one of the game's all-time greats and set the tone for the unity and camaraderie that EURO 2024 aims to foster.

With the opening ceremony setting the stage, the tournament's first match between Germany and Scotland followed shortly after, kicking off what promises to be an extraordinary EURO 2024 filled with passion, skill, and unforgettable moments.