Euro 2016 soccer stars and their animal doubles

Considered the world's fastest soccer player, the striker from Wales is said to reach a top dribble speed of 36.9 km/h. That doesn't make him nearly as fast as the world's speediest animal - the cheetah - but it's certainly enough to blast past his opponents. Gareth Bale is also a high scorer, making him a valuable asset for the Welsh national team as well as at his day job with Real Madrid.

The star from Poland is a top scorer for FC Bayern. Legendary was his performance during a September 2015 league game against Wolfsburg, when he shot five goals in just nine minutes. During Euro 2016, he is captain of the Polish national team. Lewandowski's animal counterpart would be the Australian Kelpie, who not only shares his expression, but also his ambition, intelligence and alert quality.

The superstar, who has played for Paris Saint-Germain since 2012, didn't earn the title "Swedish footballer of the year" for nothing. Incredibly quick, he's known for spectacular penalty area antics - and is skilled in assisting and scoring plenty of goals. At 1.95 meters (nearly 6'5"), he's taller than most of his opponents and - like the nimble meerkat - has his eye on everything.

The reliable striker is Manchester United's star. He proved his loyaly in 2002, when Scottish national coach Berti Vogts tried to recruit him. Despite his Scottish roots, Rooney preferred to play for England - even though his team rarely makes a strong showing in international tournaments. There's only one animal that could be paired with Rooney: the bulldog.

At 2.03 meters (6'8"), the Romanian goalie is one of the tallest players at Euro 2016. England's FC Watford was more than happy to accept the long-legged Pantilimon, since his size helps him secure the furthest corners of the goal. And like a giraffe, he's well equipped from his vantage point to see danger before it strikes.

"The boy's called Müller," Argentina's coach Diego Maradona learned when the cheeky and ultra-talented youngster kicked his team out of the 2010 World Cup. He was just 20 back then, but Müller quickly earned respect - even though he liked to be saucy with others. Now he's famous worldwide and Bayern's fast and dangerous scorer with a big mouth (like a howler monkey).

The mid-fielder knows exactly what he's doing - both as German national player and otherwise with Arsenal London. Like a chameleon, he fits into his surroundings - which is why you won't always see him on the field. Özil turns up at just the right moment, and then he promptly pops that ball into the goal.

France's mid-fielder, who's currently playing for Juventus Turis, is considered a wonder boy with a shady side. Pogba, who's called "il polpo" (octopus) in Italian because of his long arms and legs, has been known to get two yellow cards within minutes. Despite his nickname, his hairstyle is more reminiscent of a penguin than an octopus.

Measuring up at 1.63 meters (5'4"), he's one of the shortest players at Euro 2016. On the French national team since 2010, this star is a lightning-fast power pack and the creative force of the mid-field. Valbuena is a master at tricking the opponent and slipping through any crack left by the opposition - just like a mouse.

Before shooting a penalty kick, he takes three steps back, his eyes fixed on the goal, his hair perfectly in place. He runs, kicks - and the ball flies over the goal. But when Ronaldo takes aim during play, the opponent better beware. He scores nearly every time. What more can be said about Portugal's superstar, exceptionally good-looking drama queen and peacock?

The midfielder from Portugal is the youngest player at Euro 2016. Just 18, he's already in high demand. Bayern Munich has just paid 35 million euros to buy him from Benfica Lissabon. Sanches is a standout - not only with his extreme natural talent but also his impressive hairstyles.

Like a long-living turtle, the Hungarian goalkeeper has spent a lot of time on the bench in his career - but just as much time as goalie of the year. At 40, he's the oldest player at Euro 2016 and brings plenty of experience to the pitch. He's even overcome a bout with depression, so nothing can stop him.