The UEFA European Championship, affectionately known as the Euros, stands as one of the most prestigious international football tournaments globally. Since its inception in 1960, it has showcased the pinnacle of European football talent and provided unforgettable moments of sporting drama. Looking back at the history of the Euros is a journey through the evolution of European football, marked by iconic teams and legendary players. From the inaugural tournament won by the Soviet Union to the recent triumph of Italy in 2021, each edition has added a new chapter to this storied competition. Now, with Euro 2024 concluded, Spain has etched its name in history once again, securing their fourth title and becoming the most successful nation in the tournament’s history alongside Germany. This article will explore the complete list of Euro Winners By Year, culminating in a detailed look at Spain’s remarkable Euro 2024 victory.
Euro Winners List: From 1960 to 2024
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Soviet Union |
| 1964 | Spain |
| 1968 | Italy |
| 1972 | West Germany |
| 1976 | Czechoslovakia |
| 1980 | West Germany |
| 1984 | France |
| 1988 | Netherlands |
| 1992 | Denmark |
| 1996 | Germany |
| 2000 | France |
| 2004 | Greece |
| 2008 | Spain |
| 2012 | Spain |
| 2016 | Portugal |
| 2021 | Italy |
| 2024 | Spain |
This list represents over six decades of European football history, filled with iconic moments and legendary teams. Each winning nation has contributed to the rich tapestry of the Euros, and Spain’s victory in 2024 is a worthy addition to this prestigious lineage. Let’s delve deeper into how Spain achieved their latest European Championship title.
Spain’s Euro 2024 Victory: A Deep Dive
Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign was a masterclass in tactical flexibility and team unity. Entering the tournament as fifth-favorites, few anticipated their dominant run to the final. However, under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain defied expectations, winning all seven of their matches and showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership. Their journey to the trophy in Berlin was built on a clear ideology and the collective strength of individuals, making them deserving Euro 2024 winners.
The Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente’s appointment as Spain’s national team manager might have been considered understated compared to some of his predecessors. Often, the Euros have been won by managers who were internal promotions rather than high-profile club coaches. De la Fuente fits this mold, sharing similarities with past Euros-winning coaches like Ferruccio Valcareggi (1968) and Helmut Schon (1972). His prior experience was mainly with Spain’s youth national teams, where he achieved European Championship success at the under-19 and under-21 levels. Despite a less glamorous club management background, including a brief stint at Alaves, De la Fuente proved to be the ideal leader for Spain in Euro 2024.
After a rocky start in Euro 2024 qualification, including a defeat to Scotland, De la Fuente稳扎稳打, leading Spain to victory in the Nations League final and gradually solidifying his authority within the squad. Backup striker Joselu highlighted De la Fuente’s impact, stating, “I think he’s built a family here, which is basically what has brought us to this point.” This emphasis on team unity and a familial atmosphere echoes the approach of Vicente del Bosque, who led Spain to World Cup victory in 2010 and Euro success in 2012. Like Del Bosque, De la Fuente functioned as both a tactician and a father figure, fostering a cohesive and motivated team environment.
Tactics: Direct and Effective
Spain Euro 2024 tactics formation
While Spain’s Euro 2012 team was renowned for its patient, possession-based “tiki-taka” style, the Euro 2024 champions adopted a more direct and dynamic approach. A key tactical shift was the deployment of two genuine wingers: the explosive Nico Williams on the left and the prodigious 16-year-old Lamine Yamal on the right. Their pace, skill, and directness were instrumental in Spain’s attacking play, exemplified by their combined effort in the opening goal of the final.
Leading the line was Alvaro Morata, the experienced captain, who provided a traditional center-forward presence. While perhaps not always the most elegant, Morata’s work rate and physicality offered a focal point in attack. The midfield trio, featuring Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo (who replaced the injured Pedri during the tournament), and Rodri, provided a blend of creativity, energy, and defensive solidity. Ruiz’s channel-breaking runs and Olmo’s clever movement between the lines added attacking impetus, while Rodri anchored the midfield and provided defensive cover for the full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella.
This tactical setup, a 4-3-3 formation with a high defensive line and a focus on dominating possession in the opponent’s half, still retained elements of Spain’s footballing identity. However, the emphasis on directness and wing play marked a notable evolution from previous Spanish sides, perhaps reflecting a broader trend in modern football and mirroring the successful approach of Spain’s women’s team, who won the World Cup the previous year.
Surprising Facts: Team Composition
Spain Euro 2024 team celebration
Euro 2024 was not a tournament dominated by established global superstars. Remarkably, none of Spain’s Euro-winning squad were included in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or in the preceding year. This highlighted the team-oriented nature of Spain’s success, where collective effort outweighed individual accolades.
Furthermore, unlike previous Spain teams heavily reliant on players from El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Euro 2024 squad drew its largest contingent from Real Sociedad, contributing five players, including final match-winner Mikel Oyarzabal. The Barcelona contingent was young, averaging just 20 years old, and only one Barcelona player (Yamal) and one Real Madrid player (Carvajal) started the final.
Another surprising aspect was the composition of Spain’s central defense. Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte, the center-back pairing, were both born and raised in France. They moved to the Basque region to play for Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, respectively, and qualified for Spain through residency at the age of 26. This international flavor added another layer of intrigue to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Key Player: Rodri and Team Effort
Rodri Spain Euro 2024 key player
While several Spanish players could be singled out for their outstanding performances, Rodri was officially recognized as the player of the tournament. Widely regarded as the world’s best holding midfielder, Rodri’s control, passing range, and defensive awareness were crucial to Spain’s dominance. However, perhaps the most telling testament to Spain’s team ethic was that they won the final despite Rodri being substituted at halftime due to injury. His teammates stepped up, demonstrating the collective strength that underpinned their success.
Throughout the tournament, wingers Williams and Yamal were consistently dangerous, Fabian Ruiz provided dynamism in midfield, and Dani Olmo added another dimension to the attack after his introduction. Spain’s victory was not about individual brilliance but rather the sum of its parts, a true team effort where every player contributed to the collective goal.
The Final Match: Spain vs. England
Spain vs England Euro 2024 final
The Euro 2024 final pitted Spain against pre-tournament favorites England, who, despite their status, had appeared somewhat underwhelming throughout the competition. England’s path to the final was arguably easier, avoiding other pre-tournament favorites in the knockout stages.
Spain controlled the first half of the final, although clear-cut chances were scarce. Rodri’s injury-induced substitution at halftime prompted a tactical reshuffle from De la Fuente, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation. This change paid immediate dividends as Spain scored shortly after the restart, with Yamal setting up Williams.
England responded through a Cole Palmer equalizer, injecting tension into the final stages. However, Spain, demonstrating resilience and tactical adaptability, regained the lead and secured a deserved victory. Despite England’s deeper squad on paper, Spain’s cohesive team performance and tactical execution proved decisive.
Defining Moment: Oyarzabal’s Goal
Mikel Oyarzabal, a substitute forward, etched his name into Euro folklore with the winning goal. The Euros have a history of substitute forwards becoming unlikely heroes, and Oyarzabal followed in the footsteps of Oliver Bierhoff, David Trezeguet, and Eder.
Oyarzabal, who replaced Morata in the 68th minute, displayed excellent center-forward instincts to score the decisive goal. His intelligent movement to receive the ball, link-up play with Cucurella, and perfectly timed run into the box for the return pass showcased his footballing intelligence. While a VAR check added a moment of suspense, the goal stood, effectively sealing Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph with just minutes remaining.
Best Team of the Tournament?
Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign was undeniably impressive. They were the most dominant team in the group stage, highlighted by a resounding 3-0 victory over Croatia. Their 1-0 win against reigning champions Italy further solidified their credentials. Even in the group stage finale against Albania, with a rotated lineup, Spain maintained their system and secured victory.
In the knockout rounds, Spain overcame a brief scare against Georgia before stringing together three consecutive 2-1 victories against formidable opponents: Germany, France, and England. They defeated the finalists of Euro 2020 (Italy and England), two of the top three from the 2022 World Cup (Croatia and France), and the host nation (Germany).
While perhaps not without weaknesses, particularly in midfield due to their attacking setup, Spain were arguably the most entertaining and consistently impressive team at Euro 2024. Their triumph places them among the pantheon of great European Championship winners, alongside Spain’s golden generation of 2008-2012, West Germany 1972, France 1984, and France 2000, as teams admired for both their effectiveness and style of play.
Conclusion
Spain’s Euro 2024 victory is a testament to tactical innovation, team cohesion, and a blend of youth and experience. By securing their fourth European Championship title, they have cemented their place as one of the giants of European football and added another glorious chapter to the history of Euro winners by year. Their journey through Euro 2024, from overcoming initial skepticism to lifting the trophy in Berlin, will be remembered as a triumph of collective spirit and intelligent football.
