The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, has a rich history dating back to 1960. Throughout the years, only a select group of nations have risen to the top to claim the coveted title of European Champion. With Spain recently securing their fourth victory in the latest tournament, let’s delve into the complete list of all countries that have won the Euros, exploring their triumphs and legacies in this prestigious competition.
Spain: 4 Titles
Spain stands as the most successful nation in Euros history, having lifted the trophy four times. Their journey to the top includes a remarkable achievement as the only country to win consecutive European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Spain’s inaugural win came in 1964, in just the second edition of the tournament.
The Spanish teams of 2008 and 2012 are often celebrated for their golden generation of players. These squads boasted iconic figures like the Barcelona midfield maestros Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets, alongside defensive stalwarts such as Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos. This core group of players also achieved World Cup glory in 2010, cementing their place in football history.
Germany: 3 Titles
Germany’s Euro success spans several decades, showcasing their consistent presence at the top level of European football. They have secured the championship on three occasions, triumphing in 1972, 1980, and 1996. Adding to their impressive record, Germany has also been a runner-up three times and holds the record for the most match wins in Euros history with 28 victories. Their consistent participation is further highlighted by their record of 14 consecutive Euro appearances, a testament to their enduring strength in the competition.
Italy: 2 Titles
Italy, the defending Euro champions, have claimed the title twice. Their first victory came in 1968 when the tournament featured only four teams. More recently, in Euro 2020, Italy showcased their attacking depth with seven different players scoring throughout the tournament. Their path to victory culminated in a dramatic final against England, decided by a penalty shootout. Italy’s pedigree in international football is further underlined by their four FIFA World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), making them one of the elite nations to have won both the Euros and the World Cup multiple times.
France: 2 Titles
France is another nation with two Euro titles to their name, winning in 1984 and 2000. The 1984 French team set remarkable records, including the most goals scored in a single tournament (14) and the most goals by a single player in a tournament, with Michel Platini’s incredible tally of nine goals. The Euro 2000 victory was spearheaded by France’s “golden generation,” featuring legendary players like Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Lilian Thuram. This same generation had previously won the 1998 World Cup, marking a period of dominance for French football.
One-Time Euro Winners: A Group of Historic Triumphs
Six other nations have each experienced the thrill of winning the Euros once, each victory carrying its own unique story and significance:
- Portugal (2016): After a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2004, Portugal achieved their first Euro title in 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo led their campaign, setting numerous records that still stand, including most career Euro goals (14) and most tournaments played (six).
- Greece (2004): Greece’s Euro 2004 win is famously considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Entering the tournament with odds of 150-1, they defied all expectations. Despite only scoring one goal in each knockout stage game, their solid defense and tactical discipline led them to an improbable victory, even defeating Portugal in the final.
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](alt=Greek national team celebrates their shocking Euro 2004 victory, one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history.)
- Denmark (1992): Denmark’s Euro 1992 win was another surprise triumph. Initially not qualified, they replaced Yugoslavia and went on an unexpected run. Despite winning only one group stage match, they defeated strong contenders like the Netherlands and Germany in the knockout stages to secure their only Euro title.
- Netherlands (1988): The Netherlands’ sole Euro victory came in 1988, led by iconic players Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten. Van Basten’s five goals earned him the tournament’s top scorer award and contributed to his first of three Ballon d’Or wins.
Dutch footballer Marco van Basten with the trophy after the UEFA Euro 1988 final between the Soviet Union and the Netherlands, held at Olympiastadion in Munich, Bavaria, West Germany, 25th June 1988. (Photo by Bongarts/Getty Images)
- Czechoslovakia (1976): Czechoslovakia, a nation that no longer exists (now Czech Republic and Slovakia), won Euro 1976. They overcame the Netherlands in the semi-finals and then defeated Germany in a penalty shootout in the final. Six Czechoslovakian players were named in the All-Tournament team, highlighting their dominance in that edition.
- Russia (1960): Representing the Soviet Union at the time, Russia won the inaugural Euro tournament in 1960. They defeated Czechoslovakia in the semi-final and Yugoslavia in the final to become the first-ever European Champions.
Legacy of Euro Champions
The list of Euro winners showcases the diverse landscape of European football and the cyclical nature of dominance. From Spain’s recent reign to historical triumphs of nations like Russia and Czechoslovakia, each championship adds a unique chapter to the tournament’s legacy. As the Euros continue to evolve, these winning nations serve as benchmarks of excellence, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike in the pursuit of European glory.
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