UEFA EURO 2000, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, was a tournament etched in footballing history, showcasing some of the most iconic players of a generation. From stunning goals to nail-biting finishes, EURO 2000 delivered drama and excitement in abundance. At the heart of it all were the exceptional individuals who made the Team of the Tournament, a selection that reads like a who’s who of footballing legends. Let’s delve into the players who were honored for their outstanding performances during this memorable championship.
GOALKEEPER
Francesco Toldo (Italy)
Francesco Toldo’s journey to becoming the EURO 2000 Team of the Tournament goalkeeper is a story of seizing opportunity. Initially an understudy, having been part of Italy’s squad in four major finals without playing, Toldo’s moment arrived due to Gianluigi Buffon’s unfortunate pre-tournament injury. The towering goalkeeper stepped up and delivered a series of exceptional performances. His EURO 2000 campaign was highlighted by an extraordinary semi-final penalty shootout against the Netherlands, where he remarkably saved three penalties, propelling Italy to the final. Prior to his EURO 2000 heroics, Toldo had impressed with Fiorentina, earning a move to Inter Milan in 2001. At Inter, he enjoyed a trophy-laden career, securing five Scudettos and capping it off with the UEFA Champions League title in 2010 in his final season. Toldo’s EURO 2000 performance not only cemented his place in Italian football folklore but also showcased his shot-stopping prowess on the grandest stage.
Francesco Toldo Euro 2000 Italy
DEFENDERS
Laurent Blanc (France)
Known as ‘Le Président’ for his commanding presence and elegant style, Laurent Blanc was a defensive linchpin for France at EURO 2000. This tournament marked his third inclusion in the EURO Team of the Tournament, having been previously recognized in 1992 and 1996. Blanc concluded his international career on a high, lifting the EURO 2000 trophy, a moment of redemption after missing the 1998 FIFA World Cup final due to suspension. Starting his career as a midfielder at Montpellier, Blanc transitioned into a world-class center-back, representing prestigious clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. His leadership and tactical acumen were evident throughout EURO 2000, contributing to France’s solid defensive record. Post-retirement, Blanc transitioned seamlessly into coaching, winning the Ligue 1 title with Bordeaux and later managing the French national team at UEFA EURO 2012, followed by domestic success with Paris Saint-Germain.
Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
Fabio Cannavaro’s EURO 2000 campaign was a testament to his burgeoning talent and defensive mastery. Years before captaining Italy to the 2006 World Cup victory and earning Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Cannavaro was a consistent presence in Italy’s EURO 2000 defense, playing every game with his trademark poise and tactical intelligence. A UEFA Cup winner with Parma in 1999, Cannavaro’s performances at EURO 2000 further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s best defenders. His club career saw him return to Juventus after a successful spell at Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles. Cannavaro’s international career was equally illustrious, amassing a then-record 136 caps for Italy. Since retiring, he has ventured into coaching, managing clubs in Saudi Arabia and China.
Fabio Cannavaro Italy Euro 2000
Paolo Maldini (Italy)
Paolo Maldini, an icon of Italian and world football, was a cornerstone of Italy’s defense at EURO 2000. By this point in his career, Maldini had already established himself as one of the greatest defenders of all time, having played over 1000 matches for club and country. EURO 2000 was a bittersweet moment for Maldini, as Italy reached the final but ultimately fell short. This runner-up medal was the closest he came to international silverware, despite a remarkable 126 appearances for Italy between 1988 and 2002. Ironically, Italy would lift the World Cup in 2006 without their long-serving captain. However, Maldini’s consistent brilliance earned him EURO Team of the Tournament selections in 1988, 1996, and 2000, alongside an astonishing club career with AC Milan, where he won five European Cups and seven Serie A titles in 25 years.
Lilian Thuram (France)
Lilian Thuram, born in Guadeloupe, was a vital component of France’s triumphant EURO 2000 team. With a French record of 142 caps over a 14-year international career, Thuram participated in seven major finals, securing victories at the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000. At EURO 2000, Thuram’s composed defending and powerful runs from right-back were instrumental in France’s success. His contribution extended beyond defense, providing attacking impetus down the flank. Thuram briefly retired from international football but returned to reach the 2006 World Cup final. His club career included successful spells at Monaco, Parma, and Juventus, winning trophies with each, before concluding his career at Barcelona in 2008.
Lilian Thuram France Euro 2000 Final
MIDFIELDERS
Patrick Vieira (France)
EURO 2000 marked Patrick Vieira’s emergence as a central figure in the French national team. After being a peripheral member of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad, Vieira became a starter at EURO 2000, playing in all six games. His dynamic box-to-box style was crucial for France, contributing both defensively and offensively. Vieira’s powerful run and pass led to Youri Djorkaeff’s winning goal in the quarter-final against Spain, showcasing his impact in key moments. During his nine years at Arsenal, Vieira became a club legend, winning three Premier League titles and three FA Cups. He later added four Serie A titles with Inter Milan. Following his playing career, Vieira transitioned into coaching, managing New York City FC and currently OGC Nice.
Zinédine Zidane (France)
Zinédine Zidane’s brilliance illuminated EURO 2000, arguably surpassing even his iconic performances at the 1998 World Cup. While his two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final secured his place in French footballing history, ‘Zizou’ was at his creative peak during EURO 2000, dictating play with his mesmerizing skills and vision. Despite initially retiring from international football, Zidane returned in 2006 and earned the Golden Ball at the World Cup, despite a controversial sending off in the final. A serial winner at club level with Juventus and Real Madrid, Zidane famously scored a stunning volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final for Real Madrid. His managerial career has also been incredibly successful, leading Real Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Patrick Vieira France Euro 2000
Luís Figo (Portugal)
Luís Figo was the talismanic figure for Portugal at EURO 2000, leading his nation to the semi-finals with his dazzling dribbling and creative flair. Figo, who earned 127 international caps for Portugal, considered EURO 2000 as his finest hour in international football. His performances earned him the Ballon d’Or six months later, solidifying his status as one of the world’s best players. Figo also led Portugal to the final of EURO 2004 on home soil. His club career was marked by controversial but highly successful spells at both Barcelona and Real Madrid, winning league titles and European trophies with both Spanish giants, before adding four Scudettos with Inter Milan prior to his retirement in 2009.
Edgar Davids (Netherlands)
Edgar Davids, with his distinctive eyewear and dynamic midfield presence, was the engine room of the Netherlands team at both the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000. While the Oranje reached the semi-finals in both tournaments, penalty shootout defeats denied Davids and the Netherlands a place in the finals. Courageous and determined, Davids was a key member of Ajax’s legendary 1995 UEFA Champions League winning team. After a season at AC Milan, he spent seven successful years at Juventus, winning three Serie A titles, adding to the three he won with Ajax. Davids’ international career also included a semi-final appearance at EURO 2004 before retiring from international football a year later.
Luis Figo Portugal Euro 2000
FORWARDS
Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands)
Patrick Kluivert was the leading scorer at EURO 2000, netting five goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Yugoslavia. EURO 2000, played on home soil for the Netherlands, was the tournament where Kluivert truly shone on the international stage. His prolific scoring record and link-up play made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Kluivert famously scored the winning goal for Ajax in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final at just 18 years old, announcing his arrival on the world stage. Goals against Argentina and Brazil at the 1998 World Cup further enhanced his reputation, leading to a move to Barcelona. He won league titles at Ajax, Barcelona, and PSV Eindhoven, and scored an impressive 40 goals for the Dutch national team.
Francesco Totti (Italy)
Francesco Totti, widely regarded as Roma’s greatest ever player, was a revelation at EURO 2000. This tournament served as Totti’s breakthrough on the international scene, where he showcased his exceptional skill, creativity, and attacking flair. He scored twice during EURO 2000 and was named man of the match in the final against France, causing significant problems for the French defense. Totti’s performances at EURO 2000 foreshadowed his future success, captaining Roma to the 2001 Scudetto and breaking club records for appearances and goals. He also played a crucial role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, ending his international career with 58 caps and nine goals.
