The Uefa Euro 1996 tournament, held in England, was a memorable event for football fans worldwide. It not only showcased thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes but also highlighted the exceptional talent of numerous players. As we reflect on this classic tournament, it’s fitting to revisit the official “Team of the Tournament,” a selection of stars who shone brightest during Euro ’96. These players, through their skill, determination, and impact on the pitch, earned their place in football history and in this prestigious lineup. Let’s delve into each position and celebrate the individuals who made the Euro 1996 Team of the Tournament so remarkable.
Goalkeeper
Andreas Köpke (Germany)
Andreas Köpke, the German goalkeeper, was a stalwart presence between the posts for the eventual champions. Despite being 34 years old and having served as an understudy in previous tournaments, Euro ’96 was Köpke’s moment to shine. He demonstrated exceptional shot-stopping ability and command of his area throughout the competition. Notably, Köpke maintained a clean sheet throughout the group stage, a testament to his concentration and defensive organization. A highlight of his tournament was saving a penalty from Italian legend Gianfranco Zola, showcasing his penalty-stopping prowess. He further cemented his hero status by denying Gareth Southgate in the semi-final penalty shootout against England, contributing significantly to Germany’s path to the final. Köpke’s career included stints at notable clubs such as Nürnberg, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Marseille. His international career extended to 59 caps, culminating at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Since 2004, he has transitioned into coaching, serving as Germany’s goalkeeping coach, passing on his vast experience.
Defenders
Laurent Blanc (France)
Laurent Blanc, nicknamed ‘Le Président’ for his authoritative presence and elegant style, was a cornerstone of the French defense. Known for his leadership qualities and composure, Blanc’s inclusion in the Euro ’96 Team of the Tournament was well-deserved. This marked the second of three times he received this honor, also being recognized in 1992 and 2000. Blanc’s career is decorated with success at both club and international levels, although a suspension cruelly sidelined him from France’s 1998 World Cup triumph. Beginning his career as a midfielder at Montpellier, Blanc evolved into a world-class center-back, representing prestigious clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. After retiring as a player, he transitioned successfully into coaching, winning Ligue 1 with Bordeaux and managing France at UEFA EURO 2012. He further added to his coaching accolades with multiple domestic trebles at Paris Saint-Germain.
Marcel Desailly was a dominant figure in the France defence at EURO ‘96
Marcel Desailly in action for France during a Euro 1996 match, highlighting his defensive prowess and contribution to the team.
Marcel Desailly (France)
Marcel Desailly was a colossus in the French defense at Euro ’96, bringing his characteristic strength and tactical intelligence to the tournament. Fresh off UEFA Champions League triumphs with both Marseille and AC Milan in consecutive years, Desailly was at the peak of his powers. He played a crucial role in France’s journey to the semi-finals of Euro ’96 and was a key figure in their subsequent 1998 World Cup victory. At UEFA EURO 2000, Desailly’s consistency was unmatched; he was the only French player to start and complete every match, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable central defenders of his era. An icon at both AC Milan and Chelsea, where he spent six successful years, Desailly amassed an impressive 116 caps for France, underlining his enduring contribution to international football.
Matthias Sammer won the European Footballer of the Year award off the back of his EURO ‘96 displays
Matthias Sammer in his iconic sweeper role for Germany at Euro 1996, demonstrating his attacking and defensive capabilities.
Matthias Sammer (Germany)
Matthias Sammer’s performances at Euro ’96 were nothing short of transformative. Playing as a sweeper, reminiscent of Franz Beckenbauer, Sammer dominated games with his defensive solidity and attacking forays. His crucial goals against Russia and Croatia were instrumental in Germany’s success, and his overall contribution led to him being awarded the European Footballer of the Year in 1996. Sammer holds the distinction of being the first East German to represent a unified Germany. Prior to unification, he achieved domestic success with Dynamo Dresden, winning two East German league titles. After moving to the Bundesliga, he continued to collect silverware, winning the Bundesliga title with Stuttgart and twice with Borussia Dortmund, where he also lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 1997. A knee injury prematurely ended his playing career at 30, after which he transitioned into coaching, managing both Dortmund and Stuttgart.
Paolo Maldini (Italy)
Paolo Maldini, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, was a symbol of Italian excellence at Euro ’96. Maldini’s longevity and consistency are legendary; he played over 1000 matches for club and country and, at the time, held the record for most appearances for Italy with 126 caps between 1988 and 2002. Despite his unparalleled club success with AC Milan, international honors eluded him for much of his career. He came agonizingly close, finishing as a runner-up at both the 1994 World Cup and UEFA EURO 2000. Ironically, Italy triumphed at the 2006 World Cup after Maldini’s retirement, highlighting his absence despite his immense legacy. Maldini’s consistent brilliance was recognized with Team of the Tournament selections at EURO 1988, 1996, and 2000. His club career with Milan is unparalleled, boasting five European Cups and seven Serie A titles across 25 seasons.
Paul Gascoigne rolled back the years for hosts England at EURO ‘96
Paul Gascoigne celebrating a goal for England at Euro 1996, capturing his flair and passion during the tournament.
Midfielders
Paul Gascoigne (England)
Paul Gascoigne, affectionately known as ‘Gazza,’ captivated audiences at Euro ’96, rekindling the magic that made him a global star at the 1990 World Cup. After battling injuries, Gascoigne rediscovered his peak form during the tournament. Coming off a successful debut season with Rangers, the former Newcastle, Tottenham, and Lazio midfielder was instrumental for England. His stunning goal against Scotland, a moment of pure genius, is etched in Euro history. In the subsequent match against the Netherlands, Gascoigne’s creativity was on full display as he contributed two assists in a memorable 4-1 victory. He came within inches of scoring a golden goal in the dramatic semi-final against Germany, further highlighting his pivotal role in England’s campaign.
Dieter Eilts (Germany)
Dieter Eilts was the unsung hero of the German midfield at Euro ’96. An embodiment of consistency and tactical discipline, Eilts, a Werder Bremen stalwart, surprised many with his composed performances as a defensive midfielder. His exceptional tactical awareness provided the platform for Matthias Sammer to venture forward and influence attacks, contributing to Germany’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament. Germany conceded a mere three goals at Euro ’96, with one of those coming after Eilts was unfortunately forced off injured in the final. Eilts captained Werder Bremen until 2002, amassing an impressive 390 Bundesliga appearances over 17 years. His career honors include two German championships, three German Cups, and the 1992 European Cup Winners’ Cup, showcasing his understated yet crucial role in German football.
Karel Poborský’s scoop was one of the stand-out goals at EURO ‘96
Karel Poborský executing his famous scoop goal at Euro 1996, a moment of individual brilliance that defined his tournament.
Karel Poborský (Czech Republic)
Karel Poborský announced himself on the international stage at Euro ’96 with a series of dazzling displays for the Czech Republic. His performances were characterized by skillful dribbling, inventive passing, and an eye for the spectacular. Poborský’s audacious scooped goal in the quarter-final against Portugal is one of the most iconic moments of the tournament, demonstrating his confidence and flair. Euro ’96 marked the beginning of Poborský’s international prominence; he went on to reach the final of this tournament and the semi-finals at EURO 2004. His international career spanned 118 caps, including an appearance at the 2006 World Cup, scoring eight goals for his country. Poborský’s club career included spells at Manchester United, Benfica, and Lazio, but it was his performances for the Czech Republic, particularly at Euro ’96, that cemented his legacy.
Forwards
Alan Shearer (England)
Alan Shearer entered Euro ’96 with a point to prove on the international stage, and he did so emphatically. Coming off a season where he scored 31 Premier League goals, Shearer arrived at the tournament under pressure to deliver for England. He ended a 21-month international goal drought in spectacular fashion, finishing as the top scorer of Euro ’96 with five goals, earning the Golden Boot. His prolific form and leadership as England captain were vital to the host nation’s run to the semi-finals. Shearer continued his international career, scoring twice at UEFA EURO 2000, bringing his tally to 30 goals in 63 caps. Despite retiring from international football at 29, he remained a dominant force for Newcastle United for another six seasons, later briefly managing the club before transitioning into a successful career as a football pundit.
Alan Shearer was the top scorer at EURO ‘96 with five goals
Alan Shearer celebrating a goal for England at Euro 1996, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess that led him to the Golden Boot.
Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)
Hristo Stoichkov, the talismanic Bulgarian forward, carried his nation’s hopes at Euro ’96, just as he had done at the 1994 World Cup. The 1994 Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated his scoring ability by finding the net in all three of Bulgaria’s group matches at Euro ’96. Stoichkov’s career was filled with individual and team accolades; he lifted the 1992 European Champion Clubs’ Cup with Barcelona, following his departure from CSKA Sofia. He later returned to Barcelona to win the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, adding to his impressive trophy collection. Stoichkov also represented Bulgaria at the 1998 World Cup, amassing 83 caps and scoring 37 international goals, marking him as one of Bulgaria’s greatest ever players. After his playing career, he ventured into coaching, managing both Bulgaria and various club teams.
Hristo Stoichkov scored in every group game for Bulgaria at EURO ‘96
Hristo Stoichkov scoring for Bulgaria at Euro 1996, highlighting his crucial goals in the group stage of the tournament.
Davor Šuker (Croatia)
Davor Šuker was the embodiment of Croatian attacking flair at Euro ’96, foreshadowing his Golden Boot-winning performance at the 1998 World Cup. Šuker’s prolific goalscoring was evident throughout Euro ’96 qualifying, where he netted 12 goals. He carried this form into the finals, scoring three more goals, including a memorable brace in a standout performance against Denmark. His performances at Euro ’96 propelled him to a move to Real Madrid from Sevilla. At Real Madrid, Šuker continued his goalscoring exploits, netting 24 goals and securing a league title in his first season, followed by UEFA Champions League glory a year later. Šuker, who also played for Arsenal, concluded his international career in 2002 with an impressive 45 goals, solidifying his place as a Croatian football legend.
