The question on every football fan’s mind, especially as anticipation builds for the upcoming tournament, is: Who Won The Last Euros? The answer takes us back to the summer of 2016, and to an unexpected champion who defied all odds: Portugal. Against a backdrop of skepticism and facing formidable opponents, Portugal clinched their first ever European Championship title, stunning hosts France in a dramatic final. Let’s delve into the story of their unforgettable victory at Euro 2016.
Five years ago, the delayed European Championship culminated in a final that few predicted. Portugal, led by their talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, entered the tournament with a mixed bag of expectations. While boasting individual brilliance, their team performances had often lacked consistency. However, Euro 2016 was to be their stage to etch their names into football history. They navigated through the group stages and knockout rounds, culminating in a final showdown against the tournament hosts and pre-match favorites, France.
Cristiano Ronaldo Euro 2016 Final Coaching Role: Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, actively participates in coaching alongside Fernando Santos after being injured during the Euro 2016 final match against France.
The final in Paris was poised to be a French coronation on home soil. However, fate had other plans. In a cruel twist of irony, Portugal’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, was forced off the pitch in the first half due to an injury. This seemed to deflate Portugal’s chances further, and emboldened the French attack. Yet, in the face of adversity, Portugal showcased remarkable resilience and tactical discipline orchestrated by coach Fernando Santos. Ronaldo, despite his personal heartbreak, became an inspirational figure on the touchline, urging his team forward in a quasi-coaching capacity. This iconic image became one of the defining moments of Euro 2016, showcasing Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment and leadership, even when sidelined.
Despite relentless pressure from France, Portugal’s defense held firm, taking the game into extra time. It was then, in the 109th minute, that substitute Eder unleashed a powerful, low strike from outside the box that found the bottom corner of the net. The stadium erupted in stunned silence, replaced by jubilant Portuguese celebrations. Eder’s goal secured a historic 1-0 victory for Portugal, handing them their first major international trophy and shocking the footballing world.
Cristiano Ronaldo Euro 2016 Victory: Cristiano Ronaldo proudly lifts the Henri Delaunay Trophy after Portugal’s stunning Euro 2016 final victory against host nation France.
For Ronaldo, the victory was particularly poignant. He had been part of the Portugal team that suffered a devastating defeat in the Euro 2004 final on home soil against Greece. His tears of joy at the final whistle in 2016 were a stark contrast to the tears of despair from 12 years prior, completing a personal journey of redemption and crowning him with the international silverware he so desperately craved.
While Portugal’s unexpected triumph is etched in recent memory as who won the last Euros, it’s worth remembering the nations who have historically dominated this prestigious tournament. Had France won in 2016, they would have joined the ranks of the most successful European Championship nations, alongside Germany and Spain, each with three titles.
A Look at the Most Successful Nations in European Championship History
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Portugal’s achievement, and to answer the broader question of European Championship pedigree, let’s examine the nations that have consistently contended for the title throughout history.
Germany: A Legacy of Three Euro Titles
Germany, or West Germany for their initial victories, boasts a formidable Euro history. Their first European Championship win came in 1972, during the tournament’s four-team era. They dominated the Soviet Union in the final, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. Gerd Müller, the prolific German striker, played a starring role with two goals.
Their second triumph arrived in 1980, the first year of the expanded eight-team format. Again, Germany showcased their efficiency and winning mentality, defeating Belgium 2-1 in the final in Rome. Horst Hrubesch emerged as the hero on this occasion, scoring both German goals.
Germany’s third and most recent Euro title came in 1996, in a tournament expanded to 16 teams. This victory was particularly dramatic, going to a golden goal in the final against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium. Oliver Bierhoff etched his name into German football folklore with his golden goal, securing the trophy. Despite reaching the final again in 2008, Germany has not added to their tally since 1996.
Germany Euro 96 Champions: The German national team jubilantly celebrates their Euro ’96 final victory at Wembley, adding another European Championship to their illustrious history.
Spain: Dominance Across Eras
Spain’s Euro story is one of both early success and modern dominance. Their first European Championship title dates back to 1964, in the second edition of the tournament. Playing as hosts in Madrid, Spain defeated the Soviet Union 2-1 in a politically charged final, securing their maiden trophy.
After a long wait, Spain returned to the pinnacle of European football in 2008, marking the beginning of an era of unprecedented success. A team brimming with talent, including Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta, defeated Germany 1-0 in the final. Fernando Torres scored the decisive goal, initiating Spain’s golden period.
Spain continued their dominance by retaining their European crown in 2012. In a masterclass final performance against Italy in Kiev, Spain dismantled their opponents 4-0, showcasing their tiki-taka style at its zenith and cementing their place as one of the greatest international teams of all time. This victory made them the only nation to win consecutive European Championships, a testament to their sustained excellence.
Spain Euro 2008 Champions: Spain’s captain, Iker Casillas, proudly lifts the Henri Delaunay Trophy after La Roja’s Euro 2008 final triumph over Germany, marking the start of their era of dominance.
European Championship: A Roll Call of Champions
The European Championship has witnessed a diverse range of winners, each adding their unique chapter to the tournament’s rich history. Here’s a table summarizing the most successful nations:
| Country | Winners | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1972*, 1980*, 1996 | 1976*, 1992, 2008 |
| Spain | 1964, 2008, 2012 | 1984 |
| France | 1984, 2000 | 2016 |
| Soviet Union | 1960 | 1964, 1972, 1988 |
| Italy | 1968 | 2000, 2012 |
| Czech Republic | 1976** | 1996 |
| Portugal | 2016 | 2004 |
| Netherlands | 1988 | |
| Denmark | 1992 | |
| Greece | 2004 | |
| Yugoslavia | 1960, 1968 | |
| Belgium | 1980 |
*As West Germany
**As Czechoslovakia
Conclusion:
So, to definitively answer the question: Portugal won the last Euros in 2016. Their victory was a captivating story of overcoming adversity and achieving the unexpected. As we look forward to the next edition of the European Championship, Portugal will aim to defend their title and replicate the magic of their 2016 triumph. Whether they can repeat their success remains to be seen, but their place in Euro history as the answer to “who won the last Euros” is firmly secured.
