The Euros

The UEFA European Championship, widely known as the Euros, stands today as one of football’s most prestigious international tournaments. Since its inception in 1960, it has evolved from a small, experimental competition into a global spectacle featuring some of the most iconic players and unforgettable moments in football history. Its journey reflects the growth of European football itself—rich in passion, rivalry, drama, and tactical innovation.

The idea of a European international championship was first proposed by Henri Delaunay, the then-secretary of the French Football Federation, as early as the 1920s. However, it took decades for the concept to materialise. After the formation of UEFA in 1954, momentum finally grew, and in 1960 the inaugural tournament was held. Unlike today’s expansive and commercially powerful event, the competition was modest. Only four teams reached the final tournament in France, with the Soviet Union emerging victorious after defeating Yugoslavia in the final. This small, intimate structure would define the early editions of the Euros.

The tournament gradually gained attention in the 1960s and 70s. The 1964 edition, hosted and won by Spain, showcased the rising standard of European football and the power of home crowds. Four years later, Italy triumphed on home soil after an unusual coin toss victory in the semi-final against the Soviet Union—something unimaginable in today’s era of penalty shootouts. The dramatic final, which required a replay after a draw with Yugoslavia, demonstrated the unpredictability that has always characterised the Euros.

The 1972 and 1976 tournaments cemented the Euros’ growing prestige. West Germany, led by the incomparable Franz Beckenbauer and goal machine Gerd Müller, dominated the 1972 championship. Their stylish and intelligent brand of football was some of the finest the tournament had ever seen. In 1976, Czechoslovakia claimed the trophy, with Antonín Panenka immortalising himself by scoring the winning penalty in the final with his famous chipped effort—a moment that remains one of the most iconic in football history.

As the competition expanded and the quality of European football soared, so too did the Euros’ reputation. The 1980 edition in Italy was the first to feature eight teams, reflecting UEFA’s desire to broaden participation. Yet it was in 1984, when France hosted the tournament, that the Euros entered a new era. Michel Platini delivered one of the greatest individual performances in international football history, scoring nine goals in just five matches. His elegance, intelligence, and leadership carried France to their first major trophy and elevated the Euros’ global profile.

The late 1980s and early 1990s continued this trend of unforgettable stories. The 1988 tournament, hosted by West Germany, produced one of the most awe-inspiring goals ever scored: Marco van Basten’s stunning volley in the final against the Soviet Union. His technique, combined with the artistry of Dutch football under Rinus Michels, made 1988 one of the most celebrated Euros of all time.

Yet perhaps the most extraordinary story came in 1992. Denmark, who had not even qualified and were drafted in at the last minute due to Yugoslavia’s political exclusion, shocked Europe by winning the tournament. Their victory, built on spirit, unity and resilience, is one of the greatest underdog stories in football history and demonstrates why the Euros are so beloved.

With the 1996 expansion to 16 teams, hosted by England, the Euros grew into a larger, more commercially powerful tournament. “Football’s coming home” became the iconic slogan of Euro ’96, a competition remembered for its vibrant atmosphere and dramatic moments. It was in this tournament that England’s Paul Gascoigne scored one of his most famous goals, followed by his playful “dentist chair” celebration. Germany ultimately won the tournament, becoming the first nation to lift the trophy three times.

The early 2000s showcased both giants and surprises. France entered Euro 2000 as world champions and played some of the most fluid, attacking football ever seen, winning the tournament with a golden-goal victory over Italy. Four years later, Greece produced one of football’s greatest shocks, winning Euro 2004 with disciplined, defensive organisation under Otto Rehhagel, defeating hosts Portugal in the final. Their underdog triumph remains one of the most talked-about achievements in the tournament’s history.

Spain’s back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2012 marked a new era of dominance. Under coaches Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque, Spain’s tiki-taka style—characterised by possession, precision and patience—transformed football. With stars like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, David Villa, and Sergio Ramos, Spain became the first nation to win the Euros twice in a row, cementing their golden generation and influencing football tactics worldwide.

Euro 2016 introduced a new 24-team format, expanding opportunities for emerging nations. Portugal claimed their first ever major trophy, despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo to injury early in the final. Led by the resilience of players like Pepe and the heroics of Eder, Portugal’s triumph highlighted the importance of teamwork, tactical discipline, and belief.

The delayed Euro 2020, played across multiple countries in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, provided a unique atmosphere and emotional weight. Italy emerged victorious after defeating England on penalties in the final at Wembley. Italy’s blend of defensive solidity, tactical maturity, and exciting attacking football under Roberto Mancini marked a remarkable resurgence for the Azzurri. The tournament also produced memorable performances from emerging talents like Pedri and established stars such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was named Player of the Tournament.

Throughout its history, the Euros have served as a stage for iconic players to showcase their brilliance. From Platini, van Basten, and Beckenbauer to Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, and David Beckham, the tournament has consistently featured some of the greatest footballers ever to play the game. It has also given rise to new heroes—unlikely figures who etched their names into football history, such as Denmark’s Schmeichel and brothers Laudrup, Greece’s Angelos Charisteas, and Portugal’s Eder.

Today, the Euros stand as one of the most anticipated sporting events worldwide. With modern broadcasting, digital fan engagement, and extraordinary competitive balance, the tournament reaches billions of viewers and produces moments that resonate across generations. It blends history, rivalry, national pride, and world-class football in a way that few competitions can match.

From its modest origins to the powerful global event it is today, the Euros have become a celebration of European football culture—defined by iconic players, unforgettable moments, and the drama that makes the beautiful game truly special.