The UEFA European Championship, affectionately known as the UEFA Euro Cup or just the Euros, is a quadrennial (every four years) international football competition where the participants are members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Since its inception in 1960, the Euros have become a pinnacle event in the footballing calendar, showcasing the best national teams and individual talents Europe has to offer.
UEFA European Championship Winners List
The idea for a European Championship was first proposed in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1955 that Henri Delaunay, the then General Secretary of the French Football Federation, presented a concrete proposal. The inaugural tournament, held in France in 1960, was a modest affair with just 17 participating nations. On this page, we’ll delve into the Euro Cup 1960 winner, as well as every edition’s winner till date.
The Soviet Union emerged victorious, defeating Yugoslavia in a thrilling extra-time finish in the 1960 Euro Cup final. Unlike some other international tournaments, the Euros have enjoyed an uninterrupted run. There hasn’t been a single edition skipped or postponed due to war, financial constraints, logistical issues, or even the Covid-19 pandemic.
This consistency has cemented the Euros’ place as a cherished tradition in European footballing history; nothing much less than the FIFA World Cup itself. Nine nations have etched their names on the coveted Euro trophy from 1960 till date, with Germany and Spain being the most successful in this competition’s history – three titles each.
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Germany’s triumphs came in 1972, 1980 (as West Germany), and 1996, showcasing a consistent period of dominance. Spain, on the other hand, enjoyed a golden era between 2008 and 2012, becoming the only team to win back-to-back titles. See below for our UEFA Euro Cup all winners list, last updated 14th June 2024, at the start of the 2024 Euro Cup in Germany:
UEFA Euro Cup winners list
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Final score | Number of teams |
| 1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | 2-1 (a.e.t.) | 4 |
| 1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | 2-1 | 4 |
| 1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | 1-1 (a.e.t.) and 2-0 (replay) | 4 |
| 1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | 3-0 | 4 |
| 1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | 2-2 (a.e.t.) and 5-3 (penalties) | 4 |
| 1980 | West Germany (2) | Belgium | 2-1 | 8 |
| 1984 | France | Spain | 2-0 | 8 |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | 2-0 | 8 |
| 1992 | Denmark | Germany | 2-0 | 8 |
| 1996 | Germany (3) | Czech Republic | 2-1 (golden goal) | 16 |
| 2000 | France (2) | Italy | 2-1 (golden goal) | 16 |
| 2004 | Greece | Portugal | 1-0 | 16 |
| 2008 | Spain (2) | Germany | 1-0 | 16 |
| 2012 | Spain (3) | Italy | 4-0 | 16 |
| 2016 | Portugal | France | 1-0 (a.e.t.) | 24 |
| 2020 | Italy (2) | England | 1-1 (a.e.t.) and 3-2 (penalties) | 24 |
| 2024 | TBD | TBD | TBD | 24 |
| 2028 | TBD | TBD | TBD | 24 |
| 2032 | TBD | TBD | TBD | 24 |
France and Italy follow closely with two victories each. France’s wins in 1984 and 2000 showcased their attacking prowess, while Italy’s triumphs in 1968 and 2021 (delayed by Covid-19) highlighted their defensive solidity. Portugal (2016), Netherlands (1988), Denmark (1992), Greece (2004), and the Soviet Union (1960) complete the list of champions, demonstrating the ever-evolving landscape of European football.
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Record breakers and unforgettable moments
The Euros have produced some legendary players. Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands) and Iker Casillas (Spain) hold the joint record for most clean sheets (shutouts) in the tournament’s history with a staggering 9 clean sheets each.
My Euro Cup winner for 2024 is Portugal. Want to see CR7 and Bruno Fernandes lift the title. 🇵🇹
— UtdTunnel. 🔴 (@unitedtunnel) June 14, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, boasts the most goals scored (14 goals) and is the only player to have featured in five Euro tournaments. For sheer underdog stories, Greece’s improbable victory in 2004, defeating powerhouses like Portugal and France, remains a cherished memory for many.
A legacy of excellence
The UEFA Euro Cup is more than just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of European footballing culture. It’s a stage where national pride ignites, individual brilliance shines, and history is made. As we look forward to future editions and the latest being the 2024 UEFA Euro Cup, one thing remains certain: the Euros will continue to captivate audiences worldwide with its blend of fierce competition, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable moments.
Who will win the #EuroCup ?#UEFAEuroCup #Euros #EURO24 #Euro2024
— Read Scoops (@ReadScoops) June 14, 2024
FAQs
Q. Who has won the most Euro Cups?
Ans. Germany and Spain are tied for the most Euro Cup wins with three titles each. Italy and France follow them with two titles each to their name.
Q. How many countries have won the Euro?
Ans. Nine countries have won the Euro Cup. These include Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, and the Soviet Union.
Q. Who won the last Euro men’s?
Ans. Italy won the last Euro Cup in 2021. The tournament was the 2020 Euro Cup which was delayed by a year thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and Italy beat England in the final.
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