The UEFA European Championship (the Euros) is the biggest national team contest in European football. It happens every four years.
Teams from all over Europe have won since it began in 1960. Spain beat England 2-1 in the 2024 final, making them the most successful team in Euros history.
Most Successful Nations in European Championship History
The complete Euro winners list reveals that just ten different countries have claimed the trophy:
- Spain: 4 titles (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024)
- Germany: 3 titles (1972*, 1980*, 1996)
- Italy: 2 titles (1968, 2021)
- France: 2 titles (1984, 2000)
- Soviet Union: 1 title (1960)
- Czechoslovakia: 1 title (1976)
- Netherlands: 1 title (1988)
- Denmark: 1 title (1992)
- Greece: 1 title (2004)
- Portugal: 1 title (2016)
*West Germany’s titles are counted as part of unified Germany’s total.
Spain stands alone as the only nation to win consecutive European Championships (2008 and 2012), and their 2024 victory further cemented their dominance with a record fourth title.
Complete Euro Winners List (1960-2024)
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
| 2024 | Spain | 2-1 | England |
| 2021 | Italy | 1–1 (a.e.t.), (3–2 p) | England |
| 2016 | Portugal | 1–0 aet | France |
| 2012 | Spain | 4-0 | Italy |
| 2008 | Spain | 1-0 | Germany |
| 2004 | Greece | 1-0 | Portugal |
| 2000 | France | 2-1 asdet | Italy |
| 1996 | Germany | 2-1 asdet | Czech Republic |
| 1992 | Denmark | 2-0 | Germany |
| 1988 | Netherlands | 2-0 | Soviet Union |
| 1984 | France | 2-0 | Spain |
| 1980 | West Germany | 2-1 | Belgium |
| 1976 | Czechoslovakia | 2-2 aet / (5-3) ps | West Germany |
| 1972 | West Germany | 3-0 | Soviet Union |
| 1968 | Italy | 1-1 aet / 2-0 replay | Yugoslavia |
| 1964 | Spain | 2-1 | Soviet Union |
| 1960 | Soviet Union | 2-1 aet | Yugoslavia |
aet = after extra time, asdet = after sudden death extra time, ps = after penalty shootout, p = penalties
Tournament Highlights and Milestones
Early Years (1960-1980)
- The inaugural tournament in 1960, then called the European Nations’ Cup, was won by the Soviet Union
- Spain claimed their first title on home soil in 1964
- Italy’s 1968 victory required a replay after a drawn final against Yugoslavia
- West Germany’s dominant 1972 team featuring Franz Beckenbauer is often considered one of the greatest international sides ever
- Czechoslovakia’s 1976 win introduced the “Panenka” penalty, named after Antonín Panenka’s audacious winning spot-kick
Middle Era (1984-2004)
- Michel Platini’s record nine goals led France to their first championship on home soil in 1984
- Marco van Basten’s spectacular volley highlighted the Netherlands’ victory in 1988
- Denmark remarkably won in 1992 despite only entering the tournament as a late replacement for Yugoslavia
- Germany became the first unified German team to win in 1996, with Oliver Bierhoff scoring the first golden goal in a final
- Greece produced one of football’s greatest upsets by winning in 2004 under Otto Rehhagel
Modern Era (2008-2024)
- Spain’s tiki-taka revolution led to back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012
- Their 4-0 final victory over Italy in 2012 remains the largest winning margin in a final
- Portugal secured their first major trophy in 2016, despite Cristiano Ronaldo‘s early injury in the final
- Italy claimed their second title in 2021 (delayed from 2020 due to COVID-19), defeating England on penalties
- Spain’s 2024 triumph made them the first nation to win four European Championships
Tournament Format Evolution
The European Championship has undergone significant changes since its inception:
- 1960-1976: A knockout tournament with just 4 teams qualifying for the finals
- 1980: Expanded to 8 teams with a group stage and knockout phase
- 1996: Further expanded to 16 teams
- 2016: Most recent expansion to 24 teams
- 2021: The tournament’s 60th anniversary edition was held across multiple European cities
FAQs
Which country has appeared in the most European Championship finals?
Germany (including West Germany) leads with six final appearances, winning three and losing three.
Has any country won the Euros without losing a match?
Yes, several champions have gone undefeated, including Spain in both 2008 and 2012, Italy in 2021, and France in 1984.
Who has scored the most goals in a single European Championship?
Michel Platini holds the record with 9 goals in the 1984 tournament, remarkably scoring in every game France played.
Which country won the Euros without originally qualifying?
Denmark in 1992 – they were given just two weeks’ notice to prepare after Yugoslavia was disqualified due to the Balkan conflict.
Has any country won the World Cup and European Championship consecutively?
Yes, Spain is the only nation to accomplish this feat, winning Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 in succession.
