Top 5 European Championships Winning Teams

Top 5 Greatest Ever Teams To Have Won The European Championships

Picked by a panel of 20 football enthusiasts here are our top five greatest ever European Championship winning teams since the inaugural competition in 1960... 

5. Soviet Union 1960

The Soviet Union in 1960 is notably remembered for its triumph in the inaugural UEFA European Championship, then known as the European Nations' Cup.

The Soviet Union played several rounds to qualify for the final tournament, overcoming teams like Hungary and Spain. The Soviet team showcased their dominance with a convincing 3-0 win in the semi final against Czechoslovakia before beating a dogged Yugoslavia in the final.

This Soviet team had some excellent players in their ranks, most notably the legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin, along with Viktor Ponedelnik, and Slava Metreveli.

4. West Germany 1972

West Germany's national football team had a particularly memorable year in 1972, winning the UEFA European Championship. This victory was a pivotal moment in the history of German football, showcasing a team that would dominate European football throughout the 1970s.

The Germans had a very tough route to the final, overcoming England, an then Belgium, before facing the Soviet Union in the final, who they'd beat convincingly, 3-0. 

Players like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Günter Netzer, and Sepp Maier, made this one of the great international teams of individuals, of any era. 

3. Spain 2012

In 2012, Spain's national football team achieved a historic milestone by winning the UEFA European Championship, making them the first team to win three consecutive major international tournaments. This victory solidified their dominance in world football during this period.

Their decisive 4-0 victory against Italy is still the largest margin of victory ever in a European Championship final.

This Spain team contained many of its superstars that won the world cup and previous Euros. Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and David Silva were perhaps the greatest trio of midfielders in European Championship history.

2. France 2000

France's national football team had an exceptional year in 2000, winning the UEFA European Championship and solidifying their status as one of the premier teams in international football. This victory came just two years after their triumph at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, making them the first team to hold both titles simultaneously since West Germany in the 1970s.

The team's success during this period is often referred to as part of the "Golden Generation" of French football, with Zinedine Zidane at the vey top of the tree. Zidane's performances at Euro2000 cemented him as one of the world's greatest ever players.

France's triumph at UEFA Euro 2000 remains a significant achievement in the history of international football, demonstrating their dominance and setting a benchmark for future teams.

1. Netherlands 1988

The Netherlands in 1988 is especially significant in the context of football, as it was the year the Dutch national team won their first (and only) major international title.

Beating the mighty West Germany in the semi final, they went onto beat the Soviet Union 2-0 in the final. Marco van Basten scored the second goal, which is often regarded as one of the greatest goals in the history of football due to its extraordinary volley from a seemingly impossible angle.

This Netherlands team was truly magnificent, with the excellent trio, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard leading their charge.

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