Spain has claimed its fourth European soccer title, marking a historic achievement. Meanwhile, England faced yet another heartbreaking near-miss in their long history of falling short.
Spain secured a 2-1 victory over England in the European Championship final on Sunday, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal in the 86th minute. Oyarzabal, substituted in for captain Alvaro Morata, tapped in a cross from Marc Cucurella, avoiding the need for extra time at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Despite England’s rich soccer history as the birthplace of the sport, they have not won a major men’s title since the 1966 World Cup. The English players watched as Morata lifted the trophy amid confetti and fireworks in the stadium originally built for the 1936 Olympics.
Spain now adds the 2024 title to their victories in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
“Here we are, champions of Europe,” said Nico Williams, who scored Spain’s first goal in the 47th minute before Cole Palmer equalized for England in the 73rd minute. “We are thrilled and hopeful to carry this momentum forward to the (2026) World Cup.”
Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 the day before and is the youngest player ever at a European Championship, set up Williams’ goal with a clever run and pass across the penalty area. These two wingers have become symbols of Spain’s diverse and dynamic team, reflecting the country’s evolving demographics.
Yamal’s mother hails from Equatorial Guinea, and his father is Moroccan. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Williams’ Ghanaian parents endured hardships seeking a better life in Europe, including a perilous journey on a crowded truck and barefoot walks through the Sahara desert.
“There’s been a significant change in history, and we’re very grateful,” said Williams, who was named player of the match for his dynamic runs and second goal of Euro 2024.
“My parents have endured a lot to get here. They’ve faced the most challenges and have taught me respect and loyalty,” he added. “I’m really happy because we’re making history.”
Unlike his brother Inaki, who plays for Ghana’s national team, Nico chose to represent Spain and is now seen as a national hero.
Spain has reclaimed its position as a dominant force in senior soccer after winning the Women’s World Cup—also against England—and the men’s UEFA Nations League in 2023.
Since 2001, Spanish men’s teams have won 23 consecutive major finals in club and international soccer. “I said before the tournament, nobody can match us,” Williams emphasized.
Spain won all seven matches at this European Championship—an unprecedented achievement—and set a new record for goals scored in a single tournament, with 15.
After the final whistle, there were scenes of jubilation, with defender Dani Carvajal embraced by celebrating teammates after falling to the ground. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was lifted into the air by his players.
Cucurella and Yamal led the Spanish players in jumping over the advertising boards to reach the jubilant red-and-yellow-clad Spanish fans in the stadium’s east end. “This is the greatest birthday present I could have imagined,” Yamal expressed. “It’s a dream come true.”
After receiving his medal, the teenager turned, pumped his fist in celebration, stuck out his tongue, and flashed a wide grin. At that point, Yamal and his teammates were all dressed in Spain jerseys emblazoned with “Kings of Europe” and the number “4” on the back.
Meanwhile, in Madrid, fans who had watched the game on a large screen erupted in wild celebrations, chanting “champions, champions” in Spanish.
It was a remarkable day for Spanish sports, with Carlos Alcaraz also clinching the Wimbledon men’s singles title for the second consecutive year just hours before the Euro 2024 final.
On the other hand, England’s men’s team has now suffered consecutive losses in Euro finals—first a penalty shootout defeat to Italy on home soil in 2021—and this latest defeat adds to decades of near-misses for a team that will have gone without a major title for six decades by the next World Cup.
England’s women’s team, however, has had more success, winning the European Championship in 2021 and reaching the World Cup final two years later.
“This time it just wasn’t meant to be,” Prince William, who attended the final alongside other dignitaries including Spain’s King Felipe, wrote on social media. “We’re all still so proud of you.”
It was the fourth consecutive game in which England came from behind since the group stage, but their resilience didn’t pay off this time.
Despite producing pivotal moments when it mattered most at Euro 2024—including Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16—the team couldn’t produce another one, with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo clearing the ball off the line from a corner kick in the 89th minute.
“It’s been a tough journey, we’ve done incredibly well to get here, but ultimately we’ll be judged on this match,” England captain Harry Kane commented.
“It hurts a lot,” he said. “The pain will stay with us for a long time.” Gareth Southgate, England’s coach for eight years and guiding the team to the World Cup semifinals in 2018, said he’s not ready to decide on his future yet, with his contract ending in December.
“Many of these players will still be here for the World Cup and the next Euros,” Southgate noted. “There’s much to anticipate, but right now, it doesn’t ease the pain.”
