Women’s World Cup winners, men's European champions, Olympic finalists – Spain are back to their very best on the pitch
Most avid football fans know of Spain’s golden generation.
Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, David Villa, Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres – the list of superstar players is simply endless.
Between 2008 and 2012, their tiki-taka style of football completely dominated not only in Europe but on the world stage.
Euro 2008 and 2012 winners with a 2010 World Cup sandwiched in the middle, there was a level of greatness many will never reach.
But the reality is, for the most part, the success only extended to their men’s senior side.
Most recently, however, they are reaping the rewards of continued investment in their women’s and youth teams.
Could this be the start of a new golden era for the Spanish?
BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Alvaro Morata of Spain lifts the UEFA Euro 2024 Henri Delaunay Trophy after his team's victory during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The summers of Spain
Here is what the last two years alone have looked like for the Spanish…
- 2023: Women’s World Cup winners
- 2023: Women’s UEFA Nations League winners
- 2023: Men’s UEFA Nations League winners
- 2024: Men’s European Championship winners
- 2024: Women’s Olympic Games – into the bronze medal match
- 2024: U23 Olympic Games – into the gold medal match
They are a nation on top right now, there is no doubt about that.
And no matter the age group or the side, these teams mirror one another with their style of play and commitment to possession-based football.
A trait that has served them well over the years is their willingness to play their homegrown talent.
If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
We saw it at the Euros last month when Lamine Yamal skyrocketed to stardom with his standout performances at just 16.
Spanish journalist and author Guillem Balague described the men’s side as ‘the best Spain team since 2012’.
We’ve also witnessed the trust in youth on the women’s side, with 20-year-old Salma Paralluelo becoming a mainstay over the last few tournaments, winning the best young player award at the World Cup in 2023.
Spain U23s celebrate reaching the gold medal match at Paris 2024.
Spain at Paris 2024
Both Spanish teams – women’s and U23s – have been impressive at Paris 2024.
For the former, it is the first time they have participated in the women’s tournament, reaching the semi-final before being picked apart by two-time silver medallists Brazil.
Despite their disappointment, especially after coming into the competition as one of the favourites, there is still plenty to play for in the bronze medal match on Friday, 9 August.
No matter what happens, they have already broken new ground and made history at the Games for their side.
On the contrary, the under-23s have a gold medal to contest against hosts France.
The young Spaniards did incur one defeat in the group stages, falling to Egypt in the final group clash, though it came off the back of heavy rotation having already qualified for the knockout stages.
In the quarter-finals, they cruised past Japan before getting the better of Morocco, but the French are set to be their biggest test yet on Friday, 9 August.
From the men’s triumph earlier this summer to these two sides at the Olympics, following on from a historic 2023, we could be embarking on a very special era of Spanish football.