Five reasons why Spanish football is facing a new golden era

BERLIN,GERMANY | Xinhua | The Euro 2024 champions players’ children turning the Berlin Olympic stadium pitch into a playground seemed to be in an enchanting way to symbolize a bright future for Spanish football.

Winning Euro 2024 has also created a connection to their national team predecessors, with Spain having the 2008 and 2012 European titles as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The “Spanish day” also included Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon men’s singles triumph, and prompted coach Luis de la Fuente to discuss a new era triggered by a new generation of footballers.

1. A record-setting campaign

While former Spanish heroes such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta joined the crowd delivering endless applause, youngsters such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri along with midfielders Rodri and Dani Olmo turned Spain in a record-setting side, having won seven games at the tournament.

Spain broke France’s 1984 goal record of 14, scoring 15 goals in a new style of direct football replacing the endless passing of “Tiki Taka”.

2. Dominating Euro 2024

While Barcelona’s Yamal, who turned 17 a day before the final, was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, 22-year-old Williams was named the final’s Player of the Match, with Rodri being named the tournament’s Best Player.

Spain beat several leading sides such as hosts Germany, England, France and Italy.

3. An inspiring coach

Luis de la Fuente achieved history-making changes, as the 63-year-old developed Spain’s famous passing style into a more vertical approach.

The former third-tier coach took over Spain’s under-19 and under-21 squads, winning 2015 and 2019 European titles, and several of his charges from those days made their way into the Euro 2024 squad.

The coach triggered a generation change, setting up a successful mixture of experienced players and gifted youngsters.

Mikel Merino and Rodri were part of the 2015 under-19 squad, while Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal set their marks on the 2019 under-21 side.

4. Talent of the century

Part of the enchanting story of Yamal is the striker’s high school graduation, which he completed after taking remote lessons while Euro 2024 was running.

Comparisons connecting him with Argentinian icon Lionel Messi were fueled by a picture published last week showing the 20-year-old Messi gently cradling Yamal as a baby.

The pictures were taken for a charity calendar in 2007 and were subsequently kept private by Yamal’s father as a secret treasure so as “to not set up pressure”, as the Spanish youngster put it.

5. A strong bench

Spain proved that their squad contains strength in depth beyond the starting XI, with players such as Dani Olmo, who is said to be on Manchester City’s radar this summer.

Having to replace midfield dynamo Pedri, the 26-year-old turned into a changemaker like Oyarzabal, who scored the winner in the final. ■