When the UEFA Nations League was first introduced, its goal was clear: to replace a calendar filled with often uninspired international friendlies with competitive, meaningful matches. Fast forward through four gripping editions, and it's safe to say the tournament has delivered. From the inaugural champion to the most recent winner, each final has added a unique chapter to this competition's burgeoning history.
Edition 1: 2018–19
The first-ever Nations League season in 2018–19 set the standard for what was to come. After a fiercely contested group stage and semi-finals, the hosts, Portugal, found themselves in the final against the Netherlands. Playing on home soil at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, the atmosphere was electric. A tight, tactical battle was finally broken in the second half when a powerful strike from Gonçalo Guedes found the back of the net. The single goal was enough to secure a historic 1-0 victory, crowning Portugal as the inaugural champions and giving the home fans a moment to cherish.
Edition 2: 2020–21
The second edition in 2020–21 saw a new set of contenders battle for the trophy in Italy. The final was a classic showdown between two European giants: France and Spain. Spain took the lead with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal, but France, showcasing their famous resilience, mounted a comeback. Karim Benzema scored a brilliant equalizer, curling a shot into the top corner, before the tournament's star, Kylian Mbappé, netted the winner with a cool finish. The 2-1 victory sealed the title for Les Bleus in a final full of drama and attacking quality.
Edition 3: 2022–23
For the third installment in 2022–23, the final tournament was held in the Netherlands, culminating in a final between Spain and a tenacious Croatia side. This match was a defensive masterclass, with both teams unable to find a breakthrough during 120 minutes of play. The game's destiny was decided by a penalty shootout. With the pressure at its highest, Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón became the hero, making two crucial saves to deny Croatia and secure a hard-fought 5-4 victory on penalties. It was a moment of redemption for Spain, who had been runners-up in the previous edition.
Edition 4: 2024–25
The most recent final took place in Germany, a thrilling affair that saw a rematch of the 2021 final between Portugal and Spain. This time, the game was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams finding the net in a 2-2 draw after extra time. The tension was palpable as the match went to a penalty shootout. With their legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo stepping up to take a penalty, Portugal's players held their nerve and emerged victorious with a 5-3 win. This victory marked Portugal's second Nations League title, making them the first nation to win the tournament twice and solidifying their place as the most successful team in the competition's young history.
The UEFA Nations League has quickly established itself as a must-watch competition, giving teams a real incentive to perform well in what were once friendly matches. With three different nations having lifted the trophy, it shows the parity and depth of European football. As we await the next edition, the question remains: which country will be the next to write its name in the history books?