Spanish Trio Eye Historic Football DoubleSpanish Trio Eye Historic Football Double Tonight’s European Championship final between Spain and England presents a rare opportunity for three Real Madrid players to make history. Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, and Joselu aim to become the first Spanish players ever to win both the Champions League and European Championship in the same season. Real Madrid triumphed in the UEFA Champions League earlier this year, defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final. If Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu emerge victorious tonight, they will etch their names in the annals of Spanish football as the only trio to achieve this extraordinary feat. Unprecedented Accomplishment Remarkably, no Spanish player has ever managed to win both the Champions League and European Championship in the same year. This is particularly surprising given Spain’s dominance in both competitions, having won the Champions League 20 times and the European Championship three times. Furthermore, the achievement has only been accomplished once before in the history of football. In 1988, Hans Van Breukelen, Ronald Koeman, Gerald Vanenburg, Berry Van Aerle, and Wim Kieft secured the European Cup I (now Champions League) with PSV Eindhoven and the European Championship with the Netherlands. Indispensable Roles Real Madrid players have played pivotal roles for both Spain and the club throughout the season. Joselu was instrumental in the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, while Nacho and Carvajal have been regular starters for Real Madrid. Carvajal remains a key figure in Spain’s defense, and Nacho provides valuable cover. While Joselu may have a reduced role, their contributions to both club and country cannot be underestimated. Knocking on the Doors of Greatness If Spain triumphs tonight, Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu will join an exclusive club of elite footballers who have scaled the heights of both club and international football. Their achievement would be a testament to their unwavering determination and the exceptional standards they have set throughout their careers.
Later tonight Spain will face England in the final of the European Championship. Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez and Joselu will represent The Blancos from the red corner, while Jude Bellingham is the club representative on the other side.
For the three Spaniards, however, the evening is a chance to seal their names in the history books and set a record that no Spanish player has ever achieved before: reaching the pinnacle of club and international football in the same season.
Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League earlier this year with a thrilling victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final. Should Carvajal, Nacho and Joselu win the European Championship tonight, they will be the only three Spanish players in history to have achieved this feat.
Only done once before
It is incredible that no Spanish player has ever managed to win both the Champions League and the European Championship in the same year. Especially when you consider that Spanish clubs have won the Champions League 20 times and Spain the European Championship three times.
Dani Carvajal will play a key role in the 2024 European Championship final against England (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
What is even more astonishing, however, is the fact that this has only happened once before in the history of football.
If we go back to 1988, Hans Van Breukelen, Ronald Koeman, Gerald Vanenburg, Berry Van Aerle and Wim Kieft won the Champions League (then still the European Cup I) with PSV and they also won the European Championship with the Netherlands.
If the condition were to be changed and the World Cup would be included as an international trophy, then seven Bayern Munich players would have won it in 1974, when Germany and Bayern Munich won the World Cup and European Cup respectively.
Knocking on the doors of greatness
What makes this achievement extra special is the fact that Real Madrid players played an indispensable role for both teams.
Joselu was crucial in Real Madrid’s semi-final victory over Bayern Munich in the UCL, while Nacho and Carvajal have been regular starters for most of the season.
While the striker may not be as active at the European Championship, Carvajal is once again a regular starter and Nacho is a valuable replacement in defence.
