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Spain national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Spain women's national football team.
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Spain
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) La Roja (The Red One)
Association Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Luis de la Fuente
Captain Álvaro Morata
Most caps Sergio Ramos (180)
Top scorer David Villa (59)
Home stadium Various
FIFA code ESP
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 9 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 1 (July 2008 – June 2009, October 2009 – March 2010, July 2010 – July 2011, October 2011 – July 2014)
Lowest 25 (March 1998)
Elo ranking
Current 2 Increase 3 (3 March 2019)
Highest 1 (September 1920 – May 1924, September – December 1925, June 2008 – June 2009, July 2010 – June 2013)
Lowest 19 (June–October 1969, November 1991)
First international
 Spain 1–0 Denmark 
(Forest, Belgium; 28 August 1920)
Biggest win
 Spain 13–0 Bulgaria 
(Madrid, Spain; 22 August 1933)
Biggest defeat
 Italy 7–1 Spain 
(Amsterdam, Netherlands; 4 June 1928)
 England 7–1 Spain 
(London, England; 9 December 1931)
World Cup
Appearances 16 (first in 1934)
Best result Champions (2010)
European Championship
Appearances 12 (first in 1964)
Best result Champions (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024)
Nations League Finals
Appearances 2 (first in 2021)
Best result Champions (2023)
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Appearances 1 (first in 2025)
Best result Debut (2025)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 2 (first in 2009)
Best result Runners-up (2013)
Medal record
Men's football
FIFA World Cup
Gold 2010 South Africa Team
UEFA European Championship
Gold 1964 Spain Team
Gold 2008 Austria–Switzerland Team
Gold 2012 Poland–Ukraine Team
Gold 2024 Germany Team
Silver 1984 France Team
Bronze 2020 Europa (s.f.) Team
UEFA Nations League
Gold 2023 Netherlands Team
Silver 2021 Italy Team
FIFA Confederations Cup
Silver 2013 Brazil Team
Bronze 2009 South Africa Team
Olympic Games
Silver 1920 Antwerp Team

The Spain national football team (Spanish: Selección Española de Fútbol) has represented Spain in men's international football competitions since 1920. It is governed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.

Spain is one of eight national teams to have been crowned world champions and has participated in a total of 16 out of 22 FIFA World Cups, winning the 2010 edition, and qualifying consistently since 1978. Spain has participated in a total of 12 out of 17 UEFA European Championships, and are the reigning European champions, having won a record fourth title in 2024. After their victory in the 2023 UEFA Nations League they became the second national team, following France, to win three major titles (World Cup, European Championship and Nations League). Spain is also one of only two nations alongside Germany, to have won both women's and men's World Cups.

Having won one World Cup, one Nations League and three European Championship titles since 2008, Spain is the most successful European national team of the 21st century. The team's achievements from 2008 to 2012 have led many experts and commentators to consider this era's squads one of the best ever teams in football history. During this period, Spain became the first national team to win three consecutive major titles, including two back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, while becoming the first European team to win a World Cup held outside of Europe. Also in this period from 2008 to 2013, Spain won the FIFA Team of the Year, the second-most of any nation, behind only Brazil. One year before, from the start of 2007 to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, Spain achieved 35 consecutive undefeated matches, a feat which they shared with Brazil, and a record for the sport at the time.

History

See also: History of the Spain national football team
Spain national football team in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp
Spain national football team in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp

Spain has been a member of FIFA since its founding in 1904, even though the Spanish Football Federation was first established in 1909. The first Spain national football team was constituted in 1920, with the main objective of finding a team that would represent Spain at the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Belgium in that same year. Spain made their debut at the tournament on 28 August 1920 against Denmark, silver medalists at the last two Olympic tournaments. Spain managed to win that match by a scoreline of 1–0, eventually finishing with the silver medal. Spain qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in 1934, defeating Brazil in their first game and losing in a replay to the hosts and eventual champions Italy in the quarter-finals. The Spanish Civil War and World War II prevented Spain from playing any competitive matches between the 1934 World Cup and the 1950 edition's qualifiers. At the 1950 finals in Brazil, they topped their group to progress to the finals round, then finished in fourth place. Until 2010, this had been Spain's highest finish in a FIFA World Cup finals.

Spain won its first major international title when it hosted the 1964 European Nations' Cup, defeating the Soviet Union 2–1 in the final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The victory would stand as Spain's lone major title for 44 years. Spain was selected as host of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, reaching the second round and four years later they reached the quarter-finals before a penalty shootout defeat to Belgium. Also at UEFA Euro 1984, they lost the final against France. Spain reached the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup. The match became controversial when Italian defender Mauro Tassotti struck Luis Enrique with his elbow inside Spain's penalty area, causing Luis Enrique to bleed profusely from his nose and mouth, but it was not noticed nor sanctioned by referee Sándor Puhl. Had the official awarded a foul, Spain would have received a penalty kick. In the 2002 World Cup, Spain won its three group play matches, then defeated the Republic of Ireland on penalties in the second round. They faced co-hosts South Korea in the quarter-finals, losing in a shootout after having two goals controversially called back for alleged infractions during regular and extra time.

World Cup celebration - 2
World Cup champions parade celebrate as they pass in front of the Air Force Headquarters in Madrid.

At UEFA Euro 2008, Spain won all their games in Group D. Italy were the opponents in the quarter-finals match, which Spain won 4–2 on penalties. They then met Russia again in the semi-finals, beating them 3–0. In the final, Spain defeated Germany 1–0, with Fernando Torres scoring the only goal of the game. This was Spain's first major title since the 1964 European Championship. Xavi was awarded the player of the tournament. The following year the side finished third at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup breaking their 35-match unbeaten streak that began in November 2006 after a loss to the United States. In the 2010 World Cup, Spain advanced to the final for the first time ever by defeating Germany 1–0. In the decisive match against the Netherlands, Andrés Iniesta scored the match's only goal, coming in extra time. Spain became the third team to win a World Cup outside their own continent, and the first European team to do so. They then qualified for UEFA Euro 2012, finishing on top of Group I with a perfect 100% record. They became the first team to retain the European Championship, winning the final 4–0 against Italy, while Fernando Torres won the Golden Boot for top scorer of the tournament.

Spain advanced to the final of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, losing to hosts Brazil, and the following year they were eliminated from the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. At Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, the side reached the last 16 in both tournaments, losing to Italy 2–0 and Russia 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. In the UEFA Euro 2020, held in 2021 after COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, Spain made a breakthrough, reaching the last four of a major tournament for the first time since 2012, before losing to eventual champions Italy 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. The team finished the tournament with two wins and four draws (including two penalty shootouts). The same year they managed to reach the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, losing against France. In the 2022 World Cup, Spain finished second in their group, then in the round of 16, they lost to Morocco 3–0 on penalties after a 0–0 draw, to be the third consecutive elimination from a major tournament in penalty shootouts.

Spain finished top of their group in UEFA Euro 2024 without conceding a goal, and went on to defeat Georgia in the round of 16 by 4–1. They eventually eliminated hosts Germany in the quarter-finals with a 2–1 win and defeated France in the semi-finals with the same result, qualifying for their fifth European Championships final. Spain won their record-breaking fourth European title by defeating England 2–1 in the final and became the first and only team to win all seven matches in a single European Championship tournament. They also set a new record of 15 goals scored in a single European Championship.

Team image

Nicknames

Spain's team was known in the past by some fans as "La furia española", 'the Spanish Fury'; this nickname was originally given by a Dutch newspaper, recalling the "Sack of Antwerp" – an episode in the military history of Spain. More modernly, the team is called "La roja", 'the Red (squad)'.

Style of play

Main article: Tiki-taka
Spain Euro 08 celebration 3
Spain, UEFA Euro 2008 winners
2010 FIFA World Cup Spain with cup
Spain's players celebrate winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Spain national football team Euro 2012 trophy 02
Spain, UEFA Euro 2012 winners

Between 2008 and 2012, the team played a style of football dubbed 'tiki-taka', a systems approach to football founded upon the ideal of team unity and a comprehensive understanding in the geometry of space on a football field.

Tiki-taka has been variously described as "a style of play based on making your way to the back of the net through short passing and movement", a "short passing style in which the ball is worked carefully through various channels", and a "nonsensical phrase that has come to mean short passing, patience and possession above all else". The style involves roaming movement and positional interchange amongst midfielders, moving the ball in intricate patterns, and sharp, one or two-touch passing. Tiki-taka is "both defensive and offensive in equal measure" – the team is always in possession, so doesn't need to switch between defending and attacking. Commentators have contrasted tiki-taka with "Route One physicality" and with the higher-tempo passing of Barcelona and Arsène Wenger's 2007–08 Arsenal side, which employed Cesc Fàbregas as the only channel between defence and attack. Tiki-taka is associated with flair, creativity, and touch, but can also be taken to a "slow, directionless extreme" that sacrifices effectiveness for aesthetics.

Tiki-taka was successfully employed by Spain to win Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. The 2008–12 teams are regarded as being among the greatest of international teams in football history.

They have the Barcelona "carousel" of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta augmented by Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso in midfield.

Sid Lowe identifies Luis Aragonés' tempering of tiki-taka with pragmatism as a key factor in Spain's success in Euro 2008. Aragonés used tiki-taka to "protect a defense that appeared suspect [...], maintain possession and dominate games" without taking the style to "evangelical extremes". None of Spain's first six goals in the tournament came from tiki-taka: five came from direct breaks and one from a set play. For Lowe, Spain's success in the 2010 World Cup was evidence of the meeting of two traditions in Spanish football: the "powerful, aggressive, direct" style that earned the silver medal-winning 1920 Antwerp Olympic team the nickname La furia española ('The Spanish Fury') and the tiki-taka style of the contemporary Spain's team, which focused on a collective, short-passing, technical and possession-based game.

Analyzing Spain's semi-final victory over Germany at the 2010 World Cup, Raphael Honigstein described Spain's tiki-taka style as "the most difficult version of football possible: an uncompromising passing game, coupled with intense, high pressing". For Honigstein, tiki-taka is "a significant upgrade" of the Netherlands' Total Football because it relies on ball movement rather than players switching position. Tiki-taka allowed Spain to "control both the ball and the opponent".

Celebrando la cuarta Eurocopa de la selección española. Madrid, 15 de julio de 2024
Spain, UEFA Euro 2024 winners

Spain held possession of ball more than their opponents in all matches from 2008 to 2024, a record of 136 games.

We have the same idea as each other. Keep the ball, create movement around and off the ball, get in the spaces to cause danger.

Kits and crest

Spain's home kit is traditionally a red jersey with yellow trim, dark blue shorts, and black socks, whilst their current away kit is predominantly yellow, having been white traditionally. The color of the home socks started to alter throughout the 1990s from black to the same blue color as the shorts, then matching either the blue of the shorts or the red of the shirt until the mid-2010s when they returned to their traditional black. Spain's kits have been produced by manufacturers including Adidas (from 1981 until 1983), Le Coq Sportif (from 1984 until 1990) and Adidas once again (since 1991). Rather than displaying the logo of the Spanish Football Federation, Spain's jersey traditionally features the country's coat of arms over the left side. After winning the 2010 World Cup, the World Cup winners badge was added to the right side of the jersey and a golden star at the top of Spain's coat of arms.

Kit suppliers

Kit supplier Period Notes
None 1920–1935
Spain/Spain Deportes Cóndor 1935–1966
1967–1981
England Umbro 1966
West Germany/Germany Adidas 1981–1983
1991–present		 Current until 2030
France Le Coq Sportif 1984–1990

Home stadium

Main article: List of stadiums in Spain

Spain does not have a designated national stadium. The capital city of Madrid (Bernabéu and Metropolitano), Seville (Pizjuán, Villamarín and La Cartuja), Valencia (Mestalla and Orriols) and Barcelona (Camp Nou and Montjuïc), are the four Spanish cities that have hosted more than 15 national team matches, while also being home to the largest stadiums in the country.

Other friendly matches, as well as qualifying fixtures against smaller opponents, are played in provincial stadia. The 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign included matches at the Reino de León in León, Los Cármenes in Granada, El Molinón in Gijón, and the Rico Pérez in Alicante.

Media coverage

Spain's UEFA Nations League, UEFA European Qualifiers and all friendly matches, are televised nationwide by La 1, flagship television channel of the public broadcaster TVE.

Rivalries

Spain has rivalries with the five countries that has faced more times, the other four «Europe's Big Five» nations and with its Iberian neighbor. In order by number of matches, Italy (41), Portugal (40), France (37), England (28) and Germany (27).

  • Their rivalry with Italy, sometimes referred to as the «Mediterranean Derby», has been contested since 1920. Their first meeting was at the Olympic Games, in a 2–0 triumph for Spain on 2 September 1920 in Antwerp. Although the two nations are not immediate geographical neighbours, their rivalry at international level is enhanced by the strong performances of the representative clubs in UEFA competitions, in which they are among the leading associations and have each enjoyed spells of dominance. Since the quarter-finals match between the two countries at Euro 2008, the rivalry has renewed, with its most notable match between the two sides being in the UEFA Euro 2012 final, which Spain won 4–0. Spain has the advantage in the head-to-head, with 14 wins, 16 draws, and 11 losses, after 41 games, but both teams evenly split with 6 wins each when only competitive matches are counted.
  • Their rivalry with Portugal, also known as the «Iberian Derby», has been contested since 1921. Their first meeting was a 3–1 triumph for Spain on 18 December 1921 in Madrid, the first ever international game for the Portuguese. Portugal lost their first matches, with their first draw (2–2) only coming in 1926. Portugal's first win came much later (4–1) in 1947. In this friendly rivalry, Spain dominates the head-to-head record with 17 victories, 17 draws, and 6 losses, after 40 games. They also lead Portugal in competitive matches, with 5 wins to Portugal's 1 with 5 draws.
  • Their rivalry with France, sometimes referred to as the «Pyrenean Derby», has been contested since 1922. Their first meeting was a 4–0 triumph for Spain on 30 April 1922 in Bordeaux, though their first competitive meeting came in the UEFA Euro 1984 final, which France won to take over its first major international honours. Spain has the advantage in the head-to-head, with 17 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, after 37 games. However, France has a major advantage lin competitive matches, with 6 wins compared to just 3 of Spain.
  • Their rivalry with England, has been contested since 1929. Their first meeting was a 4–3 victory for Spain on 15 May 1929 in Madrid, the first ever English defeat outside the British Isles. The first of their nine competitive fixtures came at the 1950 World Cup in Maracanã, where Spain won 1–0 with a Telmo Zarra legendary goal. In their another World Cup meeting in 1982, Spain received England as hosts at the Bernabéu, in a second round stage match ended 0–0. One year before, in 1981, Spain achieved its first victory at Wembley. At the European Championship, they have met three times. In 1980 a group stage victory 2–1 for England in Naples. In 1996 a quarter-final match-up at Wembley ended 0–0 after extra time with England advanced on penalties. Finally in 2024, at the UEFA Euro 2024 final, with England were aiming to win their first European title, while Spain were looking for the continental titles record, Spaniards won 2–1 in Berlin, winning a record fourth Euro's championship. The head-to-head result for Spain is 11 wins, 4 draws and 13 losses, after 28 games.
  • Their rivalry with Germany, has been contested since 1935. Their first meeting was a 2–1 victory for Spain on 12 May 1935 in Cologne. Spain only met a German side for the first time in any competitive fixture in 1966, as part of the 1966 World Cup, where West Germany (competing separately from East Germany at the time) came back to win 2–1. Since the German reunification in 1990, Spain has remained undefeated in competitive fixtures against Germany, winning 1–0 the UEFA Euro 2008 final, 0–1 the 2010 World Cup semi-final, an outstanding 6–0 in the 2020–21 Nations League, and most recently in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, 2–1 against the hosts after extra-time. The head-to-head result is a tie with 9 wins each and 9 draws, after 27 games.

Results and fixtures

For all past match results of the national team, see single-season articles, and Spain national football team results.
Further information: 2023–24 in Spanish football and 2024–25 in Spanish football

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024

2025

Coaching staff

Main article: List of Spain national football team managers
Role Name
Head coach Spain Luis de la Fuente
Assistant coach Spain Pablo Amo
Goalkeeping coach Spain Miguel Ángel España
Fitness coach Spain Carlos Cruz
Data analysts Spain Geri Peica
Spain Juanjo González
Psychologist Spain Joaquín Valdés
Video analyst Spain Pablo Peña
Doctor Spain Juan José García Cota
Physiotherapists Spain Lorenzo del Pozo
Spain Raúl Martínez
Spain Miguel Gutiérrez
Spain Juan Carlos Herranz
Spain Fernando Galán del Río
Kit men Spain Joaquín Retamosa
Spain José Damián García
Spain Antonio Guerra
Sporting director Spain
Team manager Spain Nuria Martínez Navas
Delegate Spain

Players

Main article: List of Spain international footballers

Current squad

The following 26 players were named in the final squad for 2024–25 UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Switzerland on 15 and 18 November 2024, respectively.

Caps and goals updated as of 18 November 2024, after the match against Switzerland.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK David Raya (1995-09-15) 15 September 1995 (age 29) 11 0 England Arsenal
13 1GK Álex Remiro (1995-03-24) 24 March 1995 (age 30) 2 0 Spain Real Sociedad
23 1GK Robert Sánchez (1997-11-18) 18 November 1997 (age 27) 3 0 England Chelsea
2 2DF Pedro Porro (1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 25) 6 0 England Tottenham Hotspur
3 2DF Álex Grimaldo (1995-09-20) 20 September 1995 (age 29) 10 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen
4 2DF Pau Cubarsí (2007-01-22) 22 January 2007 (age 18) 5 0 Spain Barcelona
5 2DF Dani Vivian (1999-07-05) 5 July 1999 (age 25) 8 0 Spain Athletic Bilbao
12 2DF Óscar Mingueza (1999-05-13) 13 May 1999 (age 25) 2 0 Spain Celta Vigo
14 2DF Aymeric Laporte (1994-05-27) 27 May 1994 (age 30) 40 2 Saudi Arabia Al Nassr
17 2DF Marc Cucurella (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 26) 13 0 England Chelsea
18 2DF Aitor Paredes (2000-04-29) 29 April 2000 (age 24) 1 0 Spain Athletic Bilbao
6 3MF Mikel Merino (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 28) 31 2 England Arsenal
8 3MF Fabián Ruiz (1996-04-03) 3 April 1996 (age 29) 35 6 France Paris Saint-Germain
10 3MF Dani Olmo (1998-05-07) 7 May 1998 (age 26) 41 11 Spain Barcelona
16 3MF Marc Casadó (2003-09-14) 14 September 2003 (age 21) 2 0 Spain Barcelona
20 3MF Pedri (2002-11-25) 25 November 2002 (age 22) 30 2 Spain Barcelona
21 3MF Pablo Barrios (2003-06-15) 15 June 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Spain Atlético Madrid
7 4FW Álvaro Morata (captain) (1992-10-23) 23 October 1992 (age 32) 84 37 Italy Milan
9 4FW Samu Aghehowa (2004-05-05) 5 May 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Portugal Porto
11 4FW Nico Williams (2002-07-12) 12 July 2002 (age 22) 24 4 Spain Athletic Bilbao
15 4FW Bryan Zaragoza (2001-09-09) 9 September 2001 (age 23) 3 1 Spain Osasuna
19 4FW Yeremy Pino (2002-10-20) 20 October 2002 (age 22) 14 3 Spain Villarreal
22 4FW Bryan Gil (2001-02-11) 11 February 2001 (age 24) 5 1 Spain Girona
4FW Ayoze Pérez (1993-07-29) 29 July 1993 (age 31) 4 2 Spain Villarreal

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up for the team in the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Unai Simón (1997-06-11) 11 June 1997 (age 27) 46 0 Spain Athletic Bilbao UEFA Euro 2024 INJ
DF Pau Torres (1997-01-16) 16 January 1997 (age 28) 24 1 England Aston Villa v.  Denmark, 15 November 2024 INJ
DF Dani Carvajal (1992-01-11) 11 January 1992 (age 33) 51 1 Spain Real Madrid v.  Denmark, 12 October 2024 INJ
DF Robin Le Normand (1996-11-11) 11 November 1996 (age 28) 19 1 Spain Atlético Madrid v.  Switzerland, 8 September 2024
DF Jesús Navas RET (1985-11-21) 21 November 1985 (age 39) 56 5 Spain Sevilla UEFA Euro 2024
DF Nacho (1990-01-18) 18 January 1990 (age 35) 29 1 Saudi Arabia Al Qadsiah UEFA Euro 2024
DF José Gayà (1995-05-25) 25 May 1995 (age 29) 22 3 Spain Valencia v.  Colombia, 22 March 2024
MF Martín Zubimendi (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 26) 15 1 Spain Real Sociedad v.  Switzerland, 18 November 2024 INJ
MF Álex Baena (2001-07-20) 20 July 2001 (age 23) 8 2 Spain Villarreal v.  Switzerland, 18 November 2024 INJ
MF Aleix García (1997-06-28) 28 June 1997 (age 27) 4 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen v.  Serbia, 15 October 2024
MF Rodri (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 28) 57 4 England Manchester City v.  Switzerland, 8 September 2024 INJ
MF Pepelu (1998-08-11) 11 August 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Spain Valencia v.  Switzerland, 8 September 2024
MF Fermín López (2003-05-11) 11 May 2003 (age 21) 2 0 Spain Barcelona UEFA Euro 2024
MF Marcos Llorente (1995-01-30) 30 January 1995 (age 30) 19 0 Spain Atlético Madrid UEFA Euro 2024 PRE
MF Pablo Sarabia (1992-05-11) 11 May 1992 (age 32) 27 9 England Wolverhampton Wanderers v.  Brazil, 26 March 2024
MF Oihan Sancet (2000-04-25) 25 April 2000 (age 24) 4 1 Spain Athletic Bilbao v.  Brazil, 26 March 2024
FW Mikel Oyarzabal (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 27) 41 13 Spain Real Sociedad v.  Switzerland, 18 November 2024 SUS
FW Lamine Yamal (2007-07-13) 13 July 2007 (age 17) 17 3 Spain Barcelona v.  Denmark, 15 November 2024 INJ
FW Joselu (1990-03-27) 27 March 1990 (age 35) 17 6 Qatar Al Gharafa v.  Serbia, 15 October 2024
FW Ferran Torres (2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 25) 48 21 Spain Barcelona v.  Denmark, 12 October 2024
FW Gerard Moreno (1992-04-07) 7 April 1992 (age 33) 18 5 Spain Villarreal v.  Brazil, 26 March 2024

INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury
PRE Preliminary squad / standby
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue
RET Player retired from the national team
SUS Player is serving suspension

Individual records

Player records

Main articles: List of Spain international footballers and Spain national football team records and statistics

Sergio Ramos holds the record for most appearances for the Spain's team with 180. In second place is Iker Casillas with 167, followed by Sergio Busquets with 143.

David Villa holds the title of Spain's highest goalscorer, scoring 59 goals from 2005 to 2017, during which time he played for Spain on 98 occasions. Raúl González is the second highest goalscorer, scoring 44 goals in 102 appearances between 1996 and 2006.

Most capped players

Sergio Ramos Euro 2012 vs France 01
Sergio Ramos holds the record for the most appearances in the history of Spain with 180 caps.

Below is a list of the ten players with the most caps for Spain, as of 15 November  2024 (2024 -11-15).

Players in bold are still active with Spain.
Rank Player Caps Goals Period
1 Sergio Ramos 180 23 2005–2021
2 Iker Casillas 167 0 2000–2016
3 Sergio Busquets 143 2 2009–2022
4 Xavi 133 13 2000–2014
5 Andrés Iniesta 131 13 2006–2018
6 Andoni Zubizarreta 126 0 1985–1998
7 David Silva 125 35 2006–2018
8 Xabi Alonso 114 16 2003–2014
9 Cesc Fàbregas 110 15 2006–2016
Fernando Torres 110 38 2003–2014

Youngest capped player

Oldest capped player

Top goalscorers

Spain-Tahiti, Confederations Cup 2013 (02) (Villa crop)
David Villa is the top scorer in the history of Spain with 59 goals.

Below is a list of the top ten goalscorers for Spain, as of 18 November  2024 (2024 -11-18).

Rank Player Goals Caps Average Period
1 David Villa (list) 59 98 0.6 2005–2017
2 Raúl (list) 44 102 0.43 1996–2006
3 Fernando Torres (list) 38 110 0.35 2003–2014
4 Álvaro Morata 37 84 0.44 2014–present
5 David Silva 35 125 0.28 2006–2018
6 Fernando Hierro 29 89 0.33 1989–2002
7 Fernando Morientes 27 47 0.57 1998–2007
8 Emilio Butragueño 26 69 0.38 1984–1992
9 Alfredo Di Stéfano (list) 23 31 0.74 1957–1961
Sergio Ramos 23 180 0.13 2005–2021

Youngest goalscorer

Oldest goalscorer

  • Aritz Aduriz (35 years and 274 days) vs.  Macedonia, 12 November 2016

Most goals scored in a single match

  • Chacho (6 goals) vs.  Bulgaria, 13 May 1933

First goal scored

  • Juan Arzuaga vs.  France, 25 May 1913 (unofficial game)
  • Patricio Arabolaza vs.  Denmark, 28 August 1920 (official game)

Captains

Main article: List of Spain national football team captains

List of Spain's captains in major tournaments.

Manager records

Main articles: List of Spain national football team managers and Spain national football team records and statistics
  • Most manager appearances
Vicente del Bosque: 114

Team records

Main article: Spain national football team records and statistics

Competitive record

For the all-time record for the national team against opposing teams, see Spain national football team all-time record.

FIFA World Cup

Main article: Spain at the FIFA World Cup

Although often entering tournaments as one of the favorites, Spain have often been perceived as underachieving at the World Cup. Spain's first World Cup was in 1934. At that World Cup, Spain started their campaign by defeating Brazil 3–1 to advance to the quarter-finals, where they lost to hosts Italy in a replay. Before Spain's success in 2010, their best result came in 1950, where they reached the last four. Spain were paired with the hosts Brazil, as well as Uruguay and Sweden. Spain managed a draw against Uruguay but defeats from Brazil and Sweden meant that Spain would end up in fourth place. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, Spain became world champions for the first time after defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in the final, becoming the eighth country to win the World Cup.

     Champions       Runners-up       Third place     Hosts or co-hosts

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Did not enter Declined invitation
Italy 1934 Quarter-finals 5th 3 1 1 1 4 3 Squad 2 2 0 0 11 1
France 1938 Withdrew Withdrew
Brazil 1950 Fourth place 4th 6 3 1 2 10 12 Squad 2 1 1 0 7 3
Switzerland 1954 Did not qualify 3 1 1 1 6 4
Sweden 1958 4 2 1 1 12 8
Chile 1962 Group stage 13th 3 1 0 2 2 3 Squad 4 3 1 0 7 4
England 1966 10th 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad 3 2 0 1 5 2
Mexico 1970 Did not qualify 6 2 2 2 10 6
West Germany 1974 5 2 2 1 8 6
Argentina 1978 Group stage 10th 3 1 1 1 2 2 Squad 4 3 0 1 4 1
Spain 1982 Second group stage 12th 5 1 2 2 4 5 Squad Qualified as host
Mexico 1986 Quarter-finals 7th 5 3 1 1 11 4 Squad 6 4 0 2 9 8
Italy 1990 Round of 16 10th 4 2 1 1 6 4 Squad 8 6 1 1 20 3
United States 1994 Quarter-finals 8th 5 2 2 1 10 6 Squad 12 8 3 1 27 4
France 1998 Group stage 17th 3 1 1 1 8 4 Squad 10 8 2 0 26 6
South Korea Japan 2002 Quarter-finals 5th 5 3 2 0 10 5 Squad 8 6 2 0 21 4
Germany 2006 Round of 16 9th 4 3 0 1 9 4 Squad 12 6 6 0 25 5
South Africa 2010 Champions 1st 7 6 0 1 8 2 Squad 10 10 0 0 28 5
Brazil 2014 Group stage 23rd 3 1 0 2 4 7 Squad 8 6 2 0 14 3
Russia 2018 Round of 16 10th 4 1 3 0 7 6 Squad 10 9 1 0 36 3
Qatar 2022 13th 4 1 2 1 9 3 Squad 8 6 1 1 15 5
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 Qualified as co-host Qualified as co-host
Saudi Arabia 2034 To be determined To be determined
Total 1 Title 16/22 67 31 17 19 108 75 — 125 87 26 12 291 81

UEFA European Championship

Main article: Spain at the UEFA European Championship

Spain have won the most UEFA European Championships (four titles). La Roja are also the only nation to date to have won consecutive championships. They have hosted the tournament once, in 1964 (one city was used to host games at Euro 2020) and have appeared in a total of twelve tournaments.

The team won their first international trophy on home soil in 1964, defeating the Soviet Union 2–1. Spain would reach the final twenty years later in 1984, where they would lose the final to France. Spain would not reach the final again until 2008, where they would defeat Germany 1–0. Four years later, Spain earned back-to-back titles, comprehensively defeating Italy 4–0 in the final in Kyiv. It would take La Roja twelve years to reach another European final, doing so in 2024 against England, a match they won 2–1 to stand alone as the most successful national team in the competition's history with four titles while at the same time becoming the first team ever to win all seven matches in a single tournament.

UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Withdrew 2 2 0 0 7 2
Spain 1964 Champions 1st 2 2 0 0 4 2 Squad 6 4 1 1 16 5
Italy 1968 Did not qualify 8 3 2 3 7 5
Belgium 1972 6 3 2 1 14 3
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1976 8 3 4 1 11 9
Italy 1980 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 4 Squad 6 4 1 1 13 5
France 1984 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 3 1 4 5 Squad 8 6 1 1 24 8
West Germany 1988 Group stage 6th 3 1 0 2 3 5 Squad 6 5 0 1 14 6
Sweden 1992 Did not qualify 7 3 0 4 17 12
England 1996 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 3 0 4 3 Squad 10 8 2 0 25 4
Belgium Netherlands 2000 5th 4 2 0 2 7 7 Squad 8 7 0 1 42 5
Portugal 2004 Group stage 10th 3 1 1 1 2 2 Squad 10 7 2 1 21 5
Austria Switzerland 2008 Champions 1st 6 5 1 0 12 3 Squad 12 9 1 2 23 8
Poland Ukraine 2012 Champions 1st 6 4 2 0 12 1 Squad 8 8 0 0 26 6
France 2016 Round of 16 10th 4 2 0 2 5 4 Squad 10 9 0 1 23 3
Europe 2020 Semi-finals 3rd 6 2 4 0 13 6 Squad 10 8 2 0 31 5
Germany 2024 Champions 1st 7 7 0 0 15 4 Squad 8 7 0 1 25 5
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total 4 Titles 12/17 53 28 15 10 83 46 — 133 96 18 19 339 96

UEFA Nations League

Since the inaugural UEFA Nations League, La Roja have remained in League A and have reached the UEFA Nations League Finals on two occasions. At the 2021 Finals, Spain won their semi-final after defeating Italy 2–1 but lost to France in the final. In the following campaign, La Roja would again reach the final thanks to another win against Italy. Spain would then beat Croatia on penalties after a 0–0 draw.

UEFA Nations League record
League phase Finals
Season LG Grp Pos Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
2018–19 A 4 2nd 4 2 0 2 12 7 Same position 7th Portugal 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 A 4 1st 6 3 2 1 13 3 Same position 4th Italy 2021 Runners-up 2 1 0 1 3 3 Squad
2022–23 A 2 1st 6 3 2 1 8 5 Same position 3rd Netherlands 2023 Champions 2 1 1 0 2 1 Squad
2024–25 A 4 1st 6 5 1 0 13 4 Same position 1st 2025 To be determined
Total 22 13 5 4 46 19 1st Total 1 Title 4 2 1 1 5 4 —

*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions

After winning their record fourth European title, Spain qualified to their first ever Intercontinental cup. Where they are scheduled to face Argentina, the reigning champions of the 2024 Copa America

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
France 1985 Did not qualify
Argentina 1993
England 2022
2025 Qualified
Total TBD TBD 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

FIFA Confederations Cup

Spain made two appearances at the FIFA Confederations Cup. Their first appearance came in 2009 as European champions when they won a third place medal. Spain had lost 2–0 to the United States in the semi-finals. At the next edition, Spain qualified as both World and European champions. La Roja reached the final in Brazil, but lost 3–0 to the hosts.

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Saudi Arabia 1992 UEFA did not participate
Saudi Arabia 1995 Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1997
Mexico 1999
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 11 4 Squad
Brazil 2013 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 1 1 15 4 Squad
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Runners-up 2/10 10 7 1 2 26 8 —

Olympic Games

Rules (UEFA)
  • 1900–1904: club teams
  • 1908–1988: amateur / youth national teams
  • 1992–present: under-23 national teams
Note

Spain made their debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics, where they played their first ever international match, a 1–0 victory over Denmark. At the conclusion of the tournament, Spain won their first silver medal.

Olympic Games record
Year Host city Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
1900 Only club teams participated
1904
1908 No national representative
1912
1920 Silver medal 2nd 5 4 0 1 9 5 Squad
1924 First round 17th 1 0 0 1 0 1 Squad
1928 Quarter-finals 6th 3 1 1 1 9 9 Squad
1936 Withdrew
1948–1988 See Spain national amateur football team
Since 1992 See Spain national under-23 football team
Total 1 Silver medal 3/4 9 5 1 3 18 15 —

Honours

Major competitions

Awards

  • FIFA Fair Play Trophy
  • FIFA Team of the Year
  • Prince of Asturias Award for Sports
    • Winners: 2010
  • Laureus World Team of the Year
    • Winners: 2011

Source:

Summary

Competition 1 2 3 Total
FIFA World Cup 1 0 0 1
Olympic Games 0 1 0 1
FIFA Confederations Cup 0 1 1 1
UEFA European Championship 4 1 0 5
UEFA Nations League 1 1 0 2
Total 6 4 1 11

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de España para niños

  • Spain women's national football team
  • Spain national under-23 football team (Olympic football team)
  • Spain national under-21 football team
  • Spain national under-20 football team
  • Spain national under-19 football team
  • Spain national under-18 football team
  • Spain national under-17 football team
  • Spain national under-16 football team
  • Spain national under-15 football team
  • Football in Spain
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