Why Spain’s teams are dominating football

At all levels, Spain are dominating football right now.

The men’s national team beat England to be crowned European champions this summer while the women’s team won the World Cup last year.

They also hold the two biggest titles in European club football, with Real Madrid and Barcelona winning last season’s men’s and women’s Champions League respectively.

They could soon add an Olympic gold medal to their list of achievements too, with Spain into the men’s final in Paris on Friday. The women’s team just missed out, being beaten by Brazil in the semi-finals.

It is a hugely impressive list of achievements – and perhaps worrying for rival countries given the success has come despite a chaotic backdrop as a result of the sexism scandal that overshadowed the women’s World Cup win.

So how have Spain become such a dominant force?

Spain’s victory at this summer’s European Championship was their first Euros title since 2012. In fact, the national team had experienced a relatively lean period in the years between the wins.

But when Spain do reach the business end of tournaments, they generally come out on top – as one incredible statistic highlights.

Whether in World Cups, European Championships, the Champions League or the Uefa Cup/Europa League, in the last 27 men’s finals involving Spanish teams, all 27 resulted in wins for Spain.

Meanwhile, the women’s game in Spain has thrived in the last decade and is also starting to reel in big successes in the high-pressure games.

The country’s victory over England in last year’s Women’s World Cup final came in just their third appearance at the tournament, having made their debut in 2015.

Spain’s women won the Nations League earlier this year while Barcelona have won the last two Women’s Champions League titles.

“The changes in women’s football in Spain have been especially significant,” former player Maria Garrido, who is now a journalist, told BBC Sport.

“Ten years ago when I played for FC Barcelona, there was no La Masia [the famed academy at Barcelona] for girls. We covered our own transport costs, our parents brought us to training, and we didn’t earn any money.

“But in the last five years, the situation has improved dramatically. There has been a substantial push to promote women’s football, including the creation of more youth categories, better facilities and conditions, and the establishment of a dedicated football academy for girls.

“This transformation has not only revolutionised the sport but also elevated the respect for women’s football in Spain.”

These successes for both the men’s and women’s teams followed lifting numerous titles at youth level over the last decade, with the players from those teams taking that winning mentality into senior football.

Salma Paralluelo is just 20, but she was part of the Women’s World Cup-winning team and is already a two-time Women’s Champions League winner with Barcelona.

At youth level, she won the Under-20 and Under-17 Women’s World Cup, as well as the Under-17 Women’s European Championship.

“We are working very well but we are seeing that in the lower categories,” she said in an interview with Fifa last year.

“We are winning everything. In the end we are normalising winning. It is incredible what is being done.”

Familiarity and continuity appear to have also played a significant role in Spain’s recent dominance.

The man who guided the men’s team to Euro 2024 success this summer was Luis de la Fuente.

The 63-year-old took charge of the national team in 2022 but previously managed several of his team with the Under-19s, Under-21s and Under-23s.

The triumph in Germany was his third European Championship win with his nation – having also won with the Under-19s and Under-21s.

“De la Fuente knew most of these players from the academies and they are growing as a team,” former Spain midfielder Juan Mata told BBC Sport.

“This is not only a team for the present, but also a team for the future.”

Jorge Vilda, who managed Spain as they won the Women’s World Cup last year before he was sacked amid the fallout from Luis Rubiales scandal, had been national team manager for eight years.

He had previously won titles as manager of the Under-17 and Under-19 national sides.

Vilda was replaced by his former assistant Montse Tome, who became Spain’s first female head coach, and she led the team to victory in the Nations League at the first attempt, beating France in February.

“The practice of promoting coaches from Under-17 and Under-19 levels to the senior teams has fostered a consistent tactical approach and philosophy within the Spanish national teams,” adds Garrido.

“This seamless transition allows players to develop under familiar leadership, ensuring a coherent and unified playing style from youth to senior levels.”

When the men’s team last enjoyed a period of dominance – in the late 2000s and early 2010s – they were renowned for their short passing and ‘tiki taka’ style of football.

That era of pure ‘tika taka’ is now largely over but while Spanish football has not completely abandoned its principles, it has evolved them.

Possession is still an important part of their game, but not quite as significant as it used to be.

In their 3-0 win against Croatia at Euro 2024 they had less possession than their opponent for the first time since the Euro 2008 final – ending a remarkable run of 136 matches.

Technique and positioning are now key elements of the Spanish game, and both are also the main focus in women’s and youth football.

The ultimate aim is that players are familiar with a system through all levels.

“What’s great about this Spain team, they know their roles and how to fit in,” former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said following Spain’s win over England at Euro 2024.

“With England at times, we’re sort of just getting our best players on the pitch. This Spanish side just managed to find a way and pick the players who are going to impact in this system.”

For all the good that has happened with Spanish football in recent years it is still trying to repair its reputation following the sexism scandal that overshadowed the country’s Women’s World Cup win last year.

Rubiales resigned as head of the Spanish football federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent at the final’s medal presentation ceremony. Rubiales has always denied any wrongdoing.

“Despite the controversy with former president Luis Rubiales and the sexism scandal, Spanish football is still thriving,” says Garrido.

“The scandal did bring some negative attention and might have affected morale, but Spain’s strong football system and talented players helped keep things on track. Their success shows how dedicated and resilient they are.

“In the long run, this scandal could lead to positive changes in Spanish football. There’s a push for more transparency, inclusivity, and gender equality within the federation.

“With some necessary reforms, it can become even stronger and more inclusive, ensuring ongoing success and growth.”