UEFA Under-21 EURO: the ultimate finishing school

It was in 1978 that a hat-trick from Vahid Halilhodžić headlined Yugoslavia’s victory over Hungary in the inaugural U21 EURO final.

Since that time, some of the biggest names in Europe have emerged through this tournament and have gone on to win the most prestigious trophies and individual awards. A foundation for future glory, the U21 EURO continues to mark a coming-of-age moment for some of the most exceptional playing careers in the modern game.

The journey to what is now the 25th edition of the tournament in Slovakia began at the UEFA Congress in London, England, back in 1966 when a decision was made to introduce a new Under-23 national team competition.

From two to 16 competing nations

Humble beginnings saw only two nations compete for that first title a year later, but the tournament would evolve and grow over the course of the next decade.

Changes in the competition format and an increase in the number of nations involved would follow before the decisive change in age criteria was confirmed in January 1976, leading to Yugoslavia’s first crown two years later.

Played every two years, the importance of the tournament means that it has maintained parity with the expansion of the European game over the last five decades.

Since 1992 it has been the gateway to the Olympic Games, and from 1994 the event has included a final tournament that today boasts a total of 16 competing nations, double the number from 2015.

An important switch took place from 2007 as the tournament claimed its own place in the international calendar, either side of UEFA EURO and FIFA World Cup tournaments. By avoiding this clash, national associations were given more time to develop players at U21 level.

A return to Slovakia

It was 25 years ago that Slovakia last hosted U21 EURO, and they are one of 17 countries to have done so since the 1994 edition was held in France.

Ten different nations have won the trophy, with Spain and Italy leading the way with five successes each. Halilhodžić, the Yugoslav hero of 1978, is one of 24 players to have won the player of the tournament award, and he takes his place alongside an alumni of European greats that include Rudi Völler, Laurent Blanc, Davor Šuker, Luís Figo, Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Cannavaro, Petr Čech, Juan Mata and many more.

Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands is one of the many players to have graduated from the U21 EURO to senior footballGetty Images

England are the current holders of the U21 EURO trophy following their success in 2023 that was inspired by the likes of Cole Palmer, Curtis Jones and Anthony Gordon. Dutch duo Cody Gakpo and Justin Kluivert, Portuguese stars Vitinha and Bernardo Silva together with the Spanish pairing of Dani Olmo and Dani Ceballos have all been part of recent tournaments too. This is the calibre of player that makes U21 EURO a must-watch, and is testament to the record attendance of 44,338 when hosts Georgia played against Israel in the last tournament.

Developing the player and the person

It’s also important to recognise the dedication and commitment of the other nations that have competed in qualification over the last two years. Under-21 football remains an important step in the professional development of players representing all UEFA member associations, and many will forge exciting senior international careers despite missing out on this particular opportunity.

However, U21 EURO provides much more than just another career touch point. To experience a tournament environment at this age develops the individual person as much as the player, and for many it may prove to be the pinnacle of their international journey.

To bond with team-mates through a collective national pride creates relationships that will extend way beyond the duration of a professional playing career, and with it many memories that will last a lifetime.

This is a piece from the official 2025 UEFA Under-21 European Championship finals programme.