The past summer was a football lover’s dream with monumental tournaments at the European Championship and Copa America. These two events captivated a global audience for an entire month, delivering memorable moments that will be cherished for generations to come.
After 31 days and 51 matches, Spain emerged as deserving winners, defeating England 2-1 in Berlin to become European champions for a record fourth time. The tournament was filled with intense emotions and showcased the brilliance of young talents like Lamine Yamal, whose stunning performances and spectacular goal against France have made him a household name. As established icons like Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to find their form, a new generation, including Yamal and England’s Jude Bellingham, stepped into the spotlight, signaling a changing of the guard for European football.
“Without a doubt, it was the tournament that allowed me to explode and gain confidence. But I still have many aspects of my game to improve, and I’m already thinking about the next challenges,” Yamal said.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s emotional last dance came during Portugal’s quarterfinal defeat to France, bringing a bittersweet end to his illustrious Euro career. Fans also bid farewell to legendary midfielder Toni Kroos, who hung up his boots following Germany’s quarterfinal loss to Spain.
The Copa America in the U.S. also proved to be an unforgettable tournament. Argentina’s title defense was nothing short of dramatic, with goalkeeper Emi Martínez emerging as a hero during a tense penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The excitement peaked when Argentina faced Colombia in the final, where Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in extra time, marking a historic 16th Copa America title. Lionel Messi, despite hobbling off the pitch with an ankle injury, was visibly emotional as he lifted the trophy.
For the USA, this year’s Copa America served as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina will enter that tournament as the reigning champions and back-to-back Copa America titleholders, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in football history.
“I feel a lot of happiness and pride,” Argentina captain Lionel Messi said. “What this group of players has done is incredible; they never get tired of competing. I’m enjoying it more than ever; this is one of the few things we have left, and I hope people enjoy it as well.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
