Players who have won both Champions League & Euros in same season

Being successful in continental competitions with both club and country in the same season is a massive achievement.

After an exciting month of high-octane entertainment, underdog stories and unbelievable moments, the Euro 2024 in Germany has come to a sensational end, with Luis de la Fuente’s Spain being crowned as the champions of this edition.

Throughout its history, this coveted competition has been won by several players with their respective nations, but only a select few have earned the right to classify themselves as European Champions at both club and country levels in the same season.

With that said, here are the players who have won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro tournaments in the same season:

Luis Suarez (Inter Milan & Spain) – 1964

In 1964, legendary midfielder Luis Suarez was the first player in football history to win the UEFA Champions League and Euros in the same season with Inter Milan and Spain respectively. Inter Milan defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League final, whereas hosts Spain beat the Soviet Union 2-1 in the European Championship final.

Suarez played an integral role in Spain winning their first-ever European Championship in the form of the Henri Delaunay trophy. He was also an ever-present figure in the Inter Milan side that won the first of its two consecutive European Cups.

Owing to his incredible performances that season, Luis Suarez almost made it to being crowned the Best European Player. He narrowly finished second in the final standings for the Ballon d’Or award behind the eventual winner, the iconic Scottish forward Dennis Law.

Ronald Koeman, Hans van Breukelen, Berry van Aerle & Gerald Vanenburg (PSV Eindhoven & Netherlands) – 1988

In 1988, the legendary Dutch quartet of Ronald Koeman, Hans van Breukelen, Berry van Aerle and Gerald Vanenburg won the Champions League and Euros with PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands respectively. PSV Eindhoven defeated Benfica 0-0 (6-5) on penalty shootouts in the Champions League final, whereas the Netherlands beat the Soviet Union 2-0 in the European Championship title clash.

Ronald Koeman was a rock-solid defender and a key player in PSV lifting the Champions League, and he carried that incredible momentum into the European Championships, where he guided the Netherlands all the way to ultimate glory. One of his vital contributions during that run was when he successfully converted a penalty in the semi-final triumph against Germany.

Goalkeeper Hans van Breukelen enjoyed a stellar campaign that year, as he played every minute of every game in both PSV’s Champions League title run and the Netherlands’ Euro 1988 trophy success. In the final against Benfica, Van Breukelen proved to be the hero of the night. He saved Antonio Veloso’s crucial spot kick during the penalty shootouts, to clinch PSV’s only trophy in the coveted competition to date.

Barry van Aerle and Gerald Vanenburg were also integral to the club and country-level triumphs, with the former showcasing his versatility as a right-back after he was used as a midfielder throughout the Euros campaign. Van Aerle also played every minute of every match in both competitions.

Fernando Torres & Juan Mata (Chelsea & Spain) – 2012

In 2012, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata won the Champions League and Euros with Chelsea and Spain respectively. Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich 1-1 (4-3) on penalty shootouts in the Champions League final, whereas Spain dismantled Italy 4-0 in the European Championship final.

It was an underwhelming overall season for Fernando Torres as he wasn’t viewed as the first-choice striker for both the Chelsea and La Roja squads. But still, he managed to leave an incredible impact during both tournaments. In the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, Torres scored the decisive breakaway goal to book the Blues’s place in the final. He also scored one of the four goals in Spain’s thumping of Italy in the Euro final.

On the other hand, Juan Mata enjoyed an exceptional year. Mata delivered that sumptuous corner which was eventually met by Didier Drogba’s composed finish off the head during the Champions League final. It helped to level the score with two minutes left on the clock (1-1).

Cristiano Ronaldo & Pepe (Real Madrid & Portugal) – 2016

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe won the Champions League and Euros with Real Madrid and Portugal respectively. Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 1-1 (5-3) on penalty shootouts in the Champions League final, whereas Portugal toppled France 1-0 in the European Championship final.

Ronaldo’s stellar performances that season guided Los Blancos to the first of their three Champions League titles in a row. This was followed by Ronaldo also breaking his international trophy curse as he lifted the Euro 2016 trophy with Portugal.

In the Champions League final, Ronaldo bagged the winning penalty against Atletico Madrid but unfortunately couldn’t play a major role for Portugal during the Euros final, as he had to be substituted early on in the game after suffering an injury. However, Ronaldo kept supporting his teammates throughout the match from the sidelines, almost making him seem like an assistant manager.

Pepe was an immaculate figure in the backline during both Real Madrid and Portugal’s success in 2016. In what was a remarkable campaign for the elite centre-back, Pepe played the complete 120 minutes of action in both finals (both UCL and Euro finals had gone to extra time in 2016), with his leadership skills and defensive prowess making him the standout player on the pitch.

Jorginho & Emerson (Chelsea & Italy) – 2021

In 2021, Jorginho and Emerson won the Champions League and Euros with Chelsea and Italy respectively. Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the Champions League final, whereas Italy beat England 1-1 (3-2) on penalty shootouts in the European Championship final.

Despite having his potential trophy-winning penalty saved by Jordan Pickford, Jorginho had an incredible Euros campaign as he was an instrumental player in the midfield for Roberto Mancini’s side. He was also an ever-present figure in Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea setup, guiding them to Champions League glory with his consistent world-class performances.

Owing to his amazing season, Jorginho was also in the top 10 of the final standings for the Ballon d’Or award that year.

On the other hand, Emerson managed to start just two matches in the Champions League with his crucial goal against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, proving vital in Chelsea’s title triumph. In Euro 2020 (which was played in 2021), Emerson deputised admirably for the injured Leonardo Spinazzola during the decisive semi-final and final games against Spain and England respectively, to guide Italy to their second Euros crown in history.

Nacho, Joselu & Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid & Spain) – 2024

To add to the list, Nacho, Joselu, and Dani Carvajal won the Champions League and Euros with Real Madrid and Spain respectively in 2024. Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League final whereas Spain toppled England 2-1 in the European Championship final.

In his final season for Real Madrid, Nacho stepped up to lead the backline during an injury crisis at the club and put in stellar displays week in and week out to captain Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double. Despite not getting into La Roja’s starting lineup for Euro 2024, Nacho made vital contributions off the bench throughout the tournament. He did produce a world-class performance as a starter centre-back in Spain’s semi-final win over France.

One of the most underrated right-backs of his generation is undoubtedly Dani Carvajal, who netted the decisive opener in the closely contested final against Dortmund. Carvajal carried this hot form into Euro 2024 as he starred in six out of Spain’s seven winning games, where he displayed his incredible qualities on both ends of the pitch, dealing with exceptional wingers in defence as well as contributing to his team’s attacking play.

Joselu has enjoyed one of the most ridiculous seasons for a player who was on loan from second-tier Espanyol. Despite only starting three matches in both tournaments combined, Joselu left his mark through his incredible super-sub appearances. In the Champions League semifinal win over Bayern Munich, super sub-Joselu popped up with an iconic late double in the crucial match to book Real Madrid’s place in the final. However, his super-sub services weren’t required during Euro 2024.

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