Spain Coach De la Fuente becomes first to win U-17, U-19, and Senior European Championship
De la Fuente has made history as the first coach to win the European Championships at the U-17, U-19, and senior levels.
Appointed as Spain’s head coach in December 2022, De la Fuente has quickly silenced critics with his impressive results.
After a coaching break, De la Fuente took charge of Spain’s U-19 team in 2013, staying for five years before moving up to the U-21s. His success with these youth teams, including winning the European U-19 Championship in 2015 and the U-21 Championship in 2019, led to his promotion to the senior team.
Spain’s recent triumph in the Euro 2024 final against England, winning 2-1, added another accolade to De la Fuente’s resume.
Despite losing MVP Rodri to a half-time injury, Spain took control with Nico Williams scoring just two minutes into the second half, thanks to a brilliant run and pass from Lamine Yamal. England’s Cole Palmer equalized with a stunning strike from Jude Bellingham’s assist, but Spain regained momentum.
Jordan Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, made two crucial saves, including one from Yamal, who was later named the tournament’s young player of the tournament. However, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal secured the victory with a late goal from Marc Cucurella’s cross, leaving England with little time to respond.
De la Fuente’s journey to the top job in Spain has been marked by significant achievements at various levels. His coaching career began with small Basque side Portugalete and included stints with Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao’s youth and reserve teams. Despite a brief and challenging period as Alaves’ senior manager, his success with Spain’s youth teams earned him the senior role.
Since taking charge, De la Fuente has led Spain to 16 wins, two draws, and two defeats in 20 matches. His tenure includes winning the UEFA Nations League, where Spain defeated Croatia on penalties in the final.
De la Fuente’s appointment faced skepticism due to his lack of elite-level experience, but his achievements with players like Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz, who excelled under his guidance at the U-21 level and in Euro 2024, have proven his capabilities. Despite a controversial moment applauding former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, De la Fuente has apologized and continues to focus on leading Spain to success.
With his historic wins, De la Fuente has cemented his legacy as a remarkable coach in European football.
