Spain_national_under-21_football_team
Spain national under-21 football team
Football team of Spain
The Spain national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Spain and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The team, nicknamed La Rojita (The Little Red),[1] competes in the biennial UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Nickname(s) | La Rojita (The Little Red One) La Furia Roja (the red fury) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Association | Royal Spanish Football Federation (Real Federación Española de Fútbol – RFEF) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Beñat Turrientes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Gerard Deulofeu (36) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Gerard Deulofeu (17) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | ESP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Zagreb, Yugoslavia; 9 October 1976) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (El Ejido, Spain; 8 February 2005) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Utrecht, Netherlands; 16 February 1983) Records for competitive matches only. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UEFA U-21 Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 17 (first in 1982) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Winners (1986, 1998, 2011, 2013, 2019) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Spain under-21 team was formed. Spain has a strong record (competition winners five times and runners-up twice); having consecutively won the 2011 and 2013 Championships. They hold the joint record with Italy for the most wins of the competition.
Since the under-21 competition rules insist that players must be 21 or under at the start of a two-year competition, technically it is an U-23 competition. For this reason, Spain's brief record in the preceding U-23 competitions is also shown, though in actuality, Spain played only three competitive U-23 matches. The first was in the "under-23 Challenge", which they lost, while the next two were in a two-team qualification "group" for the 1972 competition (facing the Soviet Union team, they lost 2–1 at home then drew 1–1 away and failed to qualify. Spain did not enter a team in the other two U-23 competitions, but have been ever present in under-21 competitions).
Spain's youth development programs has been challenging the South American dominance in the FIFA U-17 World Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In fact, 20 of the Spanish 23-man squad that won the Euro 2008 came through the ranks of the youth teams; most of them had won titles at the youth level as well.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship record
Year | Round | GP | W | D* | L | GS | GA |
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1978 | Qualifying Stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8 |
1980 | Qualifying Stage | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
1982 | Quarter-finals | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 5 |
1984 | Runners-up | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 11 |
1986 | Champions | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 9 |
1988 | Quarter-finals | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 4 |
1990 | Quarter-finals | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
1992 | Qualifying Stage | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
![]() | Third Place | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 9 |
![]() | Runners-up | 14 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 34 | 14 |
![]() | Champions | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 6 |
![]() | Third Place | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 31 | 7 |
![]() | Qualification Playoffs | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 9 |
![]() | Qualification Playoffs | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 5 |
![]() | Qualifying Stage | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 37 | 8 |
![]() | Qualification Playoffs | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 |
![]() | Group Stage | 13 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 27 | 7 |
![]() | Champions | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 8 |
![]() | Champions | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 5 |
![]() | Qualification Playoffs | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 8 |
![]() | Runners-up | 15 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 43 | 12 |
![]() | Champions | 15 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 45 | 16 |
![]() ![]() | Semifinals | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 27 | 3 |
![]() ![]() | Runners-up | 13 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 50 | 10 |
![]() | Quarter-finals | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 35 | 12 |
Total | 17/25 | 252 | 181 | 36 | 35 | 537 | 181 |
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
- Gold background color indicates first-place finish. Silver background color indicates second-place finish. Bronze background color indicates third-place finish.
- Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.
Spanish players have won individual awards at UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.
Year | Golden Player | Golden Boot |
---|---|---|
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Manolo Sanchís | |
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Francesc Arnau | |
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Juan Mata | Adrián |
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Thiago | Álvaro Morata |
![]() |
Dani Ceballos | Saúl |
![]() ![]() |
Fabián Ruiz |
Top appearances
Rank | Player | Club(s) | Year(s) | U-21 Caps |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gerard Deulofeu | Barcelona, Everton, Sevilla, Milan | 2012–2017 | 36 |
2 | Borja Mayoral | Real Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg, Levante | 2015–2019 | 31 |
Jorge Meré | Sporting Gijón, FC Köln | 2015–2019 | 31 | |
Iker Muniain | Athletic Bilbao | 2011–2014 | 31 | |
5 | Dani Ceballos | Betis, Real Madrid | 2015–2019 | 29 |
Beñat Turrientes | Real Sociedad | 2021–2025 | 29 | |
7 | Santi Denia | Albacete, Atlético Madrid | 1992–1996 | 27 |
David de Gea | Atlético Madrid, Manchester United | 2009–2013 | 27 | |
Abel Ruiz | Barcelona, Sporting Braga | 2019–2023 | 27 | |
10 | Diego Capel | Sevilla | 2007–2011 | 25 |
Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad | 2017–2019 | 25 | |
Saúl | Atlético Madrid, Rayo Vallecano | 2013–2017 | 25 | |
Xavi | Barcelona | 1998–2001 | 25 |
Note: Club(s) represents all the clubs that players played in at the time they did it too in the Under-21s.
Top goalscorers
Rank | Player | Club(s) | Year(s) | U-21 Goals |
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1 | Gerard Deulofeu | Barcelona, Everton, Sevilla, Milan | 2012–2017 | 17 |
2 | Borja Mayoral | Real Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg, Levante | 2015–2019 | 16 |
3 | Rodrigo | Benfica | 2011–2013 | 15 |
4 | Isco | Málaga, Real Madrid | 2011–2014 | 14 |
5 | Álvaro Morata | Real Madrid, Juventus | 2013–2014 | 13 |
Abel Ruiz | Barcelona, Sporting Braga | 2019–2023 | 13 | |
7 | Óscar | Barcelona, Albacete | 1992–1996 | 12 |
8 | Munir | Barcelona | 2014–2016 | 10 |
9 | Pablo Couñago | Celta, Recreativo, Ipswich Town | 1999–2001 | 9 |
Adrián | Deportivo, Alavés, Málaga, Atlético Madrid | 2007–2011 | 9 | |
Saúl | Atlético Madrid, Rayo Vallecano | 2013–2017 | 9 |
Note: Club(s) represents all the clubs that players played in at the time they did it too in the Under-21s.
- Caps and goals correct as of 21 June 2025.
Date | Competition | Location | Opponent |
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Group phase
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
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1 | ![]() |
10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 5 | +23 | 28 | Final tournament | — | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2–0 | 4–3 | 6–0 | |
2 | ![]() |
10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 19 | Play-offs | 1–1 | — | 0–2 | 0–1 | 1–0 | 3–1 | |
3 | ![]() |
10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 11 | +8 | 16[a] | 1–2 | 0–2 | — | 3–1 | 4–1 | 2–1 | ||
4 | ![]() |
10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 8 | +4 | 16[a] | 0–1 | 0–1 | 0–0 | — | 2–0 | 2–1 | ||
5 | ![]() |
10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 24 | −11 | 9 | 0–4 | 0–3 | 3–2 | 0–3 | — | 4–1 | ||
6 | ![]() |
10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 35 | −31 | 0 | 0–6 | 0–2 | 0–5 | 0–3 | 0–2 | — |
Current squad
The following players were named in the squad for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, to be played June 2025.
Caps and goals as of 21 June 2025, after the match against England.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | 1GK | Alejandro Iturbe | (2003-09-02) 2 September 2003 (age 21) | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | 1GK | Aitor Fraga | (2003-03-12) 12 March 2003 (age 22) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | 1GK | Pablo Cuñat | (2002-04-28) 28 April 2002 (age 23) | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
2 | 2DF | Marc Pubill | (2003-06-20) 20 June 2003 (age 22) | 9 | 1 | ![]() |
3 | 2DF | Cristhian Mosquera | (2004-06-27) 27 June 2004 (age 21) | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | 2DF | Rafa Marín | (2002-05-19) 19 May 2002 (age 23) | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | 2DF | César Tárrega | (2002-02-26) 26 February 2002 (age 23) | 7 | 2 | ![]() |
12 | 2DF | Andrés García | (2003-02-07) 7 February 2003 (age 22) | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | 2DF | Juanma Herzog | (2004-05-13) 13 May 2004 (age 21) | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | 2DF | Juanlu Sánchez | (2003-08-15) 15 August 2003 (age 21) | 13 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | 2DF | Gerard Martín | (2002-02-26) 26 February 2002 (age 23) | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | 2DF | Hugo Bueno | (2002-09-18) 18 September 2002 (age 22) | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | 3MF | Javi Guerra | (2003-05-13) 13 May 2003 (age 22) | 21 | 2 | ![]() |
8 | 3MF | Beñat Turrientes (captain) | (2002-01-31) 31 January 2002 (age 23) | 29 | 5 | ![]() |
10 | 3MF | Pablo Torre | (2003-04-03) 3 April 2003 (age 22) | 21 | 2 | ![]() |
14 | 3MF | Mikel Jauregizar | (2003-11-13) 13 November 2003 (age 21) | 8 | 1 | ![]() |
20 | 3MF | Alberto Moleiro | (2003-09-30) 30 September 2003 (age 21) | 14 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | 3MF | Pablo Marín | (2003-07-03) 3 July 2003 (age 22) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | 4FW | Diego López | (2002-05-13) 13 May 2002 (age 23) | 19 | 2 | ![]() |
9 | 4FW | Mateo Joseph | (2003-10-19) 19 October 2003 (age 21) | 13 | 8 | ![]() |
11 | 4FW | Raúl Moro | (2002-12-05) 5 December 2002 (age 22) | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | 4FW | Jesús Rodríguez | (2005-11-21) 21 November 2005 (age 19) | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
19 | 4FW | Roberto Fernández | (2002-07-03) 3 July 2002 (age 23) | 6 | 2 | ![]() |
Recent call-ups
The following players have been called up within the last twelve months are still eligible for selection.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Fran González | (2005-06-24) 24 June 2005 (age 20) | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Álex Valle | (2004-04-25) 25 April 2004 (age 21) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Dean Huijsen | (2005-04-14) 14 April 2005 (age 20) | 7 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Pau Cubarsí | (2007-01-22) 22 January 2007 (age 18) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Stefan Bajčetić | (2004-10-22) 22 October 2004 (age 20) | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Eliezer Mayenda | (2005-05-05) 5 May 2005 (age 20) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. EURO U-21 pre-list, 4 June 2025 |
FW | Matias Fernandez-Pardo | (2005-02-03) 3 February 2005 (age 20) | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. EURO U-21 pre-list, 4 June 2025 |
FW | Iker Bravo | (2005-01-13) 13 January 2005 (age 20) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Samu Aghehowa | (2004-05-05) 5 May 2004 (age 21) | 11 | 6 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
Titles
- 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 1998 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- 1994 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads – Spain
- Spain national football team
- Spain national under-23 football team
- Spain national under-20 football team
- Spain national under-19 football team
- Spain national under-18 football team
- Spain national under-17 football team
- Spain national under-16 football team
- Spain national under-15 football team
- Spain national youth football team
- "La sub 21 regresa al lugar donde nació el 'tiqui-taca'" [The under-21 team returns to the birthplace of tiki-taka] (in Spanish). Marca. 9 June 2011.