Why Spain continues to dominate world football

Spain has continued to dominate world football in the recent Ballon d'Or results, with Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati winning her second Women's Ballon d'Or in a row and Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri winning his first.

Bonmati won every possible trophy at the club level for Barcelona last season, securing the Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. She scored a career-best 19 goals across all four competitions.

Rodri had a near-formidable season for club and country, having only lost one game he was involved in last season. He is the first Spanish player to win the award since 1960 after securing Euro 2024, the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

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Spanish football has reinvented itself, embracing a style that has outshone its rivals in every aspect, reminiscent of the golden era of 2008-2012. This resurgence isn't limited to the national team; it also extends to club football and now, individual players. Real Madrid and Barcelona clinched the men's and women's Champions League titles last season, solidifying Spain's dominance across all levels of the sport. Right now, Spain is at the pinnacle of world football, showcasing a blend of tactical brilliance and technical mastery that few can match.

The Spanish men's national team added another big title to their collection by defeating England to become European champions at Euro 2024 in Germany. Their recent triumphs didn't stop there, as their performance in the Paris Olympics showcased that Spain's football is operating on an entirely different level. With victories across multiple tournaments, Spain has firmly established itself as a footballing powerhouse.

The Spanish Olympic team, led by Santi Denia, captured their first-ever Olympic gold by defeating France 5-3 in an electrifying match. The game was a thriller filled with high-intensity action, showcasing Spain's remarkable skill.

It is an impressive list of achievements  - and perhaps worrying for rival countries given Spain's success rate, despite the chaotic backdrop of the 'Rubiales' s e x i s m scandal that overshadowed their Women's World Cup victory. So how has Spain become such a dominant force?

In fact, Spain's victory in the Euro 2024 was their first Euro title since 2012. In fact, "the national team had experienced a relatively lean period in the years between the wins," according to BBC News. However, once Spain's team reaches the final stages of tournaments, they generally come on top - as one remarkable statistic highlights.

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In the last 27 men's finals involving Spanish teams (national and clubs), all 27 resulted in wins for Spain, according to BBC News.

Similar patterns can be observed with Spain's female national team, which stands out for its remarkable improvements in the last decade. The Spanish women won the World Cup in 2023 and the Nations League, while Barcelona (female) has won the last two Women's Champions League titles, according to Transfermarkt.

"The transformation has not only revolutionized the sport but also elevated the respect for women's football in Spain," shared journalist Maria Garrido.

The success of both the men's and the women's teams has been mimicked by the lower categories of Spanish football, with big wins in the Under-19 and Under-17 European championships. "We are working very well but we are seeing that in the lower categories too. We are winning everything," shared Garrido.

Spain's football DNA is also very well-defined, with a mix of former 'tiki-taka' and sharp vertical play. A unique playing style that demands high levels of technical skill and field awareness to maintain possession.

High pressure when defending and quick passing when attacking are the hallmarks of Spain's playing style, forcing opponents back into their own half, often pinning them within the 18-yard box. This asphyxiating method is designed to choke out the opposition. The motto, "If they don't have the ball, they can't score on us" originated with Luis Aragonés during the 2008 generation and remains a cornerstone of Spain's approach to the game.

Continuity appears to be a crucial factor in the long-term success of Spanish football. Luis de la Fuente, the coach who led 'La Roja' to their fourth European title, has been guiding many of the players since their Under-19 days. His deep familiarity with the players and strong bond with the team showcase an unbreakable 'mojo'.

"De la Fuente knew most of these players from the academies and they are growing as a team," shared former Spain midfielder Juan Mata for BBC Sports. The Spanish football DNA embraces teamwork and collaboration as a unit, as a family.

On a club level, it's pretty much the same. They have exerted their dominion throughout European club football, with both male and female Spanish teams claiming the UEFA Champions League title.

Real Madrid is arguably the best representative in this case, as they have won the most in Europe titles in European football history. The team led by Carlo Ancelotti has secured yet another European Supercup, making it their fourth, following their great success in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.

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Under Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona has looked unplayable this season. They top La Liga by six points and impressed with a 4-1 win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a 4-0 win away to Real Madrid in the league.