Spain national under-23 football team

Last updated
Spain Under-23
Spanish Olympic Committee logo.svg
Nickname(s) La Rojita (The Little Red One)
La Furia Roja
(The Red Fury)
Association Royal Spanish Football Federation
(Real Federación Española de Fútbol – RFEF)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coachVacant
Most caps Luis Enrique (14)
Top scorer Kiko (7)
FIFA code ESP
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Kit right arm esp20h.png
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Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm esp20a.png
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Kit body esp20oa.png
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Second colours
First international
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Yugoslavia 3–0 Spain  Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg
(Novi Sad, Yugoslavia; 18 June 1969)
Biggest win
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 5–0 Libya  Flag of Libya (1977-2011).svg
(El Ejido, Spain; 1 July 2005)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 4–0 Spain  Flag of Spain.svg
(Birmingham, United States; 27 July 1996)
Records for competitive matches only.
Olympic Games
Appearances5 (first in 1992)
Best result Gold medal.svg Gold medalists (1992)
Mediterranean Games
Appearances4 (first in 1997 )
Best result Gold medal MedGames.svg Gold medalists (2005, 2009, 2018)

The Spain Olympic football team (also known as Spain Under-23, or Spain U-23) represents Spain in international football competitions in the Olympic Games. The selection is limited to players under the age of 23, except for the Olympics which allows the men's team up to three overage players. The team is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Having qualified for five Olympic competitions since 1992, Spain has won one gold medal (1992) and two silver medals (2000 and 2020). It is one of the most successful Olympic teams.

Contents

History

1920–1988 Summer Olympics

Unlike later tournaments, the Summer Olympics used to be represented by senior or amateur teams. Spain's first participation in the Olympics was in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1920. Fourteen teams entered the competition which was organized on a knockout basis. Twelve teams entered the first round, with the six winners joining the host nation (Belgium) and France, in the quarter-finals. Czechoslovakia, participating in their first international tournament, cruised to the final, inflicting heavy defeats on Yugoslavia (who played their first ever international match in the competition), Norway, and France. Belgium beat a talented Spain and then the Netherlands on their way to the final. Belgium won the gold medal by default after Czechoslovakia walked off in protest during the final, unhappy with the performance of the English referee, John Lewis. The Bergvall System was used to determine second and third places. The beaten quarter-finalists played-off, Spain emerged triumphant overcoming Sweden 2–1 and Italy 2–0. Ordinarily, Spain would then have played the beaten finalists, but Czechoslovakia had been disqualified from the tournament. Spain thus advanced straight to the silver medal match against Holland, beaten in the semi-finals by gold medallists Belgium. Spain won 3–1.

1924 was not as successful, Spain bowed out of competition in the first round after losing to Italy 1–0.

At the 1928 Summer Olympics things would go from good to worse. Spain were, potentially, much to be feared. Defeated once since the last Olympic Games tournament their traditional tournament nerves would handicap them here, a key note that would strike throughout the coming years. The unavoidable loss of their experienced captain Pedro Vallana after their first game, though, would cost them dearly. Spain started with a 7–1 win over Mexico, then a 1–1 draw against Italy which would cause the match to go on a reply. There Spain were eventually eliminating with a 1–7 defeat.

Spain would not compete in another Olympic tournament until the 1968 edition held in Mexico. There the team fielded an under-21 amateur squad and reached the quarter-finals, losing only to the host nation. Meanwhile, communist nations entered their top professional teams using a loophole in the rules.

The team's final two tournaments came in 1976 and 1980, where they failed to make it out of the group stage, being powerless against first teams of the Eastern Bloc.

Debut and Gold at the 1992 Summer Olympics

The football competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics was the first under-23 competition. Spain were awarded a place at the tournament because they were the host nation. Expectations were high for the Spanish team and they did not disappoint: The team was able to win their first gold medal after winning their group stage, defeating long-time rivals Italy in the quarter-finals and lastly Poland in the finals, 3–2.

1996 Summer Olympics

Spain were able to qualify for the following Olympics, managed by then coach Javier Clemente. La Rojita failed to repeat their past success and were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual runners-up Argentina.

Silver at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Sydney

Spain qualified for their third consecutive tournament in 2000. The squad, managed by head coach Iñaki Sáez, reached their second final but were not able to take gold, losing to Cameroon. Spain had a 2–0 lead at half time but things changed in the second half when an own goal from Iván Amaya (who also missed a penalty), and a goal from Samuel Eto'o five minutes later, levelled the scores at 2–2. The score was unchanged after extra time and the match was decided via penalty shootout, with Spain losing 5–3.

2012 Summer Olympics

After eight years without participation, Spain qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics after winning the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship under head coach Luis Milla. They were scheduled to play against Japan, Morocco and Honduras in the group stage. Before the start of the tournament, Spain scheduled three friendly matches against teams that would be competing at the Olympics: The first was a 3–1 victory over Egypt, followed by a 2–0 defeat against Senegal and a 1–0 victory over Mexico five days later. At the Olympics, Spain was eliminated in the group stage after falling shockingly 1–0 to Japan and a controversial loss to Honduras. This was followed by a 0–0 draw to Morocco, forcing Spain's exit from the tournament at the group stage for the first time, and without scoring a single goal. Luis Milla was sacked from both the under-23 and under-21 teams the following day and replaced by Julen Lopetegui.

Silver at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Tokyo

Spain qualified to the 2020 Olympics after winning the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Six Spanish players: Unai Simón, Pau Torres, Eric García, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo who had participated in the UEFA Euro 2020 played a major role for Spain in the 2020 Olympics under coach Luis de la Fuente. La Rojita reached the final, but they lost 2–1 against Brazil after extra time. [2]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Legend

  Win  Draw  Lose  Fixture

2021

17 July Kirin Challenge Cup (Under-24) Japan  Flag of Japan.svg1–1Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Hyogo, Japan
19:20  UTC+9
  • Doan Soccerball shade.svg42'
Source (JFA)
Report (JFA)
Stadium: Noevir Stadium Kobe
Attendance: 4,909
Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan)
31 July 2020 Summer Olympics Quarter-finals Spain  Flag of Spain.svg5–2 (a.e.t.)Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast Rifu, Japan
17:00  UTC+9
Stadium: Miyagi Stadium
Referee: Jesus Valenzuela (Venezuela)

Records

Most capped players

RankPlayerClub(s)Year(s)U-23 Caps
1 Luis Enrique Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid 1991–199214
2 Mikel Lasa Real Sociedad, Real Madrid 1991–199213
3 Abelardo Sporting Gijón 1991–199212
  Pep Guardiola Barcelona 1991–199212
  Kiko Cádiz 1991–199212
  Roberto Solozábal Atlético Madrid 1991–199212
7 Alfonso Real Madrid 1991–199211
  Paco Soler Mallorca 1991–199211
9 Joaquín Sporting Gijón 1979–19828
  Juan Manuel Asensi Elche, Barcelona 1969–19718
  Rafael Berges Córdoba, Tenerife 1991–19928
  Toni Figueres 19928
  Antonio Pinilla Mallorca 1991–19928

Note:Club(s) represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-23s.

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerClub(s)Year(s)U-23 Goals
1 Kiko Cádiz 1991–19927
2 Alfonso Real Madrid 1991–19926
3 Abelardo Sporting Gijón 1991–19925
4 Ramón Vázquez Sevilla 1987–19884
5 Gabri Barcelona 20003
  Luis Enrique Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid 1991–19923
  Mikel Oyarzabal Real Sociedad 20213
  Carles Rexach Condal, Barcelona 1967–19703
  José Mari Milan 20003
  Rafa Mir Wolverhampton 20213
  Vavá Elche 19673

Note:Club(s) represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-23s.

Players

Current squad

The following players were named to the squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. [3]

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Unai Simón* (1997-06-11) 11 June 1997 (age 26)70 Flag of Spain.svg Athletic Bilbao
131 GK Álvaro Fernández (1998-04-13) 13 April 1998 (age 25)10 Flag of Spain.svg Huesca
221 GK Iván Villar (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 26)00 Flag of Spain.svg Celta

22 DF Óscar Mingueza (1999-05-13) 13 May 1999 (age 24)30 Flag of Spain.svg Barcelona
32 DF Marc Cucurella (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 25)60 Flag of Spain.svg Getafe
42 DF Pau Torres* (1997-01-16) 16 January 1997 (age 27)70 Flag of Spain.svg Villarreal
52 DF Jesús Vallejo (1997-06-05) 5 June 1997 (age 26)50 Flag of Spain.svg Real Madrid
122 DF Eric García* (2001-01-09) 9 January 2001 (age 23)70 Flag of Spain.svg Barcelona
182 DF Óscar Gil (1998-04-26) 26 April 1998 (age 25)50 Flag of Spain.svg Espanyol
202 DF Juan Miranda (2000-01-19) 19 January 2000 (age 24)50 Flag of Spain.svg Betis

63 MF Martín Zubimendi (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 25)60 Flag of Spain.svg Real Sociedad
83 MF Mikel Merino (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 27)61 Flag of Spain.svg Real Sociedad
103 MF Dani Ceballos (captain) (1996-08-07) 7 August 1996 (age 27)20 Flag of Spain.svg Real Madrid
143 MF Carlos Soler (1997-01-02) 2 January 1997 (age 27)71 Flag of Spain.svg Valencia
153 MF Jon Moncayola (1998-05-13) 13 May 1998 (age 25)60 Flag of Spain.svg Osasuna
163 MF Pedri* (2002-11-25) 25 November 2002 (age 21)70 Flag of Spain.svg Barcelona
173 MF Javi Puado (1998-05-25) 25 May 1998 (age 25)30 Flag of Spain.svg Espanyol

74 FW Marco Asensio (1996-01-21) 21 January 1996 (age 28)71 Flag of Spain.svg Real Madrid
94 FW Rafa Mir (1997-06-18) 18 June 1997 (age 26)73 Flag of England.svg Wolverhampton Wanderers
114 FW Mikel Oyarzabal* (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 26)73 Flag of Spain.svg Real Sociedad
194 FW Dani Olmo* (1998-05-07) 7 May 1998 (age 25)71 Flag of Germany.svg RB Leipzig
214 FW Bryan Gil (2001-02-11) 11 February 2001 (age 23)60 Flag of England.svg Tottenham Hotspur

Players who were also called up for Euro 2020 are marked with asterisk (*).

Overage players in Olympic Games

TournamentPlayer 1Player 2Player 3
did not select
did not select
Juan Mata (MF) Javi Martínez (MF) Adrián López (FW)
Mikel Merino (MF) Dani Ceballos (MF) Marco Asensio (FW)

Honours

Summer Olympics

Competitive record

Summer Olympics

Rules (UEFA)
  • 1900–1904: club teams [4] [5]
  • 1908–1988: amateur / youth national teams [note 1] [note 2]
  • 1992: u-23 national teams [5] [6]
  • 1996–present: u-23 national teams (with three 'no age limit' players allowed, after an agreement between FIFA and OIC) [5] [6]
Note
  • No tournament held in 1932
Olympic Games record
YearHostRoundPos.Pld.WDLGFGA
1900 Did not enter
1904
1908
1912
1920 Silver medalists 2nd540195
1924 First round17th100101
1928 Quarter-finals6th311199
1936 Withdrew
1948 Did not qualify
1952
1956
1960
1964
1968 Quarter-finals5th421142
1972 Did not qualify
1976 Group stage13th200213
1980 Group stage10th303022
1984 Did not qualify
1988
1992 Gold medalists 1st6600142
1996 Quarter-finals6th421157
2000 Silver medalists 2nd6411126
2004 Did not qualify
2008
2012 Group stage14th301202
2016 Did not qualify
2020 Silver medalists 2nd632195
2024 Qualified
2028 to be determined
2032
Total1–3–012/30432210116544
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**Since 1968, Spain has sent its under-23 national team.

UEFA European Under-23 Challenge Cup

This was competed for on a basis similar to a boxing title belt. The holders played a randomly chosen opponent for the championship.

DateWinnersRunners-upVenue
18 June 1969Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Yugoslavia Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg  Spain Novi Sad, Yugoslavia

UEFA European Under-23 Championship

YearRoundGPWDLGSGA
1972 Qualifying stage201123
1974 did not enter
1976
Total0/3201123

Mediterranean Games

Mediterranean Games record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Spain.svg 2005 Gold medalists1st431091
Total1 Gold medal1/1431091

See also

Notes

  1. the 1924 and 1932 editions were co-organised by FIFA) [4] [6]
  2. Countries from Eastern Europe competed with professional players. [6]

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    References

    1. Since 1992, squads for football at the Summer Olympics have been restricted to three players over the age of 23. The achievements of such teams are not usually included in the statistics of the senior team.
    2. "Brazil edge Spain in men's Olympic football final thanks to Malcom's magic". Guardian. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
    3. | OFICIAL | Estos son los internacionales que representarán a España en Tokio. SEFútbol (in Spanish). 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021
    4. 1 2 El Fútbol Masculino en los Juegos Olímpicos on AFA.org, 19 July 2021
    5. 1 2 3 Historia del fútbol en los Juegos Olímpicos: medallero, palmarés y ganadores by Alberto P. Sierra on As, 20 July 2021
    6. 1 2 3 4 Fútbol en los Juegos Olímpicos by José M. Martín, 8 August 2021