In this article, 2hanBall will take you through how many UEFA Euros France has won, when, and what makes those victories special. The answer might seem simple, but there are stories, legends, and memorable moments behind each success. So, how many UEFA Euro does France have? France has won the UEFA European Championship twice—first in 1984 and then in 2000.
France’s Euro titles: the two crowning moments
To get why these wins matter, let’s revisit both triumphs—one lit up by Platini at home, the other sealed with a Golden Goal.
84: Platini’s France at home
- France hosted the tournament. The squad included Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana—legends of the French midfield.
- Platini scored nine goals in five matches—a Euro-record for one tournament. France defeated Spain 2-0 in the final.
- This win in 1984 marked France’s first major international trophy. It ignited the footballing pride that would later lead to World Cups and more.
2000: The Golden Goal and more
- Held in Belgium & Netherlands, Euro 2000 saw France under Didier Deschamps and with stars like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and David Trezeguet.
- In the final, France beat Italy 2-1. Trezeguet scored the Golden Goal in extra time, which made it one of the most dramatic endings in Euro history.
- This was France’s second UEFA Euro title, and reinforced their status among Europe’s elite.
France’s overall performance at the Euros
Knowing how many UEFA Euro does France have (which is two) is just part of the story. Their consistency, highs and lows, create the full picture.
- France has appeared in 11 UEFA European Championship final tournaments up through 2024.
- Best finishes beyond the two wins: runners-up in 2016, fourth place in 1960.
- Some tournaments were disastrous (e.g. group-stage exits), others marked by near-misses. But the 1984 and 2000 wins remain standouts.
- Standout players in these campaigns include Platini (1984) and Zidane, Henry, Trezeguet (2000).
Compare France with other European powerhouses
Putting France’s Euro titles in context shows just how impressive those two wins are—and how hard it is to win more.
- Spain leads the pack with 4 Euro titles.
- Germany (including West Germany) has 3 Euro wins.
- Italy has also won 2 Euros, just like France. That puts France tied for third-best with Italy in terms of total UEFA European Championships.
So, France is not the most decorated, but its two titles, plus strong performances, make it one of the elite sides in Euro history.
Interesting tri, but add soul to France’s Euro legacy:
- In 1984, Platini didn’t just win the Golden Boot—his show of leadership on home soil made that team beloved. The attacking style they played is still remembered as one of the most beautiful.
- The Golden Goal in 2000—scored by Trezeguet—is one of the Euro’s most iconic moments. It decided the final in dramatic fashion.
- After 2000, France came close again (2016 final) but couldn’t lift the trophy.
Why France hasn’t added more (yet)
Winning a Euro is tough. Here are some reasons why France has two, and why adding a third has proved elusive:
- Competition intensity: Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, England—these are powerful opponents. Every edition is a battle.
- Tournament pressure & expectations: Having won before raises the bar. Every team expects France to be a contender; that adds psychological weight.
- Changing eras: The 1984 and 2000 squads had unique chemistry. Players like Platini or Zidane had magic that’s hard to replicate. Rebuilding between cycles is always a challenge.
Conclusion
How many UEFA Euro does France have? They have two. Two shining moments in 1984 and 2000 when France seized the European Championship and stamped its greatness.
If you love football history, knowing these facts helps you appreciate just how rare and precious Euro wins are—especially when the margin between glory and heartbreak is so thin.
2hanBall hopes this insight stirs your passion for the blues. Want to dive deeper? Explore France’s paths in Euro 2024, compare their best players in each tournament, or see how their chances look for Euro 2028. If you like this kind of content, stay tuned—you’ll find more stats, stories, and surprises here.
