The Spanish National Team rewrites the history of world football

Spain finished 2025 as number one on the FIFA rankings in both the men's and women's categories, equaling a historic record after 11 years.

Spain closed 2025 ranked first in the FIFA men's team rankings, narrowly ahead of Argentina. Moreover, in the women's rankings, Spain also rose to the top, creating a significant gap over the United States.

Since the introduction of the FIFA rankings, only one nation had previously held the number one position simultaneously in both men’s and women’s rankings at the end of a year. This remarkable feat belonged to Germany in 2014, when the Mannschaft won the World Cup in Brazil, while the German women’s team had won the European Championship the year before.

For Spain, the current dominance is explained by specific achievements. The men’s team is the reigning EURO champion after their 2024 victory, earning the right to compete in the Finalissima against South American champions Argentina. Additionally, Spain reached the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, where they were defeated by Portugal.

In women’s football, Spain has held the World Cup title since 2023, won back-to-back UEFA Nations League titles in 2024 and 2025, and finished as runners-up at the Women’s EURO after losing to England in this year’s final.

These impressive results in recent years clearly reflect the impact of the coaching staff. Coaches Luis de la Fuente and Sonia Bermúdez have built a tactical structure for the teams that maximizes strengths and minimizes weaknesses of each player.

Besides the collective factor, Spain boasts outstanding individual talents. In the men’s team, they gather many of the world’s top players. Lamine Yamal is regarded as the next big star in world football, and at just 18 years old, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting. Previously, this award was won by Rodri, another Spanish representative. Additionally, young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Pau Cubarsí are emerging as future superstars.

In women’s football, Spain currently dominates the global scene. Aitana Bonmatí has won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards for three consecutive years, supported by numerous stars such as Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Mariona Caldentey.

Leading the FIFA rankings is a great honor but also brings considerable pressure for Spain. For the men’s team, 2026 is seen as a pivotal year. In March, Spain will face Argentina in the Finalissima, not only an opportunity to add another trophy but also considered the final major test before the World Cup hosted in North America. Meanwhile, the women’s team will use 2026 as a preparation phase, aiming to peak at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.