UEFA European Under-17 Championship

International youth football tournament.

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship, commonly referred to as the Euro Under-17, is an annual football competition contested by the under-17 national teams of UEFA member associations. Established in 1980, the tournament has evolved significantly over the years, with Spain being the most successful team, having won nine titles. Italy is the current champion, having secured their second title in the most recent edition.

The tournament format consists of three stages: a qualifying round, an elite round, and a final tournament. The qualifying round takes place in the autumn of the previous year, followed by the elite round in spring. The winners of each elite round group join the host nation in the final tournament, which is held in May. This structure allows for a competitive selection process and ensures that only the best teams qualify for the finals.

Historically, the tournament has undergone various format changes. Initially, it featured a smaller number of teams and different knockout structures. Since 2015, it has included 16 teams in the final tournament, divided into four groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, which includes quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final.

The competition has been crucial for player development in Europe, allowing young talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. Many players who have participated in this tournament have gone on to achieve significant success in senior football.

Notable past champions include Spain, Germany, and Portugal, with Spain leading with nine titles. The tournament also serves as a qualifying event for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, providing additional stakes for participating teams.