SPECIAL
Spain | The Empire Where the Sun Never Set
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Luis Fernández
1 min read
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain built one of the greatest empires in history. Its influence stretched across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, giving rise to the famous saying that "the sun never set on the Spanish Empire." Centuries later, that spirit of leadership and ambition would find a new expression on the football pitch.
For decades, La Roja chased international success before finally establishing its own identity. With a style built on possession, precision, and patience, Spain revolutionized world football. The famous tiki-taka, driven by an unforgettable generation of players developed primarily at FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, defined an era.
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain achieved an unprecedented feat by winning two consecutive UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, becoming one of the greatest national teams in football history. Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, and David Villa were among the stars of that golden generation.
With a technically brilliant style of play and a youth development system that continues to produce exceptional talent, Spain remains one of the world's football powers. Today, a new generation of young stars carries forward the essence of that championship-winning team: control the ball to control the game.
For decades, La Roja chased international success before finally establishing its own identity. With a style built on possession, precision, and patience, Spain revolutionized world football. The famous tiki-taka, driven by an unforgettable generation of players developed primarily at FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, defined an era.
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain achieved an unprecedented feat by winning two consecutive UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, becoming one of the greatest national teams in football history. Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, and David Villa were among the stars of that golden generation.
With a technically brilliant style of play and a youth development system that continues to produce exceptional talent, Spain remains one of the world's football powers. Today, a new generation of young stars carries forward the essence of that championship-winning team: control the ball to control the game.
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