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UEFA Super Cup
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| Organiser(s) | UEFA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 (official since 1973) |
| Region | Europe |
| Teams | 2 |
| Current champions | |
| Most championships | |
| Website | uefa.com/uefasupercup |
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual super cup football match organised by UEFA and contested by the winners of the two main European club competitions: the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The competition's official name was originally the Super Competition,[1] and later the European Super Cup. It was renamed the UEFA Super Cup in 1995, following a policy of rebranding by UEFA.
From 1972 to 1999, the UEFA Super Cup was contested between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and the winners of the European/UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. After the discontinuation of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, it has been contested by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the winners of the UEFA Cup, which was renamed the UEFA Europa League in 2009.
The current holders are Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur 4–3 on penalties following a 2–2 draw in the 2025 edition. Real Madrid are the most successful team in the competition, having won the trophy six times.
History
[edit]|
Key:
Qualified as UCL winner Qualified as UCWC winner Qualified as UEL winner Abbreviations:
UCL = European Cup / UEFA Champions League UCWC = UEFA Cup Winners' Cup UEL = UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League |
||
| Season | Winner (between UCL and UCWC winners) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | ||
| 1974 | ||
| 1975 | ||
| 1976 | ||
| 1977 | ||
| 1978 | ||
| 1979 | ||
| 1980 | ||
| 1981 | ||
| 1982 | ||
| 1983 | ||
| 1984 | ||
| 1985 | ||
| 1986 | ||
| 1987 | ||
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | ||
| 1992 | ||
| 1993 | ||
| 1994 | ||
| 1995 | ||
| 1996 | ||
| 1997 | ||
| 1998 | ||
| 1999 | ||
| Season | Winner (between UCL and UEL winners) | |
| 2000 | ||
| 2001 | ||
| 2002 | ||
| 2003 | ||
| 2004 | ||
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | ||
| 2008 | ||
| 2009 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | ||
| 2012 | ||
| 2013 | ||
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | ||
| 2024 | ||
| 2025 | ||

The European Super Cup was created in 1971 by Anton Witkamp, a reporter and later sports editor of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. The idea came to him in a time when Dutch total football was Europe's finest and Dutch football clubs were enjoying their golden era (especially Ajax). Witkamp was looking for something new to definitely decide which was the best team in Europe and also to further test Ajax's team, led by their star player Johan Cruyff.
It was then proposed that the winners of the European Cup would face the winners of the European Cup Winners' Cup. All was set for a new competition to be born. However, when Witkamp tried to get an official endorsement to his competition, the UEFA president turned it down.
The 1972 final between Ajax and Scotland's Rangers is considered unofficial by UEFA,[2] as Rangers were banned from European competition due to the behaviour of their fans during the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup final. As a result, UEFA refused to endorse the competition until the following season.[3] It was played in two legs and was financially supported by De Telegraaf. Ajax defeated Rangers 6–3 on aggregate and won the first (albeit unofficial) European Super Cup.
The 1973 final, in which Ajax defeated AC Milan 6–1 on aggregate, was the first Super Cup officially recognised and supported by UEFA.
Although the two-legged format was kept until 1997, the Super Cup was decided in one single match because of schedule issues (1984 and 1986) or political problems (1991). In 1974, 1981 and 1985, the Super Cup was not played at all: 1974's competition was abandoned because Bayern Munich and Magdeburg could not find a mutually convenient date; 1981's was abandoned when Liverpool could not make space to meet Dinamo Tbilisi; while 1985's was abandoned due to a ban on English clubs' participation preventing Everton from playing Juventus.[2][4]
In the 1992–93 season, the European Cup was renamed the UEFA Champions League and the winners of this competition would face the winners of the Cup Winners' Cup in the European Super Cup. In the 1994–1995 season, the European Cup Winners' Cup was renamed the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. The following season, the Super Cup also renamed the UEFA Super Cup.
After the 1998–99 season, the Cup Winners' Cup was discontinued by UEFA. The 1999 Super Cup was the last one contested by the winners of the Cup Winners' Cup. Lazio, winners of the 1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, defeated Manchester United, winners of the 1998–99 UEFA Champions League, 1–0.
Since then, the UEFA Super Cup was contested between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the winners of the UEFA Cup. The 2000 Super Cup was the first one contested by the winners of the UEFA Cup. Galatasaray, winners of the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup, defeated Real Madrid, winners of the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League, 2–1.
In the 2009–10 season, the UEFA Cup was renamed the UEFA Europa League and the winners of this competition would continue to face the winners of the Champions League in the UEFA Super Cup.
In 2013, Chelsea became the first club to contest the Super Cup as holders of all three UEFA club honours, having entered as holders of the Cup Winners' Cup (1998), Champions League (2012), and Europa League (2013). Manchester United shared this honour in 2017 after their Europa League win, having qualified as Cup Winners' Cup holders in 1991.
After 15 consecutive Super Cups being played at Stade Louis II in Monaco between 1998 and 2012, the Super Cup is now played at various stadiums (similar to the finals of the Champions League and the Europa League). It was started with the 2013 edition, which was played at Eden Stadium in Prague, Czech Republic.[5]
Starting in 2014, the date of the UEFA Super Cup was moved from Friday in late August, to Tuesday in mid-August, following the removal of the August international friendly date in the new FIFA International Match Calendar.[6]
In 2020, the Super Cup final was originally scheduled to be played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, on 12 August 2020.[7][8] However, after the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe caused the postponements of the previous season's club finals, the UEFA Executive Committee chose to award the rescheduled Champions League final to Portugal, and postponed the match for 24 September 2020 and relocated the stadium to Puskás Aréna, Budapest.[9][10]
Following discussions with its 55 member associations on 19 August 2020,[11] the UEFA Executive Committee decided on 25 August 2020 to use the final as a pilot match for which a reduced number of spectators, up to 30% of the capacity of the stadium, can be allowed in, and it became the first official UEFA match to have spectators since their competitions were resumed in August 2020.[12]
Venues
[edit]The competition was originally played over two legs, one at each participating club's stadium, except in exceptional circumstances. For instance, in 1991 when Red Star Belgrade were not permitted to play the leg in their native Yugoslavia due to the war which was taking place at the time, so instead Manchester United's home leg was only played.[13]
Since 1998, the Super Cup was played as a single match at a neutral venue.[13] Between 1998 and 2012, the Super Cup was played at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. Since 2013 various stadiums have been used.
List of venues since 1998
[edit]- 1998–2012: Stade Louis II, Monaco
- 2013: Eden Aréna, Prague, Czech Republic[14]
- 2014: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales[6]
- 2015: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia[6][15]
- 2016: Lerkendal Stadion, Trondheim, Norway[16]
- 2017: Philip II Arena, Skopje, FYR Macedonia[17]
- 2018: Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia[18]
- 2019: Vodafone Park, Istanbul, Turkey
- 2020: Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary[9]
- 2021: Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland[19]
- 2022: Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland
- 2023: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece[20]
- 2024: Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland[21]
- 2025: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy[22]
- 2026: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria[23]
Prizes
[edit]Trophy
[edit]
The UEFA Super Cup trophy is retained by UEFA at all times. A full-size replica trophy is awarded to the winning club. Forty gold medals are presented to the winning club and forty silver medals to the runners-up.[24]
The Super Cup trophy has undergone several changes in its history. The first trophy was presented to Ajax in 1973. In 1977, the original trophy was replaced by a plaque with a gold UEFA emblem. In 1987, the next trophy was the smallest and lightest of all the European club trophies, weighing 5 kg (11 lb) and measuring 42.5 cm (16.7 in) in height. The UEFA Champions League trophy weighs 8 kg (18 lb) and the UEFA Europa League trophy 15 kg (33 lb). It was designed and manufactured at the Bertoni workshop in Milan. The new model, which is a larger version of the previous trophy, was introduced in 2006 and weighs 12.2 kg (27 lb) and measures 58 cm (23 in) in height.[25]
Until 2008, a team which won three times in a row or five in total received an original copy of the trophy and a special mark of recognition. Since then, the original trophy has been kept exclusively by UEFA. AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid have achieved this honour, winning a total of five times each, but the Italian team is the only one which was awarded the official trophy permanently in 2007. Barcelona and Real Madrid won their fifth title in 2015 and 2022, respectively, when the policy was no longer in place.
Prize money
[edit]As of 2024, the fixed amount of prize money paid to the clubs is €5 million for the winners and €4 million for the runners-up.[26]
Rules
[edit]The UEFA Super Cup is contested as a single match at a neutral venue. The match consists of two periods of 45 minutes each, known as halves. If the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, the match goes straight to a penalty shoot-out to determine the winners.[27][28][29] Before the 2023 edition, two additional 15-minute periods of extra time were played before the match went to penalties if still tied.[24]
Each team names twenty-three players, eleven of which start the match. Of the twelve remaining players, a total of five may be substituted throughout the match. Each team may wear its first choice kit. If the kits clash, the Europa League holders must wear an alternative kit.[24] If a club refuses to play or is ineligible to play then they are replaced by the runners-up of the competition through which they qualified. If the field is unfit for play due to bad weather, the match must be played the next day.[24]
Sponsorship
[edit]The UEFA Super Cup's sponsors are the same as the sponsors for the UEFA Champions League. The tournament's current main sponsors are (as of the 2024–25 season):
- FedEx[30]
- Qatar Airways[31]
- Heineken N.V.[32]
- Just Eat Takeaway[33]
- Mastercard[34]
- PepsiCo[35]
- Sony[36]
- Bet365[37]
- Crypto.com[38]
Adidas is a secondary sponsor and supplies the official match ball, while Macron supplies the referee kits.[39]
Individual clubs may wear jerseys with advertising, even if such sponsors conflict with those of the Super Cup. Only two sponsorships are permitted per jersey, plus that of the manufacturer, at the chest and the left sleeve.[40] Exceptions are made for non-profit organisations, which can feature on the front of the shirt, incorporated with the main sponsor, or on the back, either below the squad number or between the player name and the collar.
Tickets
[edit]60% of the stadium capacity is reserved for the visiting clubs. The remaining seats are sold by UEFA through an online auction. There are an unlimited number of applications for tickets given out. The 5 euro administration fee is deducted from each applicant. There is no limit to the number of applications each individual can make.[41]
Records and statistics
[edit]Performance by club
[edit]Performance by nation
[edit]| Nation | Winners | Runners-up | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 15 | 32 | |
| 10 | 11 | 21 | |
| 9 | 5 | 14 | |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2 | 8 | 10 | |
| 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| Total | 50 | 50 | 100 |
- Notes
- A. ^No tournaments were held in 1974, 1981 and 1985.[2][4]
- B. ^Excludes the first competition held in 1972, not organised nor recognised by UEFA as an official title.[2]
- C. ^Includes West Germany clubs. No East Germany clubs appeared in a final.
- D. ^Both Soviet finals appearances were by a Ukrainian SSR club.
- E. ^The Yugoslav appearance was made by a club from SR Serbia.
Club records
[edit]Finalists from the same country
[edit]- On eight occasions, the Super Cup match has involved two teams from the same nation:
Individual records
[edit]- Most wins by player: Dani Carvajal and Luka Modrić (5 wins each)[42][43]
- Most matches by player: Roberto Donadoni and Alessandro Costacurta (8 matches each)[44]
- Most wins with different clubs by player: Mateo Kovačić (three clubs), with Real Madrid (2016, 2017), Chelsea (2021) and Manchester City (2023)[45][46]
- Most wins by coach: Carlo Ancelotti (5 wins)[43]
- Most editions contested by coach: Carlo Ancelotti (5 editions)[47]
- All-time top scorers: Arie Haan, Oleg Blokhin, David Fairclough, Gerd Müller, Rob Rensenbrink, François Van Der Elst, Terry McDermott, Radamel Falcao and Lionel Messi (3 goals each)[42][48]
- Most wins with different clubs by coach: Pep Guardiola (three clubs), with Barcelona (2009, 2011), Bayern Munich (2013) and Manchester City (2023)[49][50]
- Fastest goal: 50 seconds, Diego Costa, against Real Madrid on 15 August 2018[51]
Hat-tricks
[edit]- Only player to have scored a hat-trick in a two-legged final: Terry McDermott, against Hamburger SV on 6 December 1977[52]
- Only player to have scored a hat-trick in a single final: Radamel Falcao, against Chelsea on 31 August 2012[53]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "UEFA Super Cup: The competition that found its place". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 9 August 2021. Archived from the original on 10 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Club competition winners do battle". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Archived from the original on 1 July 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- ^ "Dynamo bring happy memories". BBC Sport. 16 October 2001. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2008.
- ^ a b Woods, Tom (14 November 2015). "Everton FC: The forgotten game of the 1985/86 UEFA Super Cup". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
- ^ "Prague celebrates 2013 Super Cup honour". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
- ^ a b c "UEFA EURO 2020, UEFA Super Cup decisions". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ "Istanbul to host 2020 UEFA Champions League Final". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 24 May 2018. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
- ^ "2020/21 UEFA Champions League match calendar". Union of European Football Associations. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ a b "UEFA competitions to resume in August". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 17 June 2020. Archived from the original on 25 August 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "2020 UEFA Super Cup: new date and venue". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 17 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "UEFA meets general secretaries of member associations". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 19 August 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ "UEFA Super Cup to test partial return of spectators". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 25 August 2020. Archived from the original on 31 December 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ a b "UEFA Super Cup: Competition format". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 31 August 2007. Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 8 December 2008.
- ^ "Wembley, Amsterdam ArenA, Prague get 2013 finals". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ "Georgia's Dinamo Arena embraces UEFA Super Cup 2015". Agenda.ge. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
- ^ "Milan to host 2016 UEFA Champions League final". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
- ^ "FYR Macedonia to host 2017 UEFA Super Cup". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 30 June 2015. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ^ "Tallinn to stage 2018 UEFA Super Cup". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 8 August 2017. Archived from the original on 17 July 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ^ "2021 Super Cup to take place in Belfast". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "New formats for UEFA men's national team competitions approved". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Warsaw to host 2024 UEFA Super Cup". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
- ^ "2025 Super Cup to be staged at the Stadio Friuli in Udine". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "2026 UEFA Super Cup to take place at Stadion Salzburg in Austria". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Regulations of the UEFA Super Cup 2015–18 Cycle" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. March 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ "The trophy". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
- ^ Riva, Mario de la; Cons, Roddy (14 August 2024). "How much prize money does the winner of the UEFA Super Cup get?". AS USA. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ Whitebloom, Grey (30 June 2023). "2023 UEFA Super Cup: Date, location, format change & teams involved". 90min.com. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ Lawless, Josh (29 June 2023). "UEFA have changed Super Cup rules for Man City vs Sevilla clash". SPORTbible. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ "The 2023 UEFA Super Cup in Piraeus: All you need to know". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ Williams, Matthew. "FedEx delivers upgrade from Europa League to Champions League sponsor". SportBusiness. SBG Companies Limited. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "Qatar Airways becomes official airline partner of the UEFA Champions League". UEFA.com (Press release). Union of European Football Associations. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "HEINEKEN extends UEFA club competition sponsorship". UEFA.com (Press release). Union of European Football Associations. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
- ^ Carp, Sam. "Uefa's Just Eat sponsorship covers Champions League and Women's Euro". SportsPro. SportsPro Media Limited. Archived from the original on 23 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ Carp, Sam. "Uefa cashes in Mastercard renewal". SportsPro. SportsPro Media Limited. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
- ^ "PepsiCo renews UEFA Champions League Partnership". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 6 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
- ^ "UEFA Champions League and PlayStation Renew Partnership until 2024". UEFA.com (Press release). Union of European Football Associations. 30 July 2021. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ "bet365 becomes official global partner of the UEFA Champions League". UEFA.com (Press release). Union of European Football Associations. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "UEFA and Crypto.com announce UEFA Champions League sponsorship". UEFA.com (Press release). Union of European Football Associations. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "Macron signs three-year deal to become official UEFA referee kit supplier". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
- ^ "Article 28 Sponsor advertising on playing attire - Equipment". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Archived from the original on 31 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
- ^ "UEFA Super Cup ticketing" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Messi, Alves among Super Cup record-breakers". UEFA.com. 11 August 2015. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
- ^ a b "UEFA Super Cup records and statistics". UEFA.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
- ^ "UEFA Super Cup: Know history, records and winners of every edition". sportsadda.com. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Kovacic". Real Madrid CF. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
- ^ "Mateo Kovacic". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
- ^ "European Cups – Performances by Coach". RSSSF. 10 August 2017. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
- ^ "UEFA-Supercup » All-time Topscorers » rank 1 – 50". WorldFootball.net. Archived from the original on 26 May 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
- ^ "Josep Guardiola becomes first coach to win UEFA Super Cup with three clubs". UEFA.com. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (16 August 2023). "Manchester City 1–1 Sevilla: Pep Guardiola's side win Super Cup on penalties". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
After previous triumphs with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he became the first coach to win the competition with three different clubs.
- ^ "Real Madrid and Atlético's UEFA Super Cup pedigree". UEFA.com. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ FIFA.com (5 September 2012). "Prolific predators, droughts and a drubbing". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
- ^ "Radamel Falcao 21 things you should know". Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022.
External links
[edit]UEFA Super Cup
View on GrokipediaOverview
Format and Qualification
The UEFA Super Cup pits the winners of the previous season's UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League against each other in a single, high-stakes encounter. These clubs automatically qualify upon securing their respective titles, provided they hold a valid UEFA club licence as per the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations.[1][5] The match follows the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), consisting of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute half-time interval. Played at a predetermined neutral venue, it lasts 90 minutes plus any stoppage time; if the score remains level at full time, the winner is determined immediately by a penalty shoot-out, with no provision for extra time.[5] Historically, the competition originated in 1973 as a two-legged tie between the winners of the European Champion Clubs' Cup (predecessor to the Champions League) and the European Cup Winners' Cup, a format that persisted until 1997 despite occasional one-off exceptions in 1984, 1986, and 1991. The shift to a permanent single-match structure occurred in 1998, initially hosted at Stade Louis II in Monaco, while the opponent pairing evolved in 2000 to match the Champions League winner against the UEFA Cup winner (renamed the Europa League in 2010) following the Cup Winners' Cup's discontinuation.[3] Regarding squad composition, each club must submit player lists through UEFA's administration system prior to the match, limited to a maximum of 25 players on the "A" list, with at least eight reserved for "locally trained players" (four club-trained and four association-trained) to promote youth development. For the matchday itself, clubs name a squad of 23 players on the official match sheet—comprising 11 starters and up to 12 substitutes—submitted before kick-off, with eligibility restricted to players registered for their qualifying competition in the prior season and compliant with UEFA statutes and anti-doping rules. Up to five substitutions are permitted, plus an additional one in extra time if applicable in other contexts, though the Super Cup's direct penalty format limits this. Registration deadlines are enforced via the UEFA Club Management System, typically weeks in advance, ensuring administrative compliance.[6][5]Significance and Prestige
The UEFA Super Cup serves as the official curtain-raiser to the European club football season, typically held in August to pit the UEFA Champions League winners against the UEFA Europa League champions in a high-stakes single match. This positioning underscores its role in generating early-season excitement and momentum, often coinciding with the draws for the subsequent Champions League and Europa League campaigns, thereby amplifying its visibility across the continent.[2] While regarded as a prestigious achievement, the Super Cup is generally ranked below the Champions League and Europa League in terms of overall prestige among European trophies, functioning as a secondary honor that nonetheless represents a significant milestone for participating clubs. Its status as a one-off clash between continental titleholders adds symbolic weight, affirming the winner's position as a leading force in European football and providing an opportunity for emerging or underdog teams to challenge established powerhouses. Notable rivalries, such as those between Real Madrid and Manchester United, have enhanced its competitive allure over the years.[7][8] The competition boasts considerable global appeal, drawing substantial television audiences particularly in host nations and among international fans eager to witness elite matchups. For instance, the 2022 edition in Helsinki attracted nearly 4 million viewers in Germany alone, highlighting its draw in key markets and its role in bridging the summer off-season gap for football enthusiasts worldwide. The 2025 edition, won by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties against Tottenham Hotspur in Udine, Italy, exemplified this competitive intensity. Since 2013, rotating host cities across Europe have further broadened its international footprint, fostering greater engagement from diverse fanbases.[9][2][10] For clubs, victory in the Super Cup delivers tangible benefits, including a morale boost from securing early silverware and enhanced reputational prestige that can influence squad motivation and recruitment. Mandatory participation since 1998 has elevated its competitive integrity, compelling teams to treat it as a serious contest rather than an optional fixture. The event's evolution from an unofficial, two-legged "friendly" in the 1970s—initiated by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf to crown Europe's top club—to a streamlined, official UEFA-organized spectacle post-2000 has markedly increased its commercial viability and symbolic importance within the broader ecosystem of European football.[2]History
Origins and Early Competitions (1972–1997)
The UEFA Super Cup originated from an idea proposed by Dutch journalist Anton Witkamp of the newspaper De Telegraaf in 1972, aiming to establish Europe's premier club by pitting the winners of the European Champion Clubs' Cup against those of the European Cup Winners' Cup.[3] The inaugural match that year was an unofficial two-legged tie between Ajax, the 1971–72 European Cup winners, and Rangers, the 1971–72 Cup Winners' Cup champions; Rangers had been banned from European competitions for the 1972–73 season due to crowd disturbances during their Cup Winners' Cup final victory, prompting UEFA to withhold official sanction.[3] Ajax prevailed 6–3 on aggregate (3–1 away, 3–2 home), marking the competition's experimental beginnings outside formal UEFA oversight.[11] UEFA formalized the Super Cup in 1973 as an annual two-legged contest between the respective cup winners, with the first official edition featuring Ajax against AC Milan, the 1972–73 Cup Winners' Cup holders.[12] Ajax dominated with a 6–1 aggregate victory (0–1 home loss, 6–0 away win), showcasing their Total Football style under coach Stefan Kovács.[12] The early format emphasized home-and-away legs to balance travel and competitiveness, but the competition struggled with limited prestige, often viewed as secondary to major European tournaments, leading to occasional refusals and unplayed editions due to fixture congestion or logistical issues.[3] The initial decade saw sporadic participation challenges; for instance, the 1974 edition between Bayern Munich (1973–74 European Cup winners) and 1. FC Magdeburg (1973–74 Cup Winners' Cup winners) was abandoned after failing to schedule mutually agreeable dates amid packed calendars.[3] Similarly, in 1979, Nottingham Forest (1978–79 European Cup winners) were unable to contest against Barcelona (1978–79 Cup Winners' Cup winners) as the Spanish club declined invitation citing scheduling conflicts, highlighting the event's nascent status. Political factors also intervened, as seen with Rangers' 1972–73 ban, which excluded them from the official 1973 Super Cup despite their prior unofficial involvement.[3] Despite these hurdles, the competition gained traction, with Dynamo Kyiv's 3–0 aggregate triumph over Bayern Munich in 1975 standing out as an upset, powered by Oleg Blokhin's decisive goals.[13]| Year | Winner | Aggregate Score | Opponent (European Cup/Cup Winners' Cup) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Ajax (NED) | 6–1 | AC Milan (ITA) | First official edition; two legs.[12] |
| 1975 | Dynamo Kyiv (URS) | 3–0 | Bayern Munich (FRG) | Blokhin scores all three; two legs.[13] |
| 1976 | Anderlecht (BEL) | 5–3 | Bayern Munich (FRG) | Two legs.[3] |
| 1977 | Liverpool (ENG) | 7–1 | Hamburger SV (FRG) | Two legs; Terry McDermott hat-trick in second leg.[14] |
| 1978 | Anderlecht (BEL) | 4–3 | Liverpool (ENG) | Two legs.[3] |
| 1980 | Valencia (ESP) | 2–2 (a.g.) | Nottingham Forest (ENG) | Two legs; away goals rule.[3] |
| 1982 | Aston Villa (ENG) | 3–1 | Barcelona (ESP) | Two legs.[3] |
| 1983 | Aberdeen (SCO) | 2–0 | Hamburg (FRG) | Two legs. |
| 1984 | Juventus (ITA) | 2–0 | Liverpool (ENG) | Single match due to scheduling.[15] |
| 1986 | Steaua București (ROU) | 1–0 | Dynamo Kyiv (URS) | Single match.[16] |
Single-Match Era and Evolution (1998–present)
In 1998, UEFA transitioned the Super Cup from a two-legged format to a single match at a neutral venue to simplify logistics and align with the season's early calendar, with the inaugural edition held at Stade Louis II in Monaco between Real Madrid and Chelsea.[1][17] This shift marked a stabilization of the competition, reducing travel burdens and enhancing its role as a season opener, while maintaining the matchup between the UEFA Champions League winners and the secondary European champion.[1] Following the discontinuation of the European Cup Winners' Cup after the 1998–99 season, the Super Cup from 2000 onward paired the Champions League holders with the UEFA Cup winners, a format that continued seamlessly into the 21st century.[3] In 2009, UEFA rebranded the UEFA Cup as the Europa League, but the Super Cup's structure remained unchanged, pitting the two premier club competition victors against each other without interruption. This evolution ensured broader representation of European football's elite, with occasional adaptations like host-nation slots in early editions giving way to pure qualification by the mid-2000s.[3] The single-match era has seen notable dominance by Real Madrid, who secured a record sixth title in 2024 with a 2–0 victory over Atalanta in Warsaw, highlighted by goals from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappé.[18][19] Other memorable moments include Paris Saint-Germain's dramatic 2025 triumph, where they came from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 against Tottenham Hotspur at Udine on August 13, before winning 4–3 on penalties—Tottenham's goals came from defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero via set pieces.[20][21] This comeback underscored the competition's potential for high-stakes drama in its concise format. Format adjustments have kept the Super Cup aligned with UEFA's broader rules, including the removal of extra time starting in 2023, where tied matches after 90 minutes proceed directly to penalties to heighten intensity and reduce fixture congestion.[22] The COVID-19 pandemic notably impacted the 2020 edition, delayed to September 24 in Budapest as a pilot event allowing limited fans under health protocols, with Bayern Munich defeating Sevilla 2–1.[23] These tweaks have preserved the event's prestige while adapting to external challenges. Looking ahead as of 2025, UEFA is exploring expansions such as a four-team mini-tournament format, potentially including Champions League and Europa League winners plus two additional qualifiers, with venues possibly rotating to non-European locations like the United States or Middle East to boost global appeal and revenue.[24] Such changes, if implemented before the 2026–27 season, could evolve the Super Cup into a more expansive curtain-raiser, building on its established single-match legacy.[24]Venues and Logistics
Venue Selection Process
The selection of venues for the UEFA Super Cup follows a structured bidding process overseen by UEFA's executive committee. National member associations are invited to declare interest in hosting the match, typically 2–3 years in advance, through an initiating phase where a list of potential hosts is compiled. Interested associations then submit detailed bid dossiers outlining proposed stadiums, infrastructure, and logistical plans, which undergo evaluation including site visits and expert assessments. The executive committee makes the final decision based on compliance with UEFA's requirements, aiming to ensure fairness and high standards for the neutral-site fixture.[25][26] Key criteria for venue approval emphasize neutrality to avoid any home advantage for the competing clubs, modern facilities such as category 3 UEFA-compliant infrastructure (including floodlighting, broadcasting capabilities, and medical provisions), and strong accessibility via international transport links. Bids are also assessed for the venue's ability to provide secure, equitable environments, with preference given to locations that have not hosted recent major UEFA events to allow rotation across Europe and promote broader engagement. These standards ensure the match aligns with UEFA's overall event protocols, including a standardized pitch size of 105m by 68m and dedicated neutral dressing rooms for both teams. Venues must meet UEFA Category 3 structural criteria, with capacities typically ranging from around 14,000 to over 60,000 seats based on past hostings.[27][28][29] Logistical management includes coordinated travel arrangements for teams and officials, often involving chartered flights and hotel accommodations to facilitate smooth arrival from across Europe, as well as enhanced security protocols implemented since the early 2000s in line with UEFA's post-9/11 event safeguards. These elements are verified during the bidding evaluation to minimize disruptions and uphold player welfare. Over time, the process has evolved from a fixed hosting arrangement to a rotating model; the Super Cup was held annually at Monaco's Stade Louis II from 1998 to 2012 due to its established neutrality and logistical convenience, but UEFA shifted to diverse European venues starting in 2013 to increase the competition's reach and dynamism. Non-European hosting proposals, such as those in Asia or the United States, have been discussed but not pursued, maintaining the focus on continental accessibility.[30][1] In recent decisions, UEFA selected Udine, Italy, for the 2025 Super Cup at Stadio Friuli as part of a broader effort to integrate the event into national hosting cycles, with the bid process concluding in late 2024. This choice reflects the rotating ethos, marking the first time the competition was held in Italy and aligning with evaluations of the stadium's 25,000 capacity and facilities.[22][25]List of Venues and Matches
The UEFA Super Cup has utilized a variety of venues since its establishment in 1972, transitioning from primarily two-legged ties at the participating teams' home stadiums to single neutral-venue matches starting in 1998. Early editions often featured legs in European cities tied to the clubs involved, while the modern format emphasizes diverse locations across the continent to promote the competition's reach. The table below catalogs all 51 editions through 2025, detailing the year, venue(s), location, competing teams (with the Champions League/European Cup winner listed first), final score, and winner. For two-legged ties, aggregate scores and key venues are noted; single-match venues are specified where applicable.[3]| Year | Venue(s) | City/Country | Teams | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Ibrox Stadium (1st leg); Olympic Stadium (2nd leg) | Glasgow, Scotland / Amsterdam, Netherlands | Ajax vs. Rangers | 6–3 agg. | Ajax |
| 1973 | San Siro (1st leg); Olympic Stadium (2nd leg) | Milan, Italy / Amsterdam, Netherlands | Ajax vs. AC Milan | 6–1 agg. | Ajax |
| 1975 | Olympic Stadium (1st leg); Olympiastadion (2nd leg) | Kyiv, Soviet Union / Munich, West Germany | Dynamo Kyiv vs. Bayern Munich | 3–0 agg. | Dynamo Kyiv |
| 1976 | Parc des Princes (1st leg); Olympiastadion (2nd leg) | Paris, France / Munich, West Germany | Anderlecht vs. Bayern Munich | 5–3 agg. | Anderlecht |
| 1977 | Anfield (1st leg); Volksparkstadion (2nd leg) | Liverpool, England / Hamburg, West Germany | Liverpool vs. Hamburger SV | 7–1 agg. | Liverpool |
| 1978 | Emile Versé Stadium (1st leg); Anfield (2nd leg) | Brussels, Belgium / Liverpool, England | Anderlecht vs. Liverpool | 4–3 agg. | Anderlecht |
| 1979 | City Ground (1st leg); Camp Nou (2nd leg) | Nottingham, England / Barcelona, Spain | Nottingham Forest vs. Barcelona | 2–1 agg. | Nottingham Forest |
| 1980 | City Ground (1st leg); Mestalla (2nd leg) | Nottingham, England / Valencia, Spain | Nottingham Forest vs. Valencia | 2–2 agg. (Valencia on away goals) | Valencia |
| 1982 | Camp Nou (1st leg); Villa Park (2nd leg) | Barcelona, Spain / Birmingham, England | Barcelona vs. Aston Villa | 1–3 agg. | Aston Villa |
| 1983 | Volksparkstadion (1st leg); Pittodrie Stadium (2nd leg) | Hamburg, West Germany / Aberdeen, Scotland | Hamburger SV vs. Aberdeen | 0–2 agg. | Aberdeen |
| 1984 | Stadio Olimpico (single match) | Rome, Italy | Juventus vs. Liverpool | 2–0 | Juventus |
| 1986 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Steaua București vs. Dynamo Kyiv | 1–0 | Steaua București |
| 1987 | Stadio delle Alpi (1st leg); Olympic Stadium (2nd leg) | Turin, Italy / Amsterdam, Netherlands | Porto vs. Ajax | 2–0 agg. | Porto |
| 1988 | Olympisch Stadion (1st leg); Philips Stadion (2nd leg) | Mechelen, Belgium / Eindhoven, Netherlands | Mechelen vs. PSV Eindhoven | 3–1 agg. | Mechelen |
| 1989 | Camp Nou (1st leg); San Siro (2nd leg) | Barcelona, Spain / Milan, Italy | AC Milan vs. Barcelona | 2–1 agg. | AC Milan |
| 1990 | Stadio Luigi Ferraris (1st leg); San Siro (2nd leg) | Genoa, Italy / Milan, Italy | AC Milan vs. Sampdoria | 3–1 agg. | AC Milan |
| 1991 | Old Trafford (single match) | Manchester, England | Manchester United vs. Red Star Belgrade | 1–0 | Manchester United |
| 1992 | Weserstadion (1st leg); Camp Nou (2nd leg) | Bremen, West Germany / Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona vs. Werder Bremen | 3–2 agg. | Barcelona |
| 1993 | San Siro (1st leg); Stadio Ennio Tardini (2nd leg) | Milan, Italy / Parma, Italy | AC Milan vs. Parma | 1–2 agg. | Parma |
| 1994 | Highbury (1st leg); San Siro (2nd leg) | London, England / Milan, Italy | AC Milan vs. Arsenal | 2–0 agg. | AC Milan |
| 1995 | La Romareda (1st leg); Olympic Stadium (2nd leg) | Zaragoza, Spain / Amsterdam, Netherlands | Ajax vs. Real Zaragoza | 5–1 agg. | Ajax |
| 1996 | Parc des Princes (1st leg); Stadio Delle Alpi (2nd leg) | Paris, France / Turin, Italy | Juventus vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 9–2 agg. | Juventus |
| 1997 | Signal Iduna Park (1st leg); Camp Nou (2nd leg) | Dortmund, Germany / Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund | 3–1 agg. | Barcelona |
| 1998 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Chelsea vs. Real Madrid | 1–0 | Chelsea |
| 1999 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Lazio vs. Manchester United | 1–0 | Lazio |
| 2000 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Galatasaray vs. Real Madrid | 2–1 aet | Galatasaray |
| 2001 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich | 3–2 | Liverpool |
| 2002 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Real Madrid vs. Feyenoord | 3–1 | Real Madrid |
| 2003 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | AC Milan vs. Porto | 1–0 | AC Milan |
| 2004 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Valencia vs. Porto | 2–1 | Valencia |
| 2005 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Liverpool vs. CSKA Moscow | 3–1 aet | Liverpool |
| 2006 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Sevilla vs. Barcelona | 3–0 | Sevilla |
| 2007 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | AC Milan vs. Sevilla | 3–1 | AC Milan |
| 2008 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Manchester United | 2–1 | Zenit St. Petersburg |
| 2009 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk | 1–0 aet | Barcelona |
| 2010 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Inter Milan vs. Atlético Madrid | 0–2 | Atlético Madrid |
| 2011 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Barcelona vs. Porto | 2–0 | Barcelona |
| 2012 | Stade Louis II (single match) | Monaco, Monaco | Atlético Madrid vs. Chelsea | 4–1 aet | Atlético Madrid |
| 2013 | Eden Arena (single match) | Prague, Czech Republic | Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea | 2–2 (5–4 pens) | Bayern Munich |
| 2014 | Cardiff City Stadium (single match) | Cardiff, Wales | Real Madrid vs. Sevilla | 2–0 | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena (single match) | Tbilisi, Georgia | Barcelona vs. Sevilla | 5–4 aet | Barcelona |
| 2016 | Lerkendal Stadion (single match) | Trondheim, Norway | Real Madrid vs. Sevilla | 3–2 aet | Real Madrid |
| 2017 | Philip II Arena (single match) | Skopje, North Macedonia | Real Madrid vs. Manchester United | 2–1 | Real Madrid |
| 2018 | Lilleküla Stadium (single match) | Tallinn, Estonia | Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid | 4–2 aet | Atlético Madrid |
| 2019 | Vodafone Park (single match) | Istanbul, Turkey | Liverpool vs. Chelsea | 2–2 (5–4 pens) | Liverpool |
| 2020 | Puskás Aréna (single match) | Budapest, Hungary | Bayern Munich vs. Sevilla | 2–1 aet | Bayern Munich |
| 2021 | Windsor Park (single match) | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Chelsea vs. Villarreal | 1–1 (6–5 pens) | Chelsea |
| 2022 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium (single match) | Helsinki, Finland | Real Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt | 2–0 | Real Madrid |
| 2023 | Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium (single match) | Piraeus, Greece | Manchester City vs. Sevilla | 1–1 (5–4 pens) | Manchester City |
| 2024 | Stadion Narodowy (single match) | Warsaw, Poland | Real Madrid vs. Atalanta | 2–0 | Real Madrid[18] |
| 2025 | Stadio Friuli (single match) | Udine, Italy | Paris Saint-Germain vs. Tottenham Hotspur | 2–2 (4–3 pens) | Paris Saint-Germain[10] |
Prizes and Rewards
Trophy Design and History
The first UEFA Super Cup trophy, a modest silver cup, was awarded to Ajax in 1973. This initial design symbolized the nascent prestige of the competition pitting Europe's top clubs against each other. From 1977, winners received a plaque with a gold UEFA emblem until the introduction of a dedicated trophy in 1987. In 1987, the first version produced by the Italian firm Bertoni, measuring 42.5 cm in height and weighing 5 kg, was presented to Steaua București, marking a step toward a more formalized emblem of continental supremacy.[31][2] The current trophy, introduced in 2006 and first lifted by Sevilla FC, represents a significant evolution to enhance the event's stature, standing 58 cm tall and weighing 12.2 kg.[31] Crafted from sterling silver by the IACO Group while retaining the core Bertoni conception—a classic bowl elevated on a twisted base evoking a skein of wool with integrated gripping arms—it was designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga.[32][33][34] The design embodies the dynamic unity and triumph of Europe's elite clubs, with the original perpetually retained by UEFA and full-size replicas provided annually to victors—no keeper rule applies after multiple wins, unlike other UEFA honors.[31] Following the match, the trophy is presented in a ceremonial lift by the winning captain, often alongside the UEFA president, underscoring the victors' supremacy over the continent's premier titleholders from the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.[31] This tradition highlights the Super Cup's role as a symbolic bridge between seasons, celebrating the pinnacle of club achievement.Prize Money Distribution
The UEFA Super Cup provides direct financial rewards to the participating clubs, with the structure for the 2025 edition awarding €5 million to the winners, Paris Saint-Germain, and €4 million to the runners-up, Tottenham Hotspur, for a total prize pot of €9 million.[35][36] This includes a guaranteed €4 million participation fee for each team, plus an additional €1 million win bonus for the champions.[37] Historically, the competition offered no standardized prize money during its two-legged era in the 1970s and 1980s, where the focus was primarily on prestige rather than financial incentives.[3] Prize distributions were formalized with the shift to a single-match format in 1998, starting with modest amounts that have since escalated in tandem with the growth of UEFA's television rights revenues, particularly after 2010 when broadcasting deals expanded significantly across Europe.[38] By 2012, for example, winners received €3 million and runners-up €2.2 million, reflecting the rising commercial value of the event. Beyond the direct prizes, UEFA allocates solidarity payments from its overall revenue pool to support clubs and associations not qualifying for European competitions, including the Super Cup; these payments totaled €177.2 million for non-participating men's clubs in the 2023/24 cycle and continue to promote competitive balance across the continent.[39] The prize money is disbursed directly by UEFA to the clubs immediately following the match, though recipients must navigate tax obligations in their home countries, which can include corporate taxes and deductions varying by jurisdiction, potentially reducing the net amount retained.[40]Rules and Regulations
Match Structure and Duration
The UEFA Super Cup is contested as a single match between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, played at a neutral venue. The match follows the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), consisting of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute half-time interval.[5] If the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes of normal time, no extra time is played, and the winner is determined immediately by a penalty shoot-out in accordance with IFAB procedures.[5][22] Each participating club nominates a matchday squad of 23 players, comprising 11 starters and 12 substitutes, with the full list submitted to UEFA in advance. Up to five substitutions are permitted during the match, to be completed within a maximum of three stoppages in play, excluding those at half-time or before the penalty shoot-out if required; a substituted player cannot return to the field.[41][42] Tactical timeouts are not part of the standard procedures.[5] The official match ball must be provided by UEFA and comply with IFAB standards for size, weight, and pressure, typically featuring branding elements owned by the organization. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been utilized since the 2019 edition to assist with key decisions, including goals, penalty incidents, red card events, and mistaken identity, with semi-automated offside technology introduced starting from the 2022 match.[5][43][44] Prior to kick-off, the referee conducts a coin toss with the team captains; the winning captain chooses either to select which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick-off, while the opposing team takes the remaining option. All other equipment, including player kits, must adhere to UEFA's color and advertising guidelines to ensure neutrality at the venue.[5] The Super Cup's rules align closely with those of the UEFA Champions League final, incorporating minor adaptations for the neutral-site format, such as standardized pitch dimensions and no application of the away goals rule, which was abolished across UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season onward.[5]Tie-Breakers and Discipline
In the UEFA Super Cup, matches follow the Laws of the Game as defined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), with ties resolved through a penalty shoot-out immediately following 90 minutes of normal time, without extra time, as implemented prior to the 2023 edition to streamline the single-leg format.[22] Historically, extra time consisting of two 15-minute periods was played if scores were level after regulation time, a practice that included the short-lived golden goal rule until its abandonment across UEFA competitions after the 2001/02 season, following its use in the 2000 Super Cup where Galatasaray defeated Real Madrid 2-1 via Mário Jardel's golden goal in the 103rd minute.[45] Penalty shoot-outs adhere to the standard alternating format (ABAB), with each team taking five kicks and sudden death if tied, as trialed variations like ABBA were not adopted for senior UEFA club competitions.[46] Disciplinary measures in the Super Cup are governed by the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, with yellow and red cards issued per IFAB Laws; a single yellow card is cancelled at the end of the match and does not carry forward to other UEFA club competitions, while red card suspensions or accumulated cautions leading to ejection apply to the player's next UEFA match if applicable.[47] As the Super Cup features winners of the prior season's UEFA Champions League and Europa League, any unresolved suspensions from those finals (e.g., direct red cards) would carry over, though yellow card accumulations reset between seasons. Matches emphasize fair play, assessed by UEFA delegates according to the UEFA Fair Play Regulations, but no dedicated discipline prize exists for the Super Cup; instead, fair play conduct contributes to association rankings that influence UEFA coefficient allocations for future qualifications.[48] Refereeing duties fall to UEFA elite referees selected by the UEFA Referees Committee, ensuring high standards in a neutral single-match environment. The video assistant referee (VAR) system has been utilized since the 2019 edition, assisting with clear errors in goal-scoring situations, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity, including offside decisions via semi-automated technology introduced in subsequent years.[46] For the 2025 Super Cup, Portuguese referee João Pinheiro officiated with Tiago Martins as VAR, maintaining protocols aligned with broader UEFA updates like enhanced semi-automated offside tracking, though no major discipline-specific changes were enacted beyond the format's direct-to-penalties adjustment.[49] Notable disciplinary moments include the 2019 final between Liverpool and Chelsea, refereed by Stéphanie Frappart—the first woman to officiate a major UEFA men's match—where three yellow cards were issued: to Chelsea's César Azpilicueta for fouling Sadio Mané, Jorginho for a late challenge, and Liverpool's Jordan Henderson for tripping Emerson Palmieri, contributing to a tense 2-2 draw resolved by penalties without ejections.[50] Such incidents underscore the competition's focus on controlled play, with UEFA's 2025 protocols reinforcing VAR integration and fair play evaluations to minimize disruptions in this high-stakes opener to the club season.[51]Commercial Aspects
Sponsorship and Naming Rights
The UEFA Super Cup, originally known as the European Super Cup when it was first contested in 1973, was officially renamed in 1995 to reflect UEFA's branding strategy for its competitions.[52] This change aligned it with other UEFA-organized events, such as the rebranded UEFA Champions League, and has remained its title without a corporate naming sponsor to date.[53] Unlike some UEFA competitions that incorporate title sponsorships, the Super Cup has historically avoided full naming rights deals, preserving its official designation while allowing sponsor logos on pitchside advertising, match balls, and broadcast graphics.[3] Sponsorship for the UEFA Super Cup has mirrored that of the UEFA Champions League since the early 1990s, with global partners gaining visibility through the single-match format held annually in August. The first major sponsorship integrations emerged in the late 1980s, as UEFA sought to capitalize on the growing commercial appeal of European club football; for instance, Mastercard became an early key partner in 1994, focusing on payment solutions and fan engagement.[54] By the 2010s, deals expanded to include category-specific sponsors like Heineken, which secured beer sponsorship rights for UEFA club competitions starting in 2010 and renewed through 2027, providing prominent branding during the Super Cup broadcast and stadium activations.[55] Other notable historical partners included Nissan, which held title-level visibility until 2013, particularly during the Monaco-hosted era.[53] As of the 2024–25 season, the Super Cup benefits from a portfolio of eight global sponsors shared with the Champions League, including PlayStation (Sony), Lay's (PepsiCo), FedEx, Mastercard, crypto.com, bet365, Just Eat Takeaway.com, and Qatar Airways.[3] Kit and equipment partnerships feature Nike as the official apparel provider for UEFA events, alongside Adidas supplying match balls.[55] Betting partnerships, such as with bet365, faced increased scrutiny post-2019 due to regulatory pressures in countries like Italy, where a national ban on gambling advertising was enacted that year, though UEFA maintained such deals at the competition level with restrictions on front-of-shirt placements for clubs in affected leagues.[56] Recent extensions, like Mastercard's 2024 renewal covering the 2025 Super Cup, underscore the event's role in broader digital and e-sports integrations, with sponsors like crypto.com targeting emerging online audiences.[57] These sponsorships significantly bolster UEFA's commercial revenue, with club competitions generating an estimated $781 million from sponsorships alone in the 2024–25 cycle, of which the Super Cup contributes through high-visibility activations like pitch logos and halftime promotions.[58] Overall, commercial activities, including sponsorships, accounted for a substantial portion of UEFA's €3 billion-plus income in recent years, enabling reinvestments into grassroots programs and event expansions.[59] By 2025, the shift toward digital rights has amplified sponsor reach, with streaming platforms and virtual reality tie-ins enhancing global branding opportunities beyond traditional advertising.[60]Tickets, Attendance, and Broadcasting
Tickets for the UEFA Super Cup are managed by UEFA, with the majority allocated to the general public and fans through official sales channels. For the 2025 edition at Stadio Friuli in Udine, 17,200 tickets were made available to the public out of the venue's net capacity of 22,500, sold exclusively via UEFA.com on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices ranged from €30 for Category 3 seats to €130 for Category 1, with accessibility tickets offered at reduced rates of €30. Participating clubs receive dedicated allocations for their supporters; Paris Saint-Germain was given 5,800 tickets, and Tottenham Hotspur 4,700, distributed through club channels.[61][62] Attendance at Super Cup matches has typically ranged from 20,000 to over 50,000 since the single-match format began in 1998, reflecting venue capacities and fan demand. Representative figures include 30,854 spectators for the 2014 final at Cardiff City Stadium between Real Madrid and Sevilla, and a peak of 56,042 for the 2024 clash at National Arena in Bucharest involving Real Madrid and Atalanta. The 2025 match in Udine drew 21,025 attendees, limited by the stadium's net capacity of 22,500.[63] Broadcasting rights for the UEFA Super Cup are held centrally by UEFA and distributed to partners in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. In Europe, coverage includes free-to-air options such as Canal+ in France and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, alongside pay-TV broadcasters like Sky in Austria. Outside Europe, the match airs on ESPN in Latin America, DAZN in Canada, and Paramount+ for live streaming in the United States. This extensive reach ensures accessibility across continents, with examples including SBT and TNT Sports in Brazil.[64][65] Digital platforms have enhanced global access since 2018, with UEFA.tv providing free highlights, full match replays, and on-demand content for non-live markets. Live streaming is available via UEFA.tv in select regions without traditional broadcast partners, complementing social media channels that deliver real-time clips and extended highlights to millions of users.[66][67]Records and Statistics
Performance by Club
Real Madrid holds the record for the most UEFA Super Cup titles with six victories, achieved in 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024.[4] Barcelona and AC Milan follow with five wins each, while Liverpool has secured four. Spanish clubs dominate the competition's history, accounting for 17 triumphs in total, including recent successes by Real Madrid and earlier contributions from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.[3] The following table summarizes the most successful clubs by number of wins, including their total appearances as of the 2025 edition:| Club | Wins | Appearances | Years Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid (Spain) | 6 | 9 | 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024 |
| Barcelona (Spain) | 5 | 9 | 1992, 1997, 2009, 2011, 2015 |
| AC Milan (Italy) | 5 | 7 | 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007 |
| Liverpool (England) | 4 | 6 | 1977, 2001, 2005, 2019 |
| Atlético Madrid (Spain) | 3 | 3 | 2010, 2012, 2018 |
| Ajax (Netherlands) | 2 | 3 | 1973, 1995 |
| Anderlecht (Belgium) | 2 | 3 | 1976, 1978 |
| Bayern Munich (Germany) | 2 | 5 | 2013, 2020 |
| Chelsea (England) | 2 | 5 | 1998, 2021 |
| Juventus (Italy) | 2 | 2 | 1984, 1996 |
| Valencia (Spain) | 2 | 2 | 1980, 2004 |
| Paris Saint-Germain (France) | 1 | 2 | 2025 |
Performance by Nation
Spain has dominated the UEFA Super Cup, securing 17 victories, which accounts for over a third of all editions played since the competition's inception in 1972.[4] This success is driven by powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid with six titles and Barcelona with five. England follows with 10 wins, primarily from Liverpool's four triumphs, while Italy has nine, led by AC Milan's five victories.[4] France entered the winners' list in 2025 with Paris Saint-Germain's penalty shootout victory over Tottenham Hotspur, marking the first Super Cup title for a French club.[68] The following table summarizes wins by nation up to 2025:| Nation | Wins | Notable Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 17 | Real Madrid (6), Barcelona (5), Atlético Madrid (3), Valencia (2), Sevilla (1) |
| England | 10 | Liverpool (4), Chelsea (2), Aston Villa (1), Manchester United (1), Manchester City (1), Nottingham Forest (1) |
| Italy | 9 | AC Milan (5), Juventus (2), Parma (1), Lazio (1) |
| Belgium | 3 | Anderlecht (2), Mechelen (1) |
| Netherlands | 2 | Ajax (2) |
| Germany | 2 | Bayern Munich (2) |
| France | 1 | Paris Saint-Germain (1) |
| Scotland | 1 | Aberdeen (1) |
| Portugal | 1 | Porto (1) |
| Romania | 1 | Steaua București (1) |
| Russia | 1 | Zenit St. Petersburg (1) |
| Turkey | 1 | Galatasaray (1) |
| Ukraine | 1 | Dynamo Kyiv (1) |

