The Euro 2020 is over. After one month of emotions, surprises, and nail-biting games, Italy lifted the trophy. And deservedly so, we would say. The team won all of their games throughout the tournament and are riding on a 34-game winning streak.
Undoubtedly the best team in the tournament, Italy wowed even its skeptics. The team lifted the trophy by winning against England in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The players might not play for the wealthiest clubs or be among the highest-paid, but they played with so much passion that it impressed every game fan. Italians showed what it means to play for your country.
So, winners get a prize, right? Of course, and a big one, we would say. Aside from the actual cup, Italy will collect about $40.25 (€34) million from the prize pool.
That is the max set before the tournament, and by winning all their games, the team collected just that. And how much does each player get? Various sources claim that the 26 players will receive $296,000 (€250,000) each.
What’s the prize pool? Let’s take a look at the breakdown set by UEFA:
- Winner: $11.84 (€10) million
- Runner-up: $8.28 (€7) million
- Semifinalists: $5.92 (€5) million
- Quarterfinalists: $3.85 (€3.25) million
- Round of 16: $2.37 (€2) million
- Group match victory: $1.78 (€1.5) million
- Group match draw: $887,630 (€750,000)
- Qualifying for the tournament: $10.95 (€9.25) million
In terms of individual awards, 22-year old Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the best player, making him only the second goalkeeper to receive the award. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of soccer’s best players, won the golden boot for his five goals.
In addition, Spain’s 18-year old Pedri won the award for the best young player. The Spaniard was genuinely inspirational for his country and missed only one minute in the whole tournament.
In the end, it’s not surprising why soccer is the most-watched sport in the world and the Euro Cup one of the most-watched soccer events. The game brings so much excitement and passion. And with Euro 2020, we can easily say that the best team won.
