Is The UEFA Nations League A Major Trophy? 5 Reasons Why The Debate Still Rages

The UEFA Nations League (UNL) is arguably the most debated trophy in modern international football. Since its inception in 2018, the question of whether it constitutes a "major trophy" has divided players, pundits, and fans alike, sitting in a curious space between a glorified friendly tournament and a truly prestigious continental honour. As of the current date in December 2025, with the 2024–25 edition reaching its final stages, the tournament's unique structure and competitive intensity—designed specifically to replace meaningless international friendlies—have solidified its place as a significant, if not universally "major," piece of silverware. The debate hinges on several factors: the commitment of the players, the financial reward, the historical context compared to the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship (Euros), and its real-world impact on qualification for future tournaments. While it may lack the decades-long history of its continental peers, the Nations League offers a fiercely competitive environment where only the elite of Europe's national teams can truly compete for the final prize, making it a highly coveted, albeit nascent, honour for any European side.

The Nations League Roll of Honour: A History of Elite Champions

The UEFA Nations League Finals have consistently been contested by the top-tier national teams in Europe, ensuring that the list of winners is a pedigree of continental elite. The tournament is structured into four leagues (League A, B, C, and D), but only the four group winners from League A advance to the final knockout tournament, known as the Nations League Finals. This format guarantees high-stakes, competitive matches.

UEFA Nations League Winners (2018–2025):

• 2018–19 Winner: Portugal (Runner-up: Netherlands)
• 2020–21 Winner: France (Runner-up: Spain)
• 2022–23 Winner: Spain (Runner-up: Croatia)
• 2024–25 Winner: *To be determined* (The current edition features a new knockout round in March 2025, with the Finals scheduled for June 2025).

The inaugural victory by Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, immediately lent credibility to the competition, as it marked the country's second major international trophy after Euro 2016. France's win in 2021 and Spain's triumph in 2023, defeating strong opponents like the Netherlands, Spain, and Croatia, respectively, further cemented the tournament's reputation as a battleground for Europe's giants.

5 Reasons Why the "Major Trophy" Debate Still Rages

To understand the prestige of the UEFA Nations League, one must weigh the arguments for and against its status as a "major trophy." The competition is certainly more significant than a friendly, but is it truly comparable to the Euros or the World Cup?

1. The Competitive Intensity is Undeniable (Pro-Major)

The primary objective of the Nations League was to eliminate the often-dull international friendlies, and it has succeeded emphatically. The format, which groups teams of similar strength (League A contains the highest-ranked teams), ensures that every match is competitive. Players and managers consistently treat these games with high intensity because the consequences are real: promotion, relegation, and a direct path to a final tournament. The commitment from star players is a key factor that elevates the Nations League above a mere exhibition.

2. The Qualification Pathway and FIFA Ranking Points (Pro-Major)

A crucial and often overlooked element is the tournament's integration into the qualification process for other major events. The Nations League provides a potential backdoor qualification route to both the Euros and the FIFA World Cup via playoff spots. Furthermore, matches in the Nations League carry significant weight in the FIFA Rankings calculation, which directly influences seeding for World Cup and Euro qualifying draws. This tangible, long-term impact on a nation's standing makes the UNL results far more important than any friendly match.

3. Financial Rewards are Substantially Lower (Anti-Major)

One of the strongest arguments against the Nations League being a "major trophy" is the stark difference in financial reward compared to the Euros. While the prize money is substantial—Spain, for example, collected around €10.5 million for winning the 2022–23 edition—this figure is significantly less than the prize pool for the UEFA European Championship. The reduced financial incentive, while still high, reflects a lower level of commercial and institutional prestige when compared to the established continental championship.

4. The Lack of Historical and Cultural Weight (Anti-Major)

The tournament only began in 2018, giving it a very short history compared to the European Championship (first held in 1960) and the World Cup (1930). Major trophies derive a huge part of their prestige from decades of history, iconic moments, and cultural significance. The Nations League has not had enough time to build this deep, emotional legacy. Pundits often argue that until the trophy is viewed with the same historical reverence as the Jules Rimet Trophy or the Henri Delaunay Trophy, it will remain a secondary honour.

5. The "Friendly Trophy" Perception Persists (Anti-Major)

Despite UEFA's best efforts, the perception that the Nations League is a "friendly trophy" or a "glorified friendly tournament" is still prevalent among some sections of the media and fan base. This perspective often stems from the fact that the tournament takes place during the international breaks that were previously reserved for friendlies. While the competitive nature of the matches has largely dispelled the notion that the tournament is meaningless, the mental hurdle of viewing it as truly "major" alongside the quadrennial tournaments remains a challenge for its long-term prestige.

The Future of the Nations League: Becoming a True Continental Powerhouse

The evolution of the UEFA Nations League shows a clear trajectory toward increased importance. The introduction of a new knockout round between the group stage and the Finals for the 2024–25 edition is a testament to UEFA's commitment to expanding the tournament's visibility and competitive stakes. This change, which adds more high-stakes matches in March, is designed to bridge the gap between the end of the group stage in November and the Finals in June, ensuring greater continuity and media attention. The tournament is also expanding its global reach. Discussions and plans have been floated regarding a potential expansion to include South American teams (CONMEBOL) in future editions, which would dramatically increase the tournament's global prestige and competitive level. Should this transpire, the Nations League could transform from a European continental trophy into a true inter-continental championship, significantly boosting its claim to "major trophy" status. Ultimately, the question of whether the UEFA Nations League is a major trophy is subjective. It is not the World Cup or the Euros, but it is unequivocally more than a friendly. It is a highly competitive, financially rewarding, and strategically important championship that offers a vital qualification path and boosts a nation's FIFA Ranking. For the three nations that have lifted the unique silver trophy—Portugal, France, and Spain—it is undoubtedly a major honour, a testament to their dominance among Europe's elite in the years they won it. The continued commitment of the top European football nations ensures that the Nations League will only grow in prestige with every passing edition.