Once a dominant force on the continental stage, Tottenham Hotspur has a storied relationship with European soccer. From White Hart Lane to the grandest nights under the lights, the club has tasted glory on the UEFA stage.
The Europa League has long been a battleground for ambitious sides chasing European silverware. For Spurs, it has served as a stage where legends emerged and reputations were made, sometimes against all odds.
While recent years have seen the club chasing Champions League dreams, the echoes of past triumphs still resonate. A look back reveals the moments that defined their pedigree and the rare occasions when they held the trophy aloft.
How many UEFA Europa League titles do Spurs have?
Tottenham have lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy three times in their history, a feat that places them among notable English clubs. While the competition has evolved—from the UEFA Cup to today’s Europa League—the Spurs’ triumphs came in different eras of the tournament, cementing their legacy.
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Lucas Bergvall during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg. (Source: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
These three wins, in 1972, 1984 and most recently in 2025 against Manchester United, are cherished milestones for the club and its fans. Despite numerous qualifications for European competitions between those triumphs, they had long sought another title—until their breakthrough win in 2025.
This fact underscores both the difficulty of soccer and the club’s ongoing quest for continental glory. Though their European trophy haul may not be as vast as some, their three victories remain significant chapters in their rich history.
When did Tottenham first win the UEFA Europa League Cup?
Tottenham’s maiden UEFA Cup victory came in 1972, marking a historic breakthrough. Under the management of Bill Nicholson, they embarked on a memorable campaign that culminated in a two-legged final against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur looks on at the end of the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on December 19, 2024. (Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The final saw Spurs claim a 3-2 aggregate win, a triumph celebrated for its combination of tactical discipline and attacking flair. This victory made them the first British club to win the trophy twice, having previously won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.
The 1972 triumph was not just a trophy win; it was a statement of ambition and capability, setting the tone for Tottenham’s future European ventures. It remains a proud moment, often recalled by fans as a symbol of their ability to compete beyond domestic borders.
What were Tottenham’s most memorable European campaigns?
Among Tottenham’s European outings, several campaigns stand out for their drama, quality and impact. Beyond the two UEFA Cup-winning seasons, the 1983-84 run remains particularly memorable.
That year, they battled through tough opponents and showed remarkable resilience to claim their second UEFA Cup title, defeating Anderlecht in the final 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Another unforgettable campaign was the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League journey, which, while not Europa League, reignited the club’s continental ambitions.
These campaigns reflect the team’s fluctuating but persistent presence, marked by highs that inspire the club and fans alike, and by the constant drive to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
