Well then, could we have asked for a more entertaining tournament?!
Bringing together Europe’s elite, the 2025 European Championship did not disappoint out in Monchengladbach. A week that brought us fans thrilling hockey, last second goals and brutal knockouts - all with a packed out Sparkassen Park stadium with travelling fans brining the energy. Let’s recap.
Men’s Tournament - Germany Stun The Reigning Champions
After an unstoppable start, the Netherlands looked on course to defend their title in unequivocal style - demonstrating their trademark flair, demanding intensity and tactical mastery. That was until the home nation Germany rose to the occasion in dramatic fashion in front of their fans as they held the Dutch to a tense 1-1 draw in the final. Leading us to the penalty shootout of dreams, in which it was the men in white that held their nerve and delivered when it mattered most to secure the title and send the home crowd into euphoria. Grays German athlete Raphael Hartkopf continued to impress on the international stage as he produced some stellar performances, even picking up a Player Of The Match award on his way to the gold medal. Shop Raphael’s Go To Kit Here.
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Women’s Tournament - The Dutch Dominance Continues
Once again, the Netherlands women’s team showed no sign of giving up their international dominance as they navigated their way to securing back-to back European titles in a truly emphatic manner. Battling the hosts Germany for the crown, they overcame a fierce home crowd to win the match 2-1. In the gripping encounter, Grays athletes Lisa Post and Fay van Der Elst steered their side to victory, highlighting the team’s remarkable consistency on some of the biggest stages within our game. Shop Lisa and Fay’s Match Day Essentials Here.
Tournament Standouts
The 2025 European Championship lit up the SparkassenPark fans with unimaginable stories, breakthrough performances and rising nations making their mark. Beyond the gold medallists, we witnessed several teams and individuals set the marker with their passion, skill and determination - here’s a few notable mentions:
France Men – A Team Gunning For The Podium
Arguably the most inspiring story of the tournament has to be the men’s French team, who embarked on a mission that saw them go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest nations. A side on the rise, the men in blue expressed their capabilities at the highest level with raw intensity, passion, unity and relentless work ethic in both defence and attack - they had a few of the big dogs sweating at times!
Their journey captivated the audience immediately after their valiant display saw a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Germany, after leading 2-0 right until the final quarter. For many, it would have been easy to falter after such a rollercoaster of emotions, but the side grew stronger as they swept aside Poland to set up a decisive showdown with tournament favourites England - this was a game for the ages. Drama was destined to unravel as both sides needed a victory to all but confirm their semi-final spot, and it was the French who scored a last-second winner to seal a 3-2 triumph - sparking some of the most joyous scenes of the tournament.
Despite falling narrowly short to the Netherlands in the semi-final and missing out on a bronze medal to Spain, the French will be holding their heads high as their run marked the nation’s best European finish since the 1970s - a clear indicator of their intent to challenge Europe’s elite in the near future.
Grays athlete Gaspard Xavier proved instrumental in their victories with his commanding presence at the heart of the defence. His unwavering passion, communication, tactical awareness and composure on the ball set the tone for his teammates. At only 22 years old, there’s a terrifyingly bright future ahead for the Frenchman. Shop Gaspard’s Trusted Kit Here.
Spain’s Bronze Winning Men and Women
Spain are showing no signs of slowing down as they prove yet again that their push for international recognition continues to gather rapid pace with both the men’s and women’s sides claiming bronze in Monchengladbach. Known for their physicality and vigorous style of play, they’ll be eyeing next year’s World Cup for more glory.
For the men, Grays athlete Xavi Gispert showcased his innate ability to blend defensive solidity with crucial leadership in times calling for a calming figure. For the women, Xantal Gine embodied everything that defines the Spanish side, as captain she led by example carrying the pressure on her shoulders and setting the standards from the back.
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The Players Choice
With 3 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 2 bronze medals - it’s clear that our Grays athletes continue to perform in the biggest of occasions whilst simultaneously putting their trust in our elite equipment. Here’s some of our most popular choices that featured throughout the tournament.
