On this day: Trezeguet's Extra-Time heroics seal Historic EURO 2000 win for France

On this day 25 years ago, France cemented their status as a footballing superpower, winning UEFA EURO 2000 in unforgettable fashion with a golden goal victory over Italy in Rotterdam. David Trezeguet, then a rising star at AS Monaco, wrote himself into French football folklore with a thunderous left-footed finish that crowned Les Bleus as both world and European champions — a first in history at the time.

The Azzurri were minutes away from victory after Marco Delvecchio had given them the lead just before the hour mark. But as the clock ticked into the fourth minute of stoppage time, Sylvain Wiltord, fed by a Zidane pass, snuck a low shot under Francesco Toldo to equalise — and send the match into extra time.

From there, France surged with belief. Robert Pirès, on the brink of a move to Arsenal from Marseille, darted past defenders down the left before cutting the ball back into the box. There was Trezeguet, unmarked and poised — his strike rocketing into the net and sparking scenes of jubilation across the Stade de Rotterdam and the nation.

“We were never going to give up,” said Didier Deschamps, lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy in what proved to be his final appearance for France. “This team had a spirit, a belief — and Trezeguet gave us the perfect ending.”

A match of fine margins

The final was a showcase of elite European talent, many of whom cut their teeth in Ligue 1. Thierry Henry, electric throughout, struck the post in the first half, while Youri Djorkaeff, a former PSG favourite, forced Toldo into multiple saves. In midfield, Zinédine Zidane's creativity helped turn the tide, even as Italy looked to shut up shop.
Italy, led by Francesco Totti and Paolo Maldini, had chances to kill the game — Alessandro Del Piero spurning a gilt-edged opportunity at 1-0. But France’s refusal to wilt paid off.

What followed?

France added the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001, but the high of Rotterdam was followed by a shocking group-stage exit at the 2002 World Cup, failing to score a single goal. Still, EURO 2000 remains a golden chapter, featuring a golden goal — the last ever in a major international tournament final.

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