Comparing Euro 2024 and 2025 Super Bowl Favorites: A Look at Similarities
As Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 and dedicated NFL fans eagerly await the start of the 2024-25 season, you may be curious about the similarities between the favorites in Euro 2024 and their unofficial sister teams in the NFL.
I would likely lose that bet, as even the most diehard NFL fans would likely choose to play an intense game of Tiddlywinks over comparing national soccer teams to top gridiron teams.
Fortunately, I have delved into the fascinating world of Euro 2024 squads for you and created a complete beginner’s guide to help you discover your new favorite team.
After selecting your team, test your fate by participating in our Euro 2024 bracket.
There are several common characteristics shared by soccer and the NFL.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room – the fact that the world’s most popular sport is only referred to as soccer in a few countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines (due to American influence), American Samoa, and a few others.
In over 90% of countries worldwide, the sport is known as football and has its origins in 19th-century Great Britain. It’s fine that both exciting sports share the same name. While some enthusiasts may resist sharing the title, we can compromise by calling the one primarily played with feet “footy” and the NFL version “football”.
The widespread popularity of footy and soccer
Both sports are extremely popular, with the NFL expanding its reach to more countries worldwide each year. The 2022-23 NFL season, as reported by ESPN, saw 272 regular-season games averaging 17.9 million viewers, tying for the second-highest viewership of all time. This totals to 4.87 billion viewers throughout the season, with an estimated 123.7 million people tuning in to watch the Super Bowl.
The delayed Euro 2020 tournament, held from June 11 to July 11, 2021 because of COVID-19, attracted a total of 5.28 billion viewers, with an average of 100 million viewers per match. The final match between England and Italy was watched by approximately 328 million people.
Comparisons between Euro 2024 favorites and NFL franchises
The top contenders for Euro 2024 are the usual suspects: England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium, according to the latest Euro 2024 odds.
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | bet365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | +300 | +300 | +333 | +330 | +350 |
| France | +340 ❄️ | +380 | +350 | +400 | +400 |
| Germany | +550 | +430 ❄️ | +500 | +550 | +550 |
| Spain | +700 | +650 ❄️ | +750 | +800 | +750 |
| Portugal | +800 | +750 | +750 | +700 | +700 |
| Belgium | +1600 | +1600 | +1800 | +2000 | +1600 |
| Italy | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 | +1800 | +1400 ❄️ |
| Netherlands | +1600 | +1800 | +1600 | +1800 | +1600 |
The sister team of the NFL in England: Dallas Cowboys
Off-the-field similarities
I would be shocked if Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” isn’t subtly criticizing England and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys and England are both known as highly scrutinized teams in the world of sports, often dubbed as America’s team. The media takes great pleasure in criticizing both teams. In particular, the English media, known for their thorough dissection of every detail, mercilessly critiques the Three Lions, resembling a group of hungry hyenas tearing apart their prey.
Even the smallest connection to England is prominently featured in newspapers and online publications throughout the UK, similar to the attention the Cowboys receive in the United States.
The criticism is mostly valid, as both teams fail to live up to their full potential.
On-the-field similarities
England’s sole moment of glory occurred 58 years ago at the 1966 World Cup. Since then, they have been unable to recapture that victorious sensation. Their streak of failure spans 28 major tournaments, including 14 World Cups and 14 European Championships, leaving them in a drought more desolate than the Gobi Desert at its most parched.
Almost magically and somewhat mysteriously, the Cowboys won their last Super Bowl 28 years ago. Their unsuccessful seasons since then, matched with the lengthy gap between victories, are further intensified by the immense pressure and expectations that loom over them like a dark presence ready to take control.
Harry Kane and Dak Prescott are the most prominent players leading their respective teams.
Kane, the second favorite by the Euro 2024 top goal scorer odds, departed Tottenham in search of glory and silverware after nearly a decade without success in north London. Despite leading Bayern Munich in goals in his first season, he failed to secure a team trophy, breaking the Bavarian side’s streak of winning trophies since 2011-12. Harry’s arrival made me a believer in curses.
I wish I had a crystal ball to see the future, especially when it comes to making bets. However, it seems highly likely that Prescott, facing uncertainty about his future, will soon leave Dallas in search of the success that has eluded him, just like Kane did.
Embarrassing losses share an undesirable resemblance.
Additionally, we must discuss the humiliating and brutal defeat suffered by the Cowboys in the 2023-24 wild-card round. Despite being heavily favored, the Cowboys were crushed by the visiting Green Bay Packers.
Each member of England’s Euro 2016 team can empathize with their current pain, as the devastating 48-32 defeat likely brings back haunting memories of their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Iceland in the Round of 16.
England is the exception to the rule that lightning doesn’t strike twice.
The Three Lions experienced another humiliating loss against Iceland, being defeated 0-1 at Wembley in their last friendly match before Euro 2024.
The dilemma of significant games
The Cowboys and England consistently excel in regular season and qualification games, but struggle in important matches like losses to Iceland and Green Bay. Just as Joey Chestnut effortlessly consumes hot dogs, the Cowboys dominate regular seasons, but falter in crucial games. Similarly, England breezes through qualification rounds and group stages of major tournaments, resembling Red Bull’s success in F1 races.
Those positive outcomes that only occur in good weather conditions do not continue when the pressure increases in the playoffs or knockout rounds.
Since winning their last Super Bowl in 1995, the Cowboys have lost 13 out of 18 playoff games. Similarly, England has advanced past the quarterfinals in only two of their last 11 World Cups and three of their last 10 European Championships.
England has reached the semifinals five times since 1950, with two of those appearances occurring in the last six years.
- BetMGM has set England’s odds to win Euro 2024 at +350.
- It is likely that England will disappoint a nation.
- According to BetMGM, the Dallas Cowboys are listed at +1800 odds to win Super Bowl 59.
- It is likely that Dallas will disappoint Cowboys fans.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL sister team of France.
Off-the-field similarities
France and the Kansas City Chiefs boast elite generational talents whose fame transcends their respective sports. Travis Kelce, embraced by Swifties worldwide, has evolved into a pop culture icon and aspiring model. Similarly, France’s golden boy Kylian Mbappe shares a passion for flair, flamboyance, and the spotlight.
While not officially confirmed, there have been reports that Mbappe was in a relationship with French model Ines Rau for a period of time. Mbappe, a renowned global superstar with a lifestyle comparable to Kelce off the field, also displays on-field similarities with Patrick Mahomes.
On-the-field similarities
Mahomes and Mbappe are exceptional talents of their generation, arguably standing out as the top players in their sports. With three Super Bowl rings to his name, Mahomes has been crowned MVP in each victory. He has also earned two regular-season MVP awards and was honored as the 2018 Offensive Player of the Year.
At just 25 years old, Mbappe has achieved an impressive collection of titles with PSG, including six Ligue 1 championships, four Coupe de France victories, two Coupes de la Ligue triumphs, and three Trophees des Champions. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he helped lead France to victory in the World Cup.
Both players have last names beginning with M, which I easily found.
Once again, the Chiefs are among the top favorites for the Super Bowl, with a dynasty that includes three rings and four appearances in the last five years. While France may not have won as much recently, they can still easily make it to the final of major events just like Kelce and Mbappe breeze into exclusive nightclubs.
In three out of the last four major tournaments, France has made it to the final, including two out of the past six European Championships and three out of the previous five World Cups. Les Bleus have reached the final in six of their last 13 major tournaments, winning three trophies (1998 World Cup, 2018 World Cup, 2000 Euros).
Kelce and Mbappe’s prominent and public defiance
If you don’t have a great relationship with your boss, you likely found satisfaction in watching Kelce confront Andy Reid on the sidelines during Super Bowl 58. Kelce not only reenacted a scene from “Office Space” by giving it to Reid, but also playfully imitated Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” by getting physical with the legendary coach.
I won’t overreact to minor issues because sometimes things happen impulsively. But I highly recommend not using that excuse if things get intense with your boss.
After publicly criticizing PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi before leaving the team for Real Madrid, Mbappe’s behavior seemed to mirror that of Kelce. Despite not being as widely publicized, Mbappe’s outburst showed a level of admiration and emulation for Kelce.
- According to bet365, France is favored to win Euro 2024 with odds of +400.
- It is unlikely that Mbappe will shout at Didier Deschamps during a Euro 2024 match.
- FanDuel has set the odds for the Chiefs to win Super Bowl 59 at +600.
- It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Kelce to raise the stakes and attempt to suplex Andy Reid: It wouldn’t be the first time something unexpected has occurred.
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The New York Giants are considered Italy’s sister team in the NFL.
Off-the-field similarities
The Italian national soccer team is as Italian as they come. However, the New York Giants’ third-string quarterback turned hero for a month, Tommy DeVito, and agent Sean Stellato, who bears a striking resemblance to a character from “Goodfellas,” also deserve recognition.
DeVito and Stellato not only reignited interest in rewatching The Sopranos, but also delved deeper by visiting a local New York Italian pizza shop during the Giants’ Italian renaissance.
Devito, known as Tommy Cutlets, followed the lead of the Italian team at Euro 2020 by indulging in post-game pizza feasts. Despite initial skepticism about the choice of food, Italy proved their critics wrong by winning the tournament, including a victory over England in the final at Wembley.
I must admit, it doesn’t get more Italian than the national football team enjoying pizza after a game at a major tournament. If England’s players had indulged in pizza after every match, perhaps they wouldn’t be remembered alongside the Cowboys in disgrace.
On-the-field similarities
The Giants have secured victory in four Super Bowls (1987, 1991, 2008, 2012), while Italy has claimed four World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) and two European Championships (1968, 2020). In the last two decades, both teams have achieved two championships each, with Italy winning Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2006, and the Giants emerging victorious in the Super Bowl in 2008 and 2012.
Although both teams have a history of success, they have struggled in recent times. The Giants gave up an average of 24.3 points per game in the 2022-23 season, placing them near the bottom of the league. Similarly, the Azzurri allowed nine goals during Euro 2024 qualification, ranking fifth out of the 24 participating teams.
Don’t anticipate any wild west shootouts when either team takes the field. The Giants only scored an average of 15.6 points per game last season, the third-lowest in the league. Italy’s 45 matches at the European Championships have also been low-scoring, with an average of just 1.84 goals per game (52 for, 31 against). This is the lowest ratio of any of the 25 teams that have played 10 or more matches in the competition.
- FanDuel has Italy as +1600 favorites to win Euro 2024.
- It is likely that Italy will eat pizza after matches.
- The Giants have odds of +15000 to win Super Bowl 59 according to BetMGM.
- It is guaranteed that Chances Stellato will be the star of the upcoming blockbuster mafia movie.
The Detroit Lions are considered Belgium’s sister team in the NFL.
Off-the-field similarities
Belgium is famous for producing some of the best beer globally, while Lions’ fans are famous for their impressive ability to consume beer faster than Belgium can even make it.
On-the-field similarities
Both the Detroit Lions and Belgium commiserate in their shared lack of success, as neither team has achieved their ultimate goal. The Lions have yet to win a Super Bowl, while Belgium has failed to secure any European Championships or World Cup titles.
Belgium had a taste of success at the World Cup in 2018, reaching the semifinals for the second time and giving fans hope of glory. However, their performance in Qatar was disappointing as they were eliminated in the group stage. Their track record at the European Championships is also underwhelming, with the Red Devils failing to advance past the quarterfinals since their impressive run to the final in 1980.
The Lions, who have a history of being consistently disappointing, seem to have turned a corner under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and a successful 2023 draft.
After a 33-year drought, the Lions finally ended their playoff victory dry spell by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the 2022-23 season.
The Lions won two playoff games in 1957, but then went 34 years without another postseason victory. In the last 67 years, they have only won three playoff games, a record that even Toronto Maple Leafs fans would find embarrassing. Since the start of the Super Bowl era, the Lions, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans are the only teams that have not played in at least one final.
Novice coaches in charge
On January 20, 2021, Campbell secured his inaugural permanent coaching position as the head coach of Detroit.
In February 2023, Domenico Tedesco took over as Belgium’s head coach following Roberto Martinez’s departure. This will be Tedesco’s first time leading the Red Devils in a major tournament, despite having seven years of experience coaching club teams. He is stepping into the role of national program coach for the first time in his career.
The 38-year-old can only dream that his career path mirrors Campbell’s, who led his team to the NFC Championship game in just two years as head coach.
- Belgium is listed at +1800 odds to win Euro 2024 by Caesars.
- It is unlikely that Tedesco will follow in Campbell’s footsteps.
- According to FanDuel, the Lions have odds of +1300 to win Super Bowl 59.
- Campbell is guaranteed to go for it the most on 4th down in the 2024-25 season with a 100% probability.
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The New York Jets are considered Portugal’s sister team in the NFL.
Off-the-field similarities
The Los Angeles Times ranked the New York Jets as having the most unhappy fanbase, a pairing that seems fitting for England supporters who are already claimed by a more suitable partner.
Off the field, Aaron Rodgers and Cristiano Ronaldo are both known for their own unique personalities and characteristics. Ronaldo has always strived to be the best footballer in the world, but he has struggled to accept that he may not achieve that goal. Despite the support of his fans, it is clear that Lionel Messi is a more talented player. Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, compared to Ronaldo’s five.
For years, Rodgers lived in the shadow of Tom Brady and more recently has taken a back seat to Patrick Mahomes and other NFL stars. He is known for being controversial, often using his social media and appearances on the Pat McAfee Show to share unverified opinions that rival those of a conspiracy theorist on drugs.
On-the-field similarities
Portugal and the Jets’ success is heavily reliant on the aging superstars Ronaldo and Rodgers, much like the ancient Lost City of Atlantis. The owners may be concerned about the team’s dependence on these 40 and 39-year-old players.
Despite facing vastly different situations, both athletes suffered significant injuries in the spotlight. Rodgers tore his Achilles during his first game with Gang Green after only four plays, while Ronaldo had to leave the Euro 2016 final against France after just 25 minutes.
Ronaldo’s injury was not severe enough to end his career, and Portugal ended up winning their only major championship. In contrast, the Jets plummeted in the opposite direction, suffering more losses than a gambler who continuously chases their bets.
Rodgers boasts four MVPs and a Super Bowl victory, compared to Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Ors and a European Championship win. The Jets clinched their lone Super Bowl triumph in 1968, while Portugal secured their only major trophy with the 2016 Euro title.
Both teams are in the unfortunate position of having a highly anticipated young player, Zach Wilson, underperforming more frequently than Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics. Wilson was chosen as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, ahead of notable players such as Micah Parsons, Justin Fields, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Ja’Marr Chase, and Najee Harris.
Portugal’s Fosbury flop was Ricardo Quaresma, who was once seen as the successor to Luis Figo. Quaresma came from the same renowned Sporting Lisbon academy as Ronaldo, but their careers took very different paths, like those of a vegan and a carnivore.
Quaresma was labeled as the worst player in the Italian League during his debut season in 2008, failing to live up to his potential. Jose Mourinho criticized him for lacking effort and dedication. This marked the beginning of Quaresma’s disappointing career.
- According to bet365, Portugal is listed at +800 odds to win Euro 2024.
- It is equally likely that Ronaldo will play longer than Rodgers.
- According to bet365, the Jets are listed at +2500 odds to win Super Bowl 59.
- Hopefully Rodgers will make it past the fourth play of the 2024-25 season.
The San Francisco 49ers are Spain’s NFL sister team.
Off-the-field similarities
Both of their names begin with the letter S, and they both enjoy playing near the ocean.
On-the-field similarities
The San Francisco 49ers and Spain are renowned teams with illustrious winning traditions. Though their paths to success may differ and their recent achievements may vary, both are revered and celebrated for their strong cultures of winning.
Spain made history by winning three major tournaments in a row, securing victories in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012. This impressive achievement solidified their dominant reign as champions. Similarly, the 49ers won four out of nine Super Bowls between 1982 and 1990, showcasing their strength and success in the NFL.
The 49ers have reached two of the last five Super Bowls and made it to the NFC Championship game in four of the past five seasons.
Both the Spaniards and 49ers possess a shared trait: offenses that are versatile and dynamic, capable of inflicting damage in multiple ways like Jon Jones and displaying more style than the Nature Boy did in his prime wrestling days.
- Caesars has set Spain’s odds to win Euro 2024 at +850.
- It is highly unlikely that Spain will secure another three-peat.
- The 49ers have +650 odds to win Super Bowl 59 according to BetMGM.
- It is likely that the 49ers will remain relevant throughout “Mr. Irrelevant’s” career.
The Philadelphia Eagles are Germany’s sister team in the NFL.
Off-the-field similarities
The Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, are one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest rivals. Similarly, the English national football team is considered the arch-nemesis of Germany. The two nations have a contentious history both on and off the field.
The Eagles and Germany both have passionate and energetic fans off the field. The chant “Fly Eagles Fly” is similar to the songs that German supporters enthusiastically sing together with great fervor.
Eagles fans have developed a reputation for their extreme behavior, such as throwing snowballs at players, booing Santa Claus, and allegedly throwing batteries at opposing players. This behavior can be seen as somewhat unconventional and uncivilized.
If you attend a Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga game at Westfalenstadion, you’ll quickly notice the similarities as clearly as a snowball thrown by an upset Eagles fan.
On-the-field similarities
The Eagles claimed their first Super Bowl victory in 2018, while Germany secured their sole Euro Championship title since reunification in 1996.
The Germans have made it to three Euro Championship finals, coming up short twice, while the Eagles have a 1-3 record in their Super Bowl appearances. Both teams are led by coaches of similar ages who might be on the verge of a midlife crisis, albeit for entirely different reasons.
Nick Sirianni, at 42 years old, is on a collision course with a midlife crisis after having to endure watching his team’s struggling secondary nearly every week for over four months last season.
Julian Nagelsmann, at 36 years old, is six years younger than Sirianni. If the Germans are eliminated early in Euro 2024, Nagelsmann may face a midlife crisis sooner than expected.
- DraftKings lists Germany as +550 favorites to win Euro 2024.
- Nagelsmann is likely to experience a midlife crisis.
- The Eagles have +1700 odds to win Super Bowl 59 according to DraftKings.
- It is uncertain if Sirianni will make it through the 2024-25 season.
Buffalo Bills: The NFL sister team of the Netherlands
Off-the-field similarities
Both Dutch people and Buffalonians have a tendency to speak bluntly and honestly, never shying away from telling the truth. This directness is evident in interactions with locals from both regions, providing a refreshingly honest experience.
In true Dutch and Buffalonian style, I will be direct and honest when discussing their similarities on the field.
On-the-field similarities
It seems unlikely that any team will surpass the Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl losses from 1991-1994. This is considered one of the most disheartening records in sports history. The mere thought of it almost brings me to tears, and I’m not even a fan of the Bills. I can only imagine how Bills fans feel when they are reminded of those painful memories from over thirty years ago.
The Netherlands attempted to replicate Buffalo’s success, but fell short. They have experienced defeat in three out of four major tournament finals, such as the 1974 and 1978 Euro finals and the 2010 World Cup final. However, Holland was able to avoid a similar fate by clinching their only trophy at Euro 1988 against the Soviet Union.
- FanDuel has listed Netherlands’ odds of winning Euro 2024 at +1800.
- It is likely that the Netherlands will lose their next final.
- Caesars has set the Bills’ odds to win Super Bowl 59 at +1600.
- It is highly unlikely that Bills’ fans will ever be able to move past their four consecutive Super Bowl losses.
Euro 2024 betting pages
These are our top recommended soccer betting sites:
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- Check out our FanDuel review and use our exclusive promo code
- Check out our DraftKings Review and use the DraftKings Promo Code to get started!
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Related pages
- Top Sports Betting Websites with the Best Promotions for Underscoreg (Available in the U.S. only)
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