The UEFA Youth League for the 2022-23 season reached its conclusion on Monday, April 24, with AZ Alkmaar and Hajduk Split meeting in the decisive clash in Geneva. The final showcased a dramatic finale, as the Dutch club dominated the Croatian side with a convincing 5-0 victory, sealing a memorable championship moment for the tournament and its young talents.
In this sense, the youth competition crowned a new champion, breaking the pattern of earlier editions where some clubs had already established strong dominance. The final result underscored the rising strength of Dutch youth development and its ability to translate domestic talent into continental success. The Dutch side delivered a performance that combined clinical finishing, disciplined defense, and quick transitions, signaling a bright future for AZ Alkmaar’s academy and for youth football in the Netherlands as a whole. The Croatian squad, while falling short on the day, had nonetheless navigated a demanding path to reach the final, illustrating the competitive depth of the tournament and its ability to showcase young players on a big stage.
Beyond this single match, the Youth League has produced a diverse history of winners, with Spanish clubs having claimed the title three times—twice by FC Barcelona and once by Real Madrid—demonstrating a tradition of excellence in youth development within La Liga. The competition has evolved into a global showcase where clubs invest in developing players who can later contribute at the highest levels, and the list of champions reflects a balance of talent across Europe. This evolving dynamic mirrors broader trends in European football, where academies and youth systems are increasingly connected to first-team success and long-term club strategy.
All finals of the youth competition
- 2023: AZ Alkmaar 5-0 Hajduk Split
- 2022: Benfica 6-0 Salzburg
- 2021: It was not played due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
- 2020: Real Madrid 3-2 Benfica
- 2019: Porto 3-1 Chelsea
- 2018: Barcelona 3-0 Chelsea
- 2017: Salzburg 2-1 Benfica
- 2016: Chelsea-PSG 2-1
- 2015: Chelsea 3-2 Shaktar Donetsk
- 2014: Barcelona 3-0 Benfica
The clubs that have won the Youth League
- Chelsea: 2
- Barcelona: 2
- Benfica: 1
- Real Madrid: 1
- Salzburg: 1
- Porto: 1
- AZ Alkmaar: 1