The International Carnaval Cup has established itself, edition after edition, as one of the leading showcases of grassroots football in Europe. A tournament where not only teams compete, but also methodologies, academies and the future stars of international football

Each edition reinforces the essence of the Carnaval Cup, combining young talent, top-level football and a developmental environment that goes far beyond the final result. Growing international interest and the historical dominance of major Spanish clubs have positioned the tournament as a benchmark in youth football.

FC Barcelona, the tournament’s dominant force

If one club has defined an era in the International Carnaval Cup, it is FC Barcelona. With titles in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2024, Barça have shown clear dominance built on the strength of their academy and a clearly defined football philosophy from an early age.

In 2024, the Catalan side successfully defended their title after defeating Real Madrid in a thrilling final, one of those clashes that always raise the competitive level of the tournament.

Real Madrid have also left their mark. In 2023, Los Blancos lifted the trophy after beating Valencia in the final, confirming that the rivalry between both clubs is also very much alive — and fiercely contested — at youth level.

Valencia CF, champions and standout team of 2025

The 2025 edition had a clear winner: Valencia CF. The Che side returned to glory at the Municipal de Premià, claiming the title after a very solid final against RCD Espanyol.

Finalists two years ago. Champions four years ago. In 2025, they wanted more. Coached by Miguel Gandía, Valencia delivered an outstanding tournament, overcoming top-level opponents such as Betis and Atlético de Madrid and sealing the title with a 2–0 victory in the final.

Goals from Guillermo Marco and Enrique Blanquer proved decisive, securing a win that now forms part of the club’s history.

Continued growth of the tournament

While the spotlight often shines on Barça, Madrid and Valencia, other clubs have also made their mark. Espanyol lifted the trophy in 2014, Damm triumphed in 2019, and teams such as Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Sant Andreu and Zaragoza have reached finals, raising the overall competitive level.

At an international level, the presence of foreign clubs continues to grow. Although no international team has yet lifted the trophy, sides such as Genk (Belgium) and Lonestar (USA) have shown that international youth football is stronger than ever.

Full International Carnaval Cup honours (2014–2025)

• 2025: Champions – Valencia CF | Runners-up – Espanyol

• 2024: Champions – FC Barcelona | Runners-up – Real Madrid

• 2023: Champions – Real Madrid | Runners-up – Valencia CF

• 2022: Champions – FC Barcelona | Runners-up – Real Sociedad

• 2020: Champions – Valencia CF | Runners-up – Espanyol

• 2019: Champions – Damm | Runners-up – Sevilla FC

• 2018: Champions – Valencia CF | Runners-up – Real Sociedad

• 2017: Champions – FC Barcelona | Runners-up – Sant Andreu

• 2016: Champions – FC Barcelona | Runners-up – Zaragoza

• 2015: Champions – FC Barcelona | Runners-up – Argentona

• 2014: Champions – Espanyol | Runners-up – Argentona