In November of last year, San Marino, the world’s fifth-smallest country, unveiled a new exhibition at its national museum showcasing the nation’s footballing heritage, aptly titled “Challenging the Impossible.” Within just one week, museum staff were already strategizing for an expansion, spurred by an unexpected achievement from the nation, ranked lowest in FIFA’s rankings.
On November 18, 2023, San Marino made headlines by securing promotion from the fourth tier of the Nations League with a stunning 3-1 victory over Liechtenstein. This win not only attracted visitors to the Titanus Museum but also garnered significant attention across Europe.
Composed primarily of part-time footballers who juggle various jobs, including plumbers and graphic designers, San Marino quickly gained recognition, with the most-capped player, Matteo Vitaioli, leading the charge. In a remarkable turnaround, the country, which had waited 20 years for its second-ever victory, achieved two historic wins in just over a month, topping their group with impressive performances against Liechtenstein and Gibraltar.
San Marino’s improbable rise has sparked interest from football enthusiasts around the world, as fans revel in the unique narrative of a micro-state where even scoring a goal has been rare. The buzz surrounding the team has been amplified by a dedicated fan account that has drawn nearly 200,000 followers, offering a mix of tongue-in-cheek optimism and fervent support for their national team.
The sheer enthusiasm for San Marino’s matches was evident, with tweets such as “WE WRITE HISTORY BY SCORING THREE MATCHES IN A ROW,” capturing the joy and disbelief felt by fans after their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign concluded with a loss in every game.
The individual behind the fan account, inspired by the lack of English-language updates on San Marino’s football exploits, expressed a deep connection to the team and its journey. The emotional highs and lows surrounding the squad’s performance reflect a community rallying around their underdog story.
Across four matches between September and November, San Marino not only celebrated their first-ever competitive win but also their debut away victory, culminating in a memorable triumph in Liechtenstein. Veteran player Vitaioli, who has endured many defeats, shared the joy of being welcomed back home as heroes, emphasizing the emotional significance of their achievements.
With a revamped approach to football that has been nurtured over the past decade, San Marino’s success story is attributed to significant investments in infrastructure and youth development, with UEFA playing a crucial role in this growth. President Marco Tura remarked on the transformation in mindset and the vital support from UEFA that has elevated the quality of football within the nation.
The team has embraced a younger average age under the leadership of manager Roberto Cevoli, who has fostered fresh talent and enthusiasm within the squad. Standout player Nicola Nanni has also made significant contributions during their Nations League campaign, adding to the excitement surrounding this remarkable chapter in San Marino’s football history.
Looking ahead, while challenges await in League C of the 2026/27 Nations League against strong opponents such as Albania and Finland, the dream of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup remains a glimmering possibility. Should they rise to the occasion and secure wins in upcoming matches, San Marino could unexpectedly find itself in the spotlight, continuing their remarkable journey in the world of football.
