How many goals has Álvaro Morata scored for Spain?

Álvaro Morata is currently one of the most controversial figures in the Spanish national team. His performances for his country have created a division, with starkly differing opinions on each side. On the one hand, the detractors criticize the striker for his lack of goals during the 2024 Euros; on the other, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has given his full-hearted support to the player despite the criticism he receives.

“You already know my position about Morata’s (case). We totally agree with what he says. The treatment he receives is unfair. He is an example in everything he does. So, I disagree with what’s being said.” That was the opinion of De la Fuente during the press conference ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final game between Spain and France (Tuesday, July 9, kick-off at 3pm ET), and he couldn’t be clearer: Morata is a crucial part of his team.

Since his first match with the national team, during Vicente Del Bosque’s era, Morata has left a mark with the Spanish national side, and with whom he won the 2023 UEFA Nations League. Now he’s looking to add a new trophy to his resume with his country.

So, let’s look at Morata’s trajectory with its national team and where he sits among Spain’s all-time top scorers.

When was Morata’s Spain debut?

Alvaro Morata made his senior debut in Spain’s 3-0 win against Belarus on November 15, 2014, during the Euros 2016 qualifiers. He came on for Isco in the 80th minute.

Morata has played 78 games with his country, the last of which was against Germany in the 2024 Euro quarterfinals. However, he’s far from reaching Cesc Fábregas’s number 10 spot for most appearances. (110 games).

How many goals has Morata scored for Spain?

Morata scored his first goal with his country against Ukraine during the same Euro 2016 qualifiers in which he made his debut. He was in the starting eleven that night and scored the game’s only goal. Spain ended up qualifying for the Euros, with Morata firing in all three goals Spain scored during that edition.

In total, the striker has 36 goals with Spain’s national team, ranking as the fourth all-time scorer and surpassing legendary players like David Silva (35 goals), Fernando Hierro (29 goals), Emilio Butragueño (26 goals) and Sergio Ramos (23 goals). What’s more, he is only two goals away from equaling Fernando Torres (38 goals) in the top 3.

Is Morata retiring from Spain’s national team after the Euros?

Nothing is confirmed yet, but recent statements by Morata have suggested that he does not have much time left with the Spanish team. During the press conference before the semifinal, the striker stated, “Maybe it’s a possibility that I don’t want to talk too much about, but it’s probable.”

“It is my opinion from the bottom of my heart, but as I have said, there are times when it is complicated for me in Spain. I am tired of the discourse of victimhood. I just want this to end in the best possible way and enjoy it because it could also be my last tournament with the national team,” said the player, highlighting his disagreement with the criticism he has received during this tournament.

Is Morata playing against France?

Álvaro Morata is on the starting XI against France, as confirmed by Spain on their social media channels.

Spain’s starting XI vs France: Unai Simón, Jesús Navas, Nacho Fernández, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Álvaro Morata.