I thought that I would put together a celebration of European football, the involvement of North East clubs down the years.
The return of Newcastle United to the Champions League for a second time in the space of three years has of course prompted countless headlines.
However, both Middlesbrough and Sunderland have also contributed in the past to this history of European football when it comes to the North East.
So what has been the experience of our region when it comes to European football throughout the history of the big three North East clubs?
Well, I have gone back through the seasons and produced the findings below.
Including all matches played in the Champions League (previously known as the European Cup), Europa League (previously the Fairs Cup and then UEFA Cup), Cup Winners Cup, Europa Conference League and Intertoto.
I did though draw the line at including the likes of the Anglo-Italian…
European football history of the North East (up to 23 February 2026):
Total number of matches played
Newcastle United – 149
Middlesbrough – 25
Sunderland – 4
Trophies won
Newcastle United – 1
Middlesbrough – 0
Sunderland – 0
Number of seasons playing in European football
Newcastle United – 18
Middlesbrough – 2
Sunderland – 1
Breakdown of seasons when playing European football
Newcastle United
1968/69
1969/70
1970/71
1977/78
1994/95
1996/97
1997/98
1998/99
1999/2000
2001/02
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2012/13
2023/24
2025/26
Middlesbrough
2004/05
2005/06
Sunderland
1973/74
Interesting!
Tuesday night will see Newcastle United play their 150th match in European competitions.
As somebody who been lucky enough to go on a canny few European away trips, I think one of the best things about the above, is that pretty much all NUFC fans have had the chance (if having the time / cash) to go abroad watching Newcastle United.
From the pioneers of the Fairs Cup days in the 1960s, then also the 1970s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and the 2020s, Newcastle United fans experiencing the magic of European football away days.
Yes, I know a number of other English clubs have seen their fans have more opportunities but not that many other fanbases have had that luck.
The biggest gap of course was the 17 years between the 1977/78 (relegation!) season and then Kevin Keegan marching us back into Europe in 1994.
For Middlesbrough fans it is 20 years, whilst for Sunderland supporters it is 52 years and counting.
Indeed, our Mackem mates have had more seasons in the third tier (five) than they have had games in European football (four).
THE MAG/David Jonson
Newcastle United have now played Barcelona more times (five) in Champions League matches than Sunderland have played European games (four) against all opposition, in their entire history.