Guardian Weekly Sports Quiz: European Cup Winners, Tottenham’s Last Relegation, First Female Top‑Flight Coach and More
On 17 April 2026 the Guardian released its weekly sports quiz, testing readers on recent European football semi‑finalists, Tottenham’s relegation history, the first female head coach in Europe’s top five leagues, and a range of other sporting milestones. The quiz, published on the Guardian’s website, aims to engage fans by linking current events with historic trivia.
European Cup tally: The quiz asks how many times Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Atlético Madrid have collectively won the competition. The correct answer is seven – Bayern’s six titles, PSG’s inaugural win last season, while Arsenal and Atlético have yet to lift the trophy.
Tottenham’s relegation: After a 14‑match winless streak, Spurs fell into the relegation zone. The quiz asks when they were last demoted; the answer is 1977, a year also marked by Elvis Presley’s death, Pelé’s final professional match, the debut of Star Wars and Manchester United’s sacking of Tommy Docherty.
Breaking the glass ceiling: Marie‑Louise Eta became the first woman to manage a club in Europe’s top five leagues when she was appointed interim boss of Union Berlin. Her tenure is expected to be brief as she will move to the women’s side next season.
Golf history: Rory McIlroy’s sixth major win prompts the question of which European golfer has more majors. The answer is Harry Vardon, who captured seven majors (six Opens and one U.S. Open) and is celebrated as golf’s first international star.
Masters oddities: Shane Lowry made Masters history by becoming the first player to record two holes‑in‑one at Augusta, the 35th hole‑in‑one overall at the tournament.
Women’s Six Nations: Wales suffered a 24‑19 defeat to Scotland in the opening round, continuing a recent run of wooden‑spoon finishes.
World Cup coaching: Carlos Queiroz was appointed Ghana’s manager, giving him the chance to coach at a sixth World Cup after previous stints with South Africa, Portugal and Iran.
Grand National legacy: I Am Maximus joins the post‑war elite of multiple Grand National winners, following Tiger Roll, who claimed back‑to‑back victories in 2018 and 2019.
Managerial debut: Former England midfielder Jack Wilshere secured his first trophy as a manager, guiding Luton Town to an EFL Trophy win at Wembley.
County Championship rule change: The quiz highlights that Tom Westley, Jonny Bairstow and others have all been substituted this season under new regulations allowing injury or personal‑circumstance replacements.
NBA consistency: The Boston Celtics have reached the playoffs for a 12th consecutive season, though they have captured only one championship in that span (2024).
Combat sports crossover: Oleksandr Usyk will face kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven, who held the heavyweight kick‑boxing world title for 12 years, in a bout billed as “Glory in Giza” at the Egyptian pyramids.
Snooker prodigy: Fourteen‑year‑old Stan Moody qualified for the World Snooker Championship after playing a decisive match while recovering from tonsillitis, underscoring his remarkable determination.
Overall, the quiz blends current headlines with historic facts, offering readers a chance to test their knowledge while reflecting on the broader narratives shaping sport today.