The European Super Cup was created in 1971 by Anton Witkamp, a reporter and later sports editor of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

Ajax defeated Rangers 6–3 on aggregate and won the first (albeit unofficial) European Super Cup.

The 1973 final, in which Ajax defeated AC Milan 6–1 on aggregate, was the first Super Cup officially recognised and supported by UEFA.

Although the two-legged format was kept until 1997, the Super Cup was decided in one single match because of schedule issues (1984 and 1986) or political problems (1991).

[6] In 2020, the Super Cup final was originally scheduled to be played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, on 12 August 2020.

[7][8] However, after the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe caused the postponements of the previous season's club finals, the UEFA Executive Committee chose to award the rescheduled Champions League final to Portugal, and postponed the match for 24 September 2020 and relocated the stadium to Puskás Aréna, Budapest.

The new model, which is a larger version of the previous trophy, was introduced in 2006 and weighs 12.2 kg (27 lb) and measures 58 cm (23 in) in height.

[24] Until 2008, a team which won three times in a row or five in total received an original copy of the trophy and a special mark of recognition.

AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid have achieved this honour, winning a total of five times each, but the Italian team is the only one which was awarded the official trophy permanently in 2007.

As of 2020, the fixed amount of prize money paid to the clubs is as follows: The UEFA Super Cup is contested as a single match at a neutral venue.

If the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, the match goes straight to a penalty shoot-out to determine a winner.

[25][26][27] Before the 2023 edition, two additional 15-minute periods of extra time were played before the match went to penalties if still tied.

If these clash, the previous year's Europa League winning team must wear an alternative colour.

[37] Individual clubs may wear jerseys with advertising, even if such sponsors conflict with those of the Super Cup.

[38] Exceptions are made for non-profit organisations, which can feature on the front of the shirt, incorporated with the main sponsor, or on the back, either below the squad number or between the player name and the collar.