1,943 years ago the Colosseum in Rome was built. It’s hard to imagine that today, our beautiful game of football is played in many different “colosseum” type stadiums all over the world. Fans of football have continued the sporting tradition of our ancestors by following their teams with passion and commitment.
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These are the greatest modern day football/soccer stadiums in the world.
San Siro – Milan, Italy
Perhaps one of the most iconic stadiums in Europe, with its cutting edge Italian design, this venue is simply timeless. Since it’s birth in 1926 it’s important to point out that the San Siro currently houses two of the greatest teams in Europe, AC Milan and Internazionale. The tifosi (Italian for fans) are certainly a sight to see with their chanting and colorful smoke bombs. The stadium has a long list of architects Cugini, Stacchini (1925) Perlasca, Bertera (1935) Ronca, Calzolari (1955) Ragazzi, Hoffer, Finzi (1990). I recommend attending a game while in Milano because this stadium can only be properly experienced with Italian Calcio atmosphere!
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Known as the “Temple of Mexican Football”, Estadio Azteca is one of the largest stadiums in the world. It has hosted two world cups, one in which Pele (1970) won and the other in which Maradona (1987) celebrated victory. Home to the Mexican National Team, Cruz Azul and Club America, the Azteca Stadium is without a doubt one of the greatest football venues in history.
Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
Home of teams Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich, the Allianz Arena packs a huge punch with its own Paulaner Beer Hall. During game day matches (up to 2 hours before), you can order amazing half liters of perfect German beer and chow down on some delicious brats. Opened in 2005, the stadium holds 75,024 people and for a stadium this size, it really doesn’t have a bad seat in the house. The most passionate fans are seated at the Südkurve and they are a sight to see with their amazing chants. Win or lose these people will support their team until the end. This is a must do when visiting Munich!
La Bombonera – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Home to the Argentinian football club Boca Juniors, “La Bombonera” is one of the most recognized stadiums in the footballing world. It’s unique design and character make it one of the best stadiums to visit. On game day during the Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate, it may have the best atmosphere of any venue in the world.
Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain
This mammoth of a stadium that seats 99,354 has seen FC Barcelona rain terror on other teams by winning trophy after trophy since its opening in 1957. Camp Nou is the largest capacity stadium in Europe and could be described as intimidating whether you visit with or without fans. So much history has taken place here, it should be at the top of your list when visiting Barcelona.
Maracanã Stadium – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Maracanã Stadium is one of the biggest football venues in the world. It’s hosted some of the greatest sporting competitions in history, including FIFA World Cups, the Copa America and the Olympics. The CR Famengo and Fluminese football clubs both call this stadium home. This is truly a jewel in the crown of of Brazilian football culture.
Old Trafford – Manchester, England
There’s simply no way I can write about anything to do with the Premier League without offending someone. The fans are just too passionate and I love them for it! Hopefully no one calls me a ”wanker” in the comments. I just don’t think there’s a more iconic field in the Premier League than Old Trafford, Manchester United’s home turf. It has a history and design that represent greatness. It’s only the eleventh largest stadium in Europe but I can assure you, if you’re a visiting team, this place will make you piss your pants like that one guy in the movie Gladiator.
Santiago Bernabeu – Madrid, Spain
It seems like every time I watch a massively important game it’s always at the Bernabeu. Most of the time it’s my team losing but that’s a different story. The best way to describe this amazing structure, built in 1947, is ”height”. Once you step foot on the grounds you literally look straight up and think, man this place is massive. It’s hard to even believe people can sit in the ”nosebleed seats” as they are looking straight down on the action. It must be an optical illusion because the stadium is not the highest in Europe. Real Madrid need to thank architects Manuel Muñoz Monasterio, Luis Alemany Soler, and Antonio Lamela because their pitch is one of the most psychologically intimidating structures in European football.
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