At the very core of the footballing spectacular, Europe proudly houses a line of gigantic stadiums that are symbolic of the beautiful game. Some of these facilities have been the venues to world cup finals, champions league matches amongst other spectacles from diehard fans and magical moments.
Thus, this exploration involves going on a tour through the Top 10 Largest Football Stadiums in Europe, and each stadium has a past and can contain 1000s of passionate fans.
10. Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany – 75,024
The Allianz Arena located in the lively city of Munich, Germany is a competitive football stadum and a masterpiece of current world architecture. Finnished in 2005, it has lightbox exterior, which can glows various colors, making the building among the symbols of the city. Being the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich, the Allianz Arena has a capacity of more than seventy five thousand people and is always a ground for entising Bundesliga battles.
More notably, the stadium has hosted numerous historic events such as the UEFA Champions League Final in the year 2012 in which Chelsea was crowned by beating Bayern Munich through a penalty shootout. Further, it was very instrumental during the FIFA world cup 2006 hosting some matches including the semi-final match between Germany and Italy.
9. Old Trafford – Manchester, England – 75,811
Old Trafford is a football stadium located in the city of Manchester, England and widely recognised as the home of Manchester United football club. Larger than 75,000 people could be seated and it was constructed in 1910, making it one of the premiere stadiums associated with the history of the sport. Known as the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford has thousands of great moments and lots of drama and incredible history.
It is named after some past occasions that were the semi-final match of the 1966 FIFA World Cup between the hosts England and Portugal and the 2003 Champions League final featuring AC Milan and Juventus which was a penalty shootout.
8. Atatürk Olympic Stadium – Istanbul, Turkey – 77,087
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium located in Istanbul Turkey; it is among those monumental buildings and structures specifically dedicated to sports events; it is the largest stadium falling in Turkey and has a massive capacity of more than 76000 on average. Funded in 2002 this colossal building is befitting the founding father of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Before, it was primarily famous in the UEFA Champions League which recently happened of May 2005 where the English team of Liverpool staged a stunning come from behind against AC Milan in the final to clinch the title by winning the penalty shootout right on this historic ground.
7. San Siro – Milan, Italy – 80,018
San Siro located in Milan Italy is a football stadium and is the largest football stadium in Europe with an estimated seating capacity of over 80000 people. The stadium which was constructed in the year 1926, is the home to both the AC Milan which is football giant, and Inter Milan teams.
This architectural and historic structure has been the background of several violent confrontation including the 1965 UEFA Cup Final this was won by Inter Milan, the recent year 2001 UEFA Champions League Final saw AC Milan defeating Juventus in a penalty shootout.
In every area of football other than club football, San Siro has accommodated historical international games such as the 1934 World Cup. AC Milan and Inter Milan share their home stadium which certainly gives the location an added edge, also making the San Siro grounds a sacred football temple and an emblem of football lovers’ passion in Italy.
6. Luzhniki Stadium – Moscow, Russia – 81,006
Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium takes the trophy of being Russia’s biggest sporting complex with an astounding capacity as a seating arrangement of more than 81,000. The construction of the stadium was begun in the year 1956, which was however overhauled in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final.
Besides, Luzhniki can be viewed as the stadium that is famous not only for its Relevance to world football but also played a significant role in the history and was used as the main venue for the Olympics – 1980. One in every of its memorable events is the UEFA Champions League Final in 2008, through which Manchester United defeated Chelsea 1 – 1 and 4 – 1 on penalties.
5. Stade de France – Paris, France – 81,400
Situated in Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis being a suburb of Paris, Stade de France is one of the landmarks of French sports and entertainments, being the largest stadium of the country in terms of the seating capacity, which is more than 81,000.
This architectural wonder was opened in 1998 for the FIFA world cup and this field has witnessed many historical events like the world cup final held in the same year in which France beat Brazil to lift the world cup for the first time in their history.
Stade de France has also hosted UEFA Euro tournaments also experiencing such a play off like the Euro 2016 Final with Portugal triumphing over France.
4. Signal Iduna Park – Dortmund, Germany – 81,359
Signal Iduna Park located in Dortmund- Germany is one of the famous soccer landmarks and remains the largest stadium in Germany given its capacity that is above 81,000. Formerly called Westfalenstadion, the world-famous yellow wall which is a number of fervent supporters in the south tribune adds an uncontrollable energy during a match.
Borussia Dortmund’s home, this stadium has seen some famous confrontations; during the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, Borussia Dortmund triumphed against Juventus. Signal Iduna Park has also been among the stadium which was used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was a platform of critical events in the history of football.
3. Estadio Santiago Bernabeu – Madrid, Spain – 83,186
Madrid, Spain, is home to the famous focal football stadium known today as Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, one of the largest and most outstanding football grounds recognized internationally.
One of the world’s more esteemed stadiums, this is the home of Real Madrid and has seen its fair share of history, such as four European Cup/Champions League finals have been staged here, with the 2010 face between FC Internazionale Milano and Bayern München as but one prime example.
The stadium has been newly redesigned; it has expanded the size of the stadium and has adopted an forward thinking look.
2. Wembley Stadium – London, England – 90,652
Wembley Stadium has the honour of being the biggest football ground in England and the entire United Kingdom and therefore epitomizes all that can be arguably described as great football history.
As of the year 2007 wembley stadium was the biggest stadium in England and indeed is has become a symbol of the footballing world. With a distinctive arch this incredible stadium hosted many significant games for the England team, for example 1966 World Cup Final, England against West Germany.
Wembley Stadium has been used several a time for UEFA Champions League finals but it most famous final was the Barcelona against Manchester united in 2011 .
Thus, not only football but also such events as the Olympic Games and concerts have become an important part of the stadium’s history.
1. Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain – 99,354
Camp Nou, nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, stands as one of the most iconic football grounds in the world and holds the distinction of being the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. Home to FC Barcelona, the stadium has been witness to countless historic moments, including the mesmerizing performances of football legends like Lionel Messi. Notable matches include the 1986 European Cup Final where Barcelona triumphed over Juventus and the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. Currently undergoing a significant renovation, Camp Nou is set to embrace a futuristic design with an extended capacity, solidifying its status as a symbol of footballing grandeur and innovation.
Barcelona, Spain is home to Camp Nou, more popularly recognized as one of football’s meccas and current record holder of the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. The famed football stadium has also been the fields of some of the most monumental events and incredible skills of football’s greatest talents such as Lionel Messi.
Some famous matches include the 1986 European Cup Final in which Barcelona defeated Juventus and the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. In the process of major redevelopment, Camp Nou is to gain a futuristic look, prolonging its seating capacity as the symbol of footballing maestro and creativity.