They often say home is where the heart is. Like the river flows, like the rain falls, like the fire burns; football is nothing but art flowing. Magicians and artists on the field. The spectators dazing. The champions playing.
To be in a stadium and witness the madness live in the game of football is what one calls an experience or an adventure of a lifetime.
Let's take a look at some of the Greatest Stadiums of The Game. And wait for the last one if you are an Indian:
List of Top 12 Best Football Stadiums in The World
1. Wembley Stadium
[Image Source: metro.cp.uk]
The Wembley stadium is a football stadium in Wembley, London which opened in 2007 on the site of the original stadium which was demolished from 2002 to 2003. It hosts major football matches including home matches of the England national football team. With a capacity of almost 90,000 it is one of the largest stadiums in the world and the largest in England.
The stadium was also the temporary home of Premier League Football Club Tottenham Hotspur between August 2017 and March 2019, while White Hart Lane was being demolished and their new stadium was constructed.
In addition to the home matches of England, it also hosts other major games in English football including the season-opening FA Community Sheild, the League Cup Final and FA Cup semi-finals among others. It hosted the 2011 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals and will also host 2023 final.
The statue of Bobby Moore, England's 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning captain stands outside the stadium and it was unveiled by none other than Sir Bobby Charlton, his former teammate.
One of the leading stadiums in the world currently whose prospects and heritage grow by the day.
2. San Siro
[Image Source: fifa.com]
The San Siro, officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is named in honour of Meazza, the two time World Cup winner who played for Inter and briefly for Milan too and served two stints as Inter's manager.
It is located in San Siro, the district of Milan and is the Home of AC Milan and Internazionale. With around a seating capacity of around 76,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world and the largest in Italy.
However, AC Milan and Internazionale announced their intention to replace the San Siro and build a new stadium in 2019. The greatest of the game have played on this pitch and made it an abode of heaven on Earth with the likes of Maldini, Kaka and Nesta among others. It has seen a lot of trophies with seven UEFA Champions League titles to its name for AC Milan and three for Inter.
3. Camp Nou
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The Camp Nou, translating to the new field, has been the home of F.C. Barcelona since its completion in 1957. It is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe and the third-largest in the world in terms of seating capacity with nearly 99,500 seats.
It has hosted legendary matches which include two UEFA Champions League finals in 1989 and 1999, five matches of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and the final of the 1992 Summer Olympics among other historical matches. The red, blue and the yellow brigade stand as one; the motto of the club being "Més que un club" meaning "More than a club".
The stadium also houses the second most museum in Catalonia which welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors per year.
One of the most popular clubs in Europe, it has seen the likes of Iniesta, Cryuff, Puyol, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Messi and other legends play for the team. For as they are called, since the time they sat on the the Wall watching the games, the supporters of the "Azulgranas" came to be known as "Culés" meaning those who show their backs.
A legendary club with one of the most passionate fanbases in the history of the game.
4. Old Trafford
[Image Source: theguardian.com]
“The Theatre of Dreams” as they call it, the home of Manchester United. A lesser-known fact that it was nicknamed so by none other Sir Bobby Charlton who made his debut for the club 60 years ago. The largest club football stadium in the United Kingdom with an enthralling capacity of nearly 75,000, it has its own legacy.
It has been United's home ground since 1910, although the club shared Maine Road with its local rivals Manchester City during the 1940s.
The pitch is covered by four all-seater stands known as the Sir Alex Ferguson or the North Stand, East Stand, Sir Bobby Charlton or the South Stand and the West Stand. Of all, the North Stand can hold the maximum number of spectators.
Apart from hosting their home matches it also hosted the football matches at the 2012 Summer Olympics including women's international football for the first time in history, 1966 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 1996, and the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final.
With all the passion and the blood flowing in through the Englishmen, this part of the city always believes that Manchester is Red and always will be. Legends have graced the club, witnessing their magic. Rowley, Law, Scholes, Giggs, Charlton, Rooney, Neville, Ferdinand, the list just goes on and on. Glory to the club, Glory Glory Man United.
5. Santiago Bernabéu
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The capital of Spain, Madrid; the home of Real Madrid C.F., the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The second-largest stadium in Spain and the largest in the Community of Madrid, it has a seating capacity of nearly 82,000.
It is one of the world's most famous football venues having hosted the final of the UEFA Champions League on four occasions in 1957, 1969, 1980, and 2010. Another striking feature about this stadium is that it is the first stadium in Europe to host both a UEFA Euro Final in 1964 and a FIFA World Cup Final in 1982.
The kings of Spain and the giants have painted the hearts white. The arena of Don Perez and his affinity to improve the condition of the stadium, the quality of its facilities, and maximize revenue for the stadium has made it one of the best stadiums in the whole of Europe currently.
It has witnessed legends playing for the club which include Puskas, Di Stefano, Ronaldo R9, Zidane, Cristiano and many more.
One of the most successful clubs in the world and it's endearing fans, the pitch has witnessed a lot of history.
For as the Madridistas say, "Hala Madrid! Y nada más", and nothing else.
The Los Blancos. Royal and elite. UCL Kings. Real Madrid C.F.
6. Anfield
[Image Source: express.co.uk]
How can we talk about football stadiums and not talk about Anfield? It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since its formation in 1892. With a seating capacity of nearly 55,000 and its roaring fans, Anfield continues to be a nightmare for any opposition.
The Shankly Gates were erected in tribute to Bill Shankly, a former manager of the club, which holds the club's anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone". Another striking contribution from this man includes the installation of the sign, "This Is Anfield" at the junction of the old tunnel to the pitch to instill fear into the opposition.
The pitch has witnessed some of the greatest matches of the decade and indeed the greatest comebacks. The wound of FCB however remains fresh. A 4-0 comeback in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2018-2019 semi-finals to march on to the finals and win the trophy for the sixth time in the club's history.
Fear. Passion. Ecstasy. Football. Liverpool F.C.
7. Allianz Arena
[Image Source: fifaultimateteam.it]
The Allianz Arena located in Munich, Germany is home to FC Bayern Munich. It is the first stadium in the world with a full colour changing exterior. The club has played its home games here since the start of the 2005-2006 season. With a seating capacity of nearly 75,000, it is the second-largest stadium in Germany after Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.
It has hosted important matches including the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final and matches in the 2006 FIFA World Cup among others.
A lot of history is associated with the club and it has witnessed a lot to rise to its glory, the glory which it uploads today. Regarded as the "Jew's club" after the advent of Nazism, it has been through a lot of political upheavals but still has a record 29 national titles and 19 national cups along with numerous European honours. Bayern have reached 10 UEFA Champions League Finals, most recently winning their fifth title in 2013 as part of the continental treble. With so much history attached to it and having seen legends like Beckenbauer, Kahn, Lahm, and Augenthaler grace the club, it is arguably the best club in Germany of all time.
8. Wanda Metropolitano
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The Wanda Metropolitano has been the Home of Atletico Madrid since the start of the 2017-2018 season. It has a capacity of nearly 68,000 and is particularly known for its fierce fans and its fiery atmosphere.
The stadium hosted the 2019 UEFA Champions League final which was won by Liverpool F.C. It is the third most successful club in Spain after Real Madrid and Barcelona. They have won 10 league titles and the Copa Del Rey on 10 occasions. They have also won the Europa League thrice.
The club founded in 1903 has seen legends like Helenio Herrera as the manager who won two La Liga titles. It has seen players like Torres, Gabi, Godin and others play for the team.
The Los Rojiblancos, the Reds and Whites of Madrid.
9. Emirates Stadium
[Image Source: arsenal.com]
The Emirates is home to Arsenal located in Holloway, London, England. With a capacity of around 60,000 people, the stadium fuels the cannons to one of the best Premier League teams.
The stadium has undergone a process of "Arsenalisation" since 2009 to restore the club's heritage and history. "The Spirit of Highbury", a shrine depicting every player to have played for Arsenal during its 93-year residence was erected outside the stadium in late 2009 at the south end.
The Gunners as they call themselves have been relegated only once in 1913 as they continue the longest streak in the top division.
The club has not only witnessed legendary players but has also witnessed a legendary Wenger era from 1996-2018. They continue to be the only "Invincibles" in the PL. With the likes of Henry, Vieira, Campbell and other greats; the club has been through a sea of emotions but continues to thrive for glory with its spirit. The spirit of the team, the spirit of the fans, the shells of the cannons and the fire in the blood.
The Reds of London. Arsenal F.C.
10. Allianz Stadium
[Image Source: onlinesportsblog.com]
The Juventus stadium known for sponsorship reasons as the Allianz Stadium since 2017. With a capacity of nearly 42,000, it is located in Turin, Italy, and is Home to Juventus F.C.
It was opened at the start of the 2011-2012 season and has some striking features which make it different from any other stadium in the world. The stadium can produce the electricity it needs using solar energy and alternative energy resources which are aimed at helping the stadium meet the criteria dictated by the Kyoto Protocol.
It hosted the 2014 UEFA Europa League Final and will also host the 2022 UEFA Women's Champions League Final.
The black and whites or the Le Zebres have historic four consecutive doubles and eight consecutive league titles, 2011 to present. They have two UEFA Champions League titles to their name and continue to be one of the most dominant clubs in Italy and Europe. Legends like Buffon and Ronaldo have graced the team, increasing the net worth of the club to a great extent with hopes of extending its glory in the future.
La Vecchia Signora or the Old Lady of Italy. Juventus F.C.
11. Westfalenstadion Stadium
[Image Source: nssmag.com]
12. Yuba Bharati Krirangan
[Image Source: wikiwand.com]
The Salt Lake Stadium officially known as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) is Home to Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and ATK. Probably the stadium with the richest history in India, it has seen legendary players play for their country and club.
With a seating capacity of around 85,000 and a million emotions to top that, the stadium is nothing but a breed of culture when it comes to Indian football, be it the Maroon Brigade or the Red Yellow Brigade. The rivalries continue and the emotions flow.
It has hosted 11 matches in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup including the Final and will also be used for the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup including the quarter-finals.
With its rich heritage, it has seen the ups and downs in Indian Football. As it continues to rise today, the stadium does nothing but wish to reach greater heights and create better memories. The likes of Chuni Goswami, P.K. Banerjee, Sailendra Manna, Bhutia, and Sunil Chetri among others; it has witnessed legends.
The glory of Indian Football, the embodiment of home. Yuba Bharati.
We hope this list will help you to figure out the Best Football Stadiums in The World:
- Wembley Stadium
- San Siro
- Camp Nou
- Old Trafford
- Santiago Bernabéu
- Anfield
- Allianz Arena
- Wanda Metropolitano
- Emirates Stadium
- Allianz Stadium
- Stamford Bridge
- Yuba Bharati Krirangan
- By Syed Tawsif Ahmed