10 Most Famous Stadiums in Football History [Ranked]

Football is more than just the 22 players on the pitch. The sport is about the passion and the memories created for the fans. At the heart of this are some of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, which represent history and tradition for football clubs. Some of the most legendary stadiums, like Old Trafford, were built over 100 years ago, while stadiums such as the Allianz Arena were built in 2002 and have more modern infrastructure.

Some of these stadiums have seen plenty of success over the years, while others have hosted some of the biggest matches in the world. From the chaotic atmosphere of South American stadiums to the modern elegance of some of the newer stadiums, here are the 10 most famous stadiums in football history.

10 Signal Iduna Park

Team: Borussia Dortmund

Signal Iduna Park, also known as the ‘Westfalenstadion’, is one of the most famous stadiums for European nights. The stadium has a reputation for its famous ‘Yellow Wall’, which is the largest terrace for standing spectators in the entirety of Europe. The iconic ground is covered in the black and yellow of Borussia Dortmund. The stadium has witnessed Bundesliga title victories and memorable Champions League nights.

Furthermore, it rivals the Allianz Arena as the best stadium in Germany, and it is equally as intimidating for visiting teams. It is the largest stadium in Germany and ranks seventh in size for the whole continent.

9 Allianz Arena

Team: Bayern Munich

The Allianz Arena is one of the more modern stadiums on the list, with amazing views and facilities. It is without a doubt the best stadium in Germany and, therefore, it is only right that they are the home of the biggest club in Germany, Bayern Munich. Built in 2005, this legendary stadium has a capacity of over 75,000 fans.

The shape and architecture of the stadium mean an incredible amount of noise can be generated by the fans of the German giants. The stadium is used frequently to host some of the biggest matches in European football. The Allianz Arena is very recognisable with its plastic panels that surround the outside as well as the full-colour changing exterior.

8 La Bombonera

Team: Boca Juniors

La Bombonera is regarded by many as one of the most iconic stadiums in football history. The club’s history and colours are embroidered into the architecture and design of the colossal home.

It now has a reputation for being one of the loudest stadiums not only in South America, but also in the world. On match days, the atmosphere is incredible inside the stadium and this makes it very intimidating for visiting teams.

The iconic stadium is home to one of Argentina’s biggest clubs, Boca Juniors. It has a maximum capacity of 54,000, and it has witnessed some of the best sporting moments in history. The likes of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona have both stepped onto the turf at this magical stadium.

7 Estadio De Maracana

Team: Flamengo & Fluminense

This Brazilian stadium is incredibly historic, and it has witnessed some of the greatest moments in football. Based in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, the stadium was inaugurated ahead of the 1950 World Cup. Maracana, which has a capacity of over 78,000 spectators, was also where Pele scored his 1,000th goal. The historic stadium has a typical electrifying South American ambience that captivates fans.

Home to two of the biggest clubs in Brazil, the Maracana also hosted the 1950 World Cup final. The venue has seen some astonishing attendances, with 150,000 fans filling the stadium on more than 26 occasions. However, with terraces being replaced by seats, the maximum capacity has decreased.

6 Anfield

Team: Liverpool

Known for its atmosphere on European nights, Anfield is next on the list. The Kop end acts as a 12th player for Liverpool and has been known to make it a turbulent time for the opposition. The stadium is a symbol of the English club’s legacy, with the red and white seats steeped in history and tradition. Anfield continues to be a fortress under every manager and has played host to the biggest matches in the team’s history.

With a capacity of around 54,000, Anfield was built in 1884 and has hosted events such as a screening of the 2005 Champions League final. Although Anfield needs some minor renovations to keep up to date with the more modern stadiums, it is still considered one of the best stadiums in the Premier League.

5 San Siro

Team: AC Milan & Inter Milan

The San Siro has been around for decades, and it is the shared home of Italy’s two most historic clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan. The capacity of the stadium almost reaches the 80,000 mark, and it has hosted some of the biggest matches and famous derbies in world football.

Significantly, the stadium has hosted the Champions League final, which demonstrates how the stadium has amazing architecture and facilities. The San Siro is therefore a symbol of footballing rivalry, but also passion. Since the ground is utilised by two teams regularly, it requires more frequent maintenance.

4 Camp Nou

Team: Barcelona

The largest football stadium in Europe is Barcelona’s home, Camp Nou. This fortress has a capacity of almost 100,000 and is the largest stadium in Europe, surpassing the capacity of rivals Real Madrid.

Since 1957, the stadium has hosted some of the most exciting El Clasico’s, and it was the stage where Lionel Messi would perform his magic consistently. Not only is it considered one of the sport’s greatest venues, but it is also considered one of the most beautiful stadiums in world football. Camp Nou is regularly updated and renovated to ensure it meets the same standards as some of the more modern stadiums on this list.

3 Old Trafford

Team: Manchester United

One of the most iconic stadiums in world football and one of the best at club level in England. Old Trafford has a rich history dating back over a century and this historic stadium has seen both the highs and lows of the Manchester United story to date.

With a 75,000 capacity, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has an incredible atmosphere, and witnessed many last-minute goals in ‘Fergie time’. The ground was built in 1910 and has played host to some of the most exciting European matches and some of the most fierce derbies. There have been recent suggestions that Man United could move away from this iconic stadium. However, it is more than likely that they are looking to upgrade and modernise their current home.

2 Santiago Bernabeu

Team: Real Madrid

Considered a hub for Spanish football, the Santiago Bernabeu has seen plenty of success in recent years with it being the home of Spanish giants Real Madrid. The stadium has over 81,000 and is known to be electric, particularly when Madrid are announcing their latest ‘galactico’, whether that is Kylian Mbappe or even Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Bernabeu has hosted some of the most dramatic and controversial El Clasico matches in recent years. The atmosphere during Champions League clashes continues to impress and intimidate opposition fans and players. Significantly, Madrid asked to close the roof last year ahead of their match with Manchester City to make the atmosphere even more hostile.

1 Wembley Stadium

Team: England

Regarded by many as the most historic stadium in world football, it is Wembley Stadium. The stadium is the home of the England national team, also used at Euro 2020 for some of the biggest clashes in the tournament.

Under Wembley’s iconic arch, there have been many special moments. The London-based stadium hosts important matches such as the FA Cup semi-finals and final, the Carabao Cup final and the Community Shield final.

The stadium is a symbol of English football and when you take into consideration its 90,000 capacity, state-of-the-art facilities and history, it is without a doubt one of the most famous stadiums in football history.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 03/11/2024.