European soccer boasts the best stadiums and the best conditions for watching matches. In this continent, there are stadiums of various sizes; some are newer, while others stand out for their classic style.
However, the 10 largest football stadiums in Europe have been the setting for epic moments and great stories. The greatest soccer legends have played on their fields, and their stands have been renovated over time. In this list, we detail the catalog in depth.
Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Europe, is undergoing significant renovations as part of the ambitious "Espai Barça" project. Located in Barcelona, Spain, and home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou currently has a seating capacity of approximately 99,354 spectators. However, the ongoing renovation aims to transform this iconic venue into a state-of-the-art facility, enhancing its capacity and features to cater to modern demands.
The renovation project includes an increase in the stadium's capacity, allowing it to accommodate over 105,000 spectators.
Wembley Stadium has a seating capacity of 90,000, making it the largest stadium in the UK and the second-largest stadium in Europe. This iconic stadium does not serve as the home ground for any club team on a permanent basis. Instead, it is primarily used for major events and as the national stadium for the England football team.
The original Wembley Stadium, often referred to as the "Empire Stadium," was opened in 1923. The new Wembley Stadium was opened in 2007 after several years of construction and is renowned for its iconic arch, which spans 315 meters (1,033 feet) and stands 133 meters (436 feet) tall.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid. Opened on December 14, 1947, it was originally named Nuevo Estadio Chamartín. In the past, this venue has hosted numerous significant events, including European Cup/Champions League finals, the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 1964.
The Santiago Bernabéu was renovated in 2019 and reopened in 2023. Its new features include a multi-layered underground structure with retractable floors to store the playing field and place a new surface on the stadium floor. Additionally, the capacity increased to 85,000 people, and state-of-the-art screens have been installed in the upper part, which features a retractable roof capable of covering the entire stadium area. These renovations also include the entire exterior layer of the stands, which have been updated with a new look.
Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, has a seating capacity of approximately 82,300, making it the third-largest stadium in Europe and the largest in Ireland. It has been the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) since its purchase in 1913. Croke Park has occasionally hosted other sports, such as international rugby and soccer matches, particularly during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road (now Aviva Stadium). The stadium is also a major concert venue, attracting world-famous artists.
Signal Iduna Park, located in Dortmund, Germany, has a seating capacity of approximately 81,365 for domestic matches and 65,829 for international matches. Opened in 1974 as Westfalenstadion, the stadium was built to host matches for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Borussia Dortmund's home has undergone several expansions and renovations, particularly in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which increased its capacity and modernized its facilities.
The Stade de France, located in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, France, has a seating capacity of approximately 81,338. It opened on January 28, 1998, and was built to serve as the main venue for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Stade de France is the largest stadium in France and is renowned for hosting major football matches.
In 2024, this stadium will serve as a key venue for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, hosting various events during the games.
Luzhniki Stadium, located in Moscow, Russia, has a seating capacity of approximately 81,000. Luzhniki Stadium is one of Russia's largest and most important sports venues. It has hosted numerous significant events, including the 1980 Summer Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, and various UEFA Champions League matches.
The stadium underwent a major renovation from 2013 to 2017, which modernized its facilities and increased its capacity.
San Siro Stadium, located in Milan, Italy, has a seating capacity of approximately 80,000. The stadium, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, opened on September 19, 1926. It was originally built to host matches for the football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan.
The stadium is commonly known as San Siro when AC Milan plays there. However, when Inter Milan plays there, it is referred to as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in honor of Giuseppe Meazza, a legendary Italian footballer who played for both Milan clubs.
Atatürk Olympic Stadium, located in Istanbul, Turkey, has a seating capacity of approximately 76,092, making it the largest stadium in Turkey. The stadium was opened on July 31, 2002. It was built to meet the requirements for hosting the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. It is known for its large capacity and modern design. It has hosted numerous major events, including international football matches, concerts, and athletic events.
Atatürk Olympic Stadium also hosted the final of the 2023 UEFA Champions League.
Old Trafford, located in Greater Manchester, England, has a seating capacity of approximately 75,840. This scenario opened on February 19, 1910. It was built to be the home ground for Manchester United FC, one of England's most successful and popular football clubs. Known as the "Theatre of Dreams," Old Trafford is renowned for its rich history and iconic status in English football. It has hosted numerous significant events, including FA Cup finals, UEFA Champions League matches, and international football fixtures.
Due to structural and plumbing issues, it is speculated that a complete renovation of the stadium will take place in the coming years, as it has already undergone minor changes in previous decades.
Discover more of your favorite athletes and watch the latest sports moments with The Highlights App. Sign up for the waitlist to be the first to know when the app is available.
Be the first to find out about our upcoming launch.
