5 iconic stadiums you have to visit before you die

Football is the most popular sport in the world and has so often has united people from all across the globe. To live the atmosphere inside the stadium is, however, different from watching the games on television.

It allows you to have a unique experience of witnessing greatness right in front of your own eyes. Each fan base has its own diversity and its own way of expressing its support, or even frustration, during games. Here are 5 stadiums that you absolutely have to visit, before you die.

#5 - The Maracanã

When you talk about the country of football, Brazil usually crosses your mind. And when it comes to Brazilian football, the most iconic symbol is always the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. At that very same stadium in 1950, Uruguay beat Brazil to World Cup triumph in front of a record attendance of 200 thousand fans.

The Maracanã has in fact also hosted the 2014 World Cup final, which saw the Germans beat Argentina 1-0. Brazil's biggest footballing legend Pelé has scored some of his most beautiful goals there, whereas Zico who is the number one idol of the country's most popular club, Flamengo, showed his magic week in week out.

Furthermore, Brazil achieved Olympic gold for the first time in their history, after beating Germany in the penalty shootout, in the 2016 final. For all these reasons, you just have to visit the Maracanã, at least once in your lifetime.

#4 - Camp Nou

Barcelona v Athletic Club - Copa del Rey Final

The Camp Nou is the stadium with the biggest capacity in European football, capable of hosting more than 99,000 fans when needed. It is also the home of one of the most dominant sides in recent years, FC Barcelona.

The Catalans have won it all in between 2006 and 2015, and are now looking to rebuild another legendary side. Despite losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Barça can still count on the genius of Lionel Messi. So the sooner you make your visit to this iconic stadium, the better.

It is worth saying that the Camp Nou has hosted to Champions League finals in 1989 (Steaua Bucharest 0-4 AC Milan) and 1999 (Manchester United 2-1 FC Bayern), and was also the home for some of football's legendary names such as Diego Maradona, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

#3 - Santiago Bernabéu

Real Madrid v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

Real Madrid are considered the most successful club in La Liga and Champions League history, with 33 and 12 titles respectively. It is, therefore, no surprise that the symbolic Santiago Bernabéu stadium is one of the dream destinations for millions of fans across the planet.

The stadium has hosted Europe's leading club competition on 4 different occasions in 1957 (Madrid 2-0 Fiorentina), 1969 (AC Milan 4-1 Ajax), 1980 (Nottingham Forest 1-0 Hamburg) and 2010 (Internazionale 2-0 FC Bayern).

Los Blancos' home is capable of hosting up to 81000 spectators. Emilio Butragueño, Iker Casillas, Zinedine Zidane, Francisco Gento, Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo are just a few legends who have plied their trade there.

#2 - Estadio Centenario

The first World Cup final took place at the Estadio Centenario as Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2

The Centenario stadium in Uruguay's capital Montevideo, is the host of the first FIFA World Cup final in the history of the game. On July 13, 1930, La Celeste were able to clinch the glorious title after beating Argentina 4-2. Uruguay and Argentina have officially presented a request to co-host the 2030 World Cup, as it would mark 100 years since that final.

On July 18, 1983, the Centenario was declared by FIFA as the only historical monument of world football. It is also considered the eternal fortress of Uruguay's national team, where they host their opponents in almost all official World Cup qualifiers.

The atmosphere is always intimidating for any visiting side, with lively fans ready to offer their team all kinds of support. For lovers of history, this is a stadium that you just have to visit.

#1 - Estadio Azteca

Diego Maradona and Pelé have both lifted the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca

The Estadio Azteca in Mexican capital Mexico City, has to be the most iconic stadium in football history. How can it not be, when it is the venue where, arguably the two greatest players of all time, Diego Armando Maradona and Edson Arantes do Nascimento or Pele have lifted the FIFA World Cup title?

1970 was Pelé's last official competition with Brazil's national team, and despite receiving criticism before kickoff, about his decline, 'O Rei' had his best ever tournament in Brazil where he cemented his legacy once and for all. In the final against Italy, he scored a spectacular header and made an unforgettable no look-assist to Carlos Alberto Torres, as the 'Seleção' emerged with a 4-1 victory.

On the other hand, the Azteca was also the stadium where, 16 years later, another genius wrote his name in the history books. In the quarter final against England, Maradona came up with two memorable moments.

The first was the ever-famous "Hand of God", and the second was followed shortly after, with what is considered by many as "the goal of the century", where 'el Pibe de Oro' dribbled his way past England's defenders, then the goalkeeper, before scoring the goal of the tournament.

Moving on to the final, Diego was the hero once again as he delivered, in the 84th minute, a spectacular assist to Jorge Burruchuga who was then able to give Argentina the 3-2 lead, which eventually meant that the Albiceleste would lift the FIFA World Cup title for the second time in its history.

The stadium's capacity has been reduced from 115000 to 87000 in recent times, but it remains the most symbolic stadium in world football, and as a passionate fan of the beautiful game, you should go there, at least once, before you die.