From the electric nights of Milan to the futuristic lights of Munich, the UEFA Champions League final has graced some of the world’s most iconic football stages. Each venue tells a story — of architecture, passion, and unforgettable drama.
Here’s a look back at the last ten stadiums that hosted (or will host) the greatest club match on Earth.
1. Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) – Milan, Italy (2016)
Final: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (May 28, 2016)
Attendance: ~71,500
Ticket Prices: €70–€478
Capacity: 75,923
Cost: no data (1926); renovations ~€60 million (1987–1990)
An architectural legend and the shared home of AC Milan and Inter Milan, San Siro remains one of football’s most atmospheric cathedrals. The 2016 final, won by Real Madrid on penalties, was a fitting tribute to this historic ground.
2. Principality Stadium – Cardiff, Wales (2017)
Final: Real Madrid vs Juventus (June 3, 2017)
Attendance: ~65,842
Ticket Prices: €70–€500
Capacity: 74,500
Cost: £121 million (1999)
Known for its retractable roof and stunning location on the River Taff, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium proved that even a rugby-first venue could host a magical Champions League night. Real Madrid lifted their 12th European crown here.
3. NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium – Kyiv, Ukraine (2018)
Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool (May 26, 2018)
Attendance: ~61,561
Ticket Prices: €80–€610
Capacity: 70,050
Cost: €580 million (renovation 2008–2011)
The home of Dynamo Kyiv and host of the Euro 2012 final, the Olimpiyskiy witnessed Gareth Bale’s stunning bicycle kick — one of the most spectacular goals in Champions League history.
4. Wanda Metropolitano – Madrid, Spain (2019)
Final: Liverpool vs Tottenham (June 1, 2019)
Attendance: ~63,435
Ticket Prices: €70–€600
Capacity: 68,000
Cost: €310 million (2017)
Atlético Madrid’s ultra-modern home hosted an all-English final where Liverpool triumphed. Its sleek design and atmosphere cemented Madrid’s reputation as a true football capital.
5. Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal (2020)
Final: Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich (August 23, 2020)
Attendance: None (COVID-19 restrictions)
Capacity: 65,000
Cost: €162 million (2003)
In a year unlike any other, Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz hosted the “Final Eight” tournament under strict pandemic conditions. Bayern Munich’s victory took place in eerie silence — a final remembered for resilience more than noise.
6. Estádio do Dragão – Porto, Portugal (2021)
Final: Manchester City vs Chelsea (May 29, 2021)
Attendance: ~14,110 (COVID-limited)
Ticket Prices: €70–€600
Capacity: 50,033
Cost: €97 million (2003)
Originally planned for Istanbul, the final was moved to Porto. Chelsea’s tactical masterclass against City unfolded in one of Europe’s most beautiful mid-sized stadiums.
7. Stade de France – Saint-Denis, France (2022)
Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool (May 28, 2022)
Attendance: ~75,000
Ticket Prices: €70–€690
Capacity: 80,698
Cost: €290 million (1998)
France’s national stadium, just outside Paris, witnessed another Madrid triumph. Unfortunately, it was also marred by crowd chaos outside the ground — prompting UEFA to review fan safety procedures.
8. Atatürk Olympic Stadium – Istanbul, Turkey (2023)
Final: Manchester City vs Inter Milan (June 10, 2023)
Attendance: ~71,412
Ticket Prices: €70–€690
Capacity: 76,092
Cost: €140 million (2002)
Built for Istanbul’s Olympic dreams, this colossal venue hosted Manchester City’s long-awaited European glory. It was a full-circle moment — 18 years after Liverpool’s miraculous comeback here in 2005.
9. Wembley Stadium – London, England (2024)
Final: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (June 1, 2024)
Attendance: ~86,212
Ticket Prices: €200–€950
Capacity: 90,000
Cost: £798 million (2007)
The spiritual home of English football and one of Europe’s most iconic venues, Wembley has now hosted eight Champions League finals. The 2024 edition added another Madrid masterpiece to its history.
10. Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany (2025)
Final: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan (upcoming)
Projected Attendance: ~64,327
Ticket Prices (est.): €200–€950
Capacity: 75,000
Cost: €340 million (2005)
With its color-changing façade and cutting-edge design, the Allianz Arena is set to deliver another spectacular final in 2025 — a perfect fusion of architecture and atmosphere.
Puskás Aréna – Budapest, Hungary (2026)
Final: Not yet played
Projected Attendance: ~67,000
Ticket Prices (est.): €200–€950
Capacity: 67,215
Cost: €600 million (2019)
A modern tribute to Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás, this state-of-the-art arena will host the 2026 final — marking Hungary’s first-ever Champions League showpiece in the new era.
From Milan to Budapest, the past decade has shown how football’s biggest night keeps moving between heritage and innovation.
Each stadium, whether steeped in history or born from modern design, has given fans unforgettable memories — and set the stage for moments that define the sport.
Related Article
Arsenal Plans Major Expansion of Emirates Stadium
The Legacy of Italy’s 1990 World Cup Stadiums: Where Are They Now?
From Athletics Tracks to Pure Football: 10 Stadiums That Changed Completely
