top of page

The History and Selection Process of Champions League Final Host Locations


The History and Selection Process of Champions League Final Host Locations
The History and Selection Process of Champions League Final Host Locations

The Champions League final, a global spectacle, has long sought out Europe’s most prestigious stadiums to serve as hosts. For UEFA, picking a venue goes beyond choosing a stadium; it's a decision that celebrates both the game and the city in which it's held, elevating the local community onto an international stage.

This careful selection process is designed to ensure a venue meets technical standards while also offering a memorable fan experience.



Legendary Champions League Venues

Some stadiums have become synonymous with Champions League history. Wembley Stadium in London tops the list, hosting eight finals in both its original and current forms, while classic sites like San Siro in Milan and Hampden Park in Glasgow have become fan-favourite stages. These venues provide more than just seating—they bring traditions and memories that add to the excitement of each final.



Behind the Scenes: Choosing Host Cities

The journey to hosting a Champions League final begins years ahead, following a rigorous selection process. To be considered, a stadium must first qualify as a UEFA Category 4 venue, meeting top-tier standards for capacity, media, and safety.

UEFA’s Executive Committee is responsible for these decisions, with members from multiple countries evaluating and approving cities in advance, balancing technical needs and a desire to highlight diverse regions across Europe.



Host City Impact and Prestige

For a city, hosting the Champions League final means global attention, with fans and players flocking from all corners of the globe. It’s a rare chance to shine on the international sports scene, showcasing the host city’s culture, atmosphere, and dedication to the game.

This sense of prestige has made cities like London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome repeat hosts, giving fans worldwide a reason to celebrate each city’s unique contribution to European football.



Memorable Matches and Future Venues

From the electrifying atmosphere of Santiago Bernabeu to the unforgettable drama at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, each host venue enriches the Champions League’s legacy. As the tournament continues to grow, the anticipation for each final setting intensifies.


Munich’s Allianz Arena is set to join this prestigious lineup, adding to a diverse collection of host cities that span the entire history of European club competition. This rich geographic footprint reflects the event’s unique ability to unite fans from every corner of the world.



Champions League Final Venues & Host Cities

  • 1956 – Parc des Princes, Paris

  • 1957 – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

  • 1958 – Heysel Stadium, Brussels

  • 1959 – Neckarstadion, Stuttgart

  • 1960 – Hampden Park, Glasgow

  • 1961 – Wankdorf Stadium, Bern

  • 1962 – Olympisch Stadium, Amsterdam

  • 1963 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 1964 – Praterstadion, Vienna

  • 1965 – San Siro, Milan

  • 1966 – Heysel Stadium, Brussels

  • 1967 – Estadio Nacional, Lisbon

  • 1968 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 1969 – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

  • 1970 – San Siro, Milan

  • 1971 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 1972 – De Kuip, Rotterdam

  • 1973 – Red Star Stadium, Belgrade

  • 1974 – Heysel Stadium, Brussels

  • 1975 – Parc des Princes, Paris

  • 1976 – Hampden Park, Glasgow

  • 1977 – Stadio Olimpico , Rome

  • 1978 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 1979 – Olympiastadion, Munich

  • 1980 – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

  • 1981 – Parc des Princes

  • 1982 – De Kuip, Rotterdam

  • 1983 – Olympic Stadium, Athens

  • 1984 – Stadio Olimpico, Rome

  • 1985 – Heysel Stadium, Brussels

  • 1986 - Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville

  • 1987 – Praterstadion, Vienna

  • 1988 – Neckarstadion, Stuttgart

  • 1989 – Camp Nou, Barcelona

  • 1990 – Praterstadion, Vienna

  • 1991 – Stadio San Nicola, Bari

  • 1992 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 1993 – Olympiastadion, Munich

  • 1994 – Olympic Stadium, Athens

  • 1995 – Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna

  • 1996 – Stadio Olimpico, Rome

  • 1997 – Olympiastadion, Munich

  • 1998 – Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam

  • 1999 – Camp Nou, Barcelona

  • 2000 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis

  • 2001 – San Siro, Milan

  • 2002 – Hampden Park, Glasgow

  • 2003 – Old Trafford, Manchester

  • 2004 – Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen

  • 2005 - Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

  • 2006 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis

  • 2007 – Olympic Stadium, Athens

  • 2008 – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

  • 2009 – Stadio Olimpico, Rome

  • 2010 – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

  • 2011 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 2012 – Allianz Arena, Munich

  • 2013 – Wembley Stadium, London

  • 2014 – Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

  • 2015 – Olympiastadion, Berlin

  • 2016 – San Siro, Milan

  • 2017 – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

  • 2018 – NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv

  • 2019 – Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid

  • 2020 – Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

  • 2021 - Estádio do Dragão, Porto

  • 2022 - Stade de France, Saint-Denis

  • 2023 - Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

  • 2024 - Wembley Stadium, London

  • 2025 - Allianz Arena, Munich



Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, [X]Twitter and Instagram. 

0 comments

Comments


bottom of page