Spectacular Stadiums You Never Knew Were Designed by World-Famous Architects

9. Estádio da Luz – Populous (Portugal, 2003)

A cathedral of European football, Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, is one of the most electrifying stadiums in Europe. Designed by Populous, the home of SL Benfica was built as a modern replacement for the original stadium, ensuring it retained its legendary atmosphere while incorporating cutting-edge architectural elements. The design is inspired by light and transparency, with a roof structure that allows natural sunlight to flood the stadium, giving it a bright, open feel. This feature not only enhances the visual experience for spectators but also reduces energy consumption, making it a more sustainable venue. Estádio da Luz is one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams, with its steep, close-up seating arrangement amplifying crowd noise and intensity. Having hosted the UEFA Euro 2004 final and the UEFA Champions League finals in 2014 and 2020, it remains one of the most prestigious football venues in the world.