10 Stadiums You Need to See Before You Die

There are few finer sights in football than seeing a full capacity crowd bouncing.

The greatest stadiums around the world are not necessarily so for their brilliant architecture, but for their history, tradition and fanbase who create a memorable atmosphere at games.

For the casual football fan who wants to go on a pilgrimage to the greatest stadiums, this article is for you.

Here are the 10 you have to see before you die.

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The 78,838 capacity Maracana can lay claim to being the home of Brazilian football.

Despite having recently undergone renovations, the stadium remains a historic landmark in Rio. It is a colourful beacon where fans come to celebrate their love of the game.

The Maracana is the home of clubs Flamengo and Fluminense, but also hosts both derby matches between Vasco da Gama and Botafogo.

Where: Dortmund, Germany

Westfalenstadion, or Signal Iduna Park as it is also known, has one of the best atmospheres in world football on game day.

Home to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, the 80,720 capacity stadium houses the South Stand, the largest free-standing terrace in European football.

Fans of Dortmund take great pride in displaying organised shows of unity with decorative banners and placards.

Where: Barcelona, Spain

The epic Camp Nou is a towering sight to behold in the flesh.

Home of legendary La Liga club Barcelona, the 98,787 capacity stadium is a three-tier monument that regularly sees some of the best football on the planet played on its turf.

It is one of only a few 5-star stadiums in European football according to UEFA.

Where: London, England

The previous Wembley Stadium may have had the history and tradition, but the rebuilt version is certainly the flashier of the two.

Opened in 2007, Wembley is the home of the England national team and regularly plays host to some of the biggest sporting events.

Its capacity is a stunning 90,000. Perhaps one day, the Three Lions will be able to live up to the imposing glory of their home.

Where: Milan, Italy

Serie A behemoths Internazionale and AC Milan share the San Siro, playing their home games on alternate weekends.

It is a dominant structure, and it has been described as being a fortress for both clubs in the past.

The 80,018 capacity stadium has also hosted music concerts for the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones in the past.

Where: Buenos Aires

La Bombonera, also known as the Estadio Alberto J. Armando, can be one of the loudest stadiums in the world during games.

Home of famous Argentinian club Boca Juniors, the biggest drawing card of the 49,000 capacity stadium is the Superclasico derby against River Plate.

Recognised as one of the fiercest matches you're ever likely to see, just try and get tickets.

Where: Mexico City, Mexico

With a capacity of 105,064, the Estadio Azteca is the largest football-specific stadium in the world.

Both the Mexico national team and league side Club America are lucky enough to call it home.

Argentina legend Maradona scored the "Goal of the Century" against England at the Azteca during the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals.

Where: Liverpool, England

There are few more stirring moments in football than when "You'll Never Walk Alone" rings out at Anfield before a game.

The Liverpool anthem has come to help shape the tradition of the 45,525 capacity stadium and the club that calls it home.

Try and get there for the Reds' annual clash with bitter rivals Manchester United.

Where: Madrid, Spain

What better place to witness an evening Champions League clash midweek than the Santiago Bernabeu?

Real Madrid have called the 85,454 capacity stadium home since its opening in 1947.

It is a massive spectacle that rises and rises into the sky. It is third behind the Camp Nou and Wembley in terms of Europe's biggest football stadiums.

Where: Glasgow, Scotland

Celtic's epic Champions League win over Barcelona last season was made all the sweeter by the Scottish side's home support.

Celtic Park was awash with emotion that night, as it is most times the Bhoys take to the field.

The 60,832 capacity crowd can sometimes sound like a group twice that size.

What other stadiums could have made this list? Old Trafford? Allianz Arena? Stade Velodrome?