Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans going to matches each year. The ultimate dream for many is to witness their favourite team scoring the winning goal during a final, regardless of where it is held. However, where are the best destinations for football fans to travel to? Here we discuss some of the best cities where football is cherished and what they have to offer eager tourists.
Liverpool, UK
The Reds have a rich and successful history in Football, with the team having won 19 top-flight league titles. Liverpool has been managed by Jurgen Klopp for over seven years now, with him leading the team to victory in the 2019-2020 Premier League, their first league title since 1990. The team currently boasts several big names in football, like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. If you are planning on attending one of the matches, be sure to book your tickets in advance due to high demand and grab yourself a customised football shirt to support your favourite player. The city combines its love of football and music to provide a remarkable experience for those who visit– you’ll soon find yourself singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in one of the many Irish bars in no time!
Turin, Italy
The northern Italian city of Turin is home to two well-known names in the football industry, Torino and Juventus, with the latter hosting over 41,000 bystanders. Juventus Football Club was originally formed on a bench in the city centre by a group of football-loving friends and has now gone on to win two European titles. They have even topped the Italian Premier league an impressive 34 times, thanks to the likes of some of its former players including Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero. Turin is a thriving hub for tourists, with a strong café culture and many places to retreat to at night – perfect for celebrating a victory or drowning one’s sorrows after a match.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is home to not only some of the best teams in Spain but in the whole of the world, with Atletico de Madrid, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano being the most widely known. Football fans can visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which has been the home grounds for Real Madrid since the 1940s. Watching one of the many games here is a memorable experience and fans can also experience a personal tour of the pitch and even take a photo next to the European Cup. The area outside of the stadium is designed for fans, with the many bars and restaurants sure to be packed before, during and after each game – you may even be surprised to find some of the players or managers dining nearby if you’re lucky.
Buenos Aires, Argentina The Argentines are big lovers of football, with the sport being a fundamental part of their culture. The locals take football very seriously here, with screaming being heard from all neighbourhoods when a goal is scored. The city is known for its top teams like Boca Juniors and River Plate – two rivals that have habitually dominated the football scene in Argentina. It can be very difficult to get tickets to watch a match here, but if you do, you are in for an unforgettable experience. Regardless of this, tourists can still visit the Monumental and Bombera Stadiums, where they can see the stands, trophies and stories that the teams have to offer.
