Maracanã Stadium

Maracanã Stadium

Introduction    When it comes to football, one can't help but think of the famous Maracanã Stadium, which has witnessed the glory, sorrow, and joys of Brazilian football and has been the birthplace of stellar names in football history: Didí, Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Sócrates, Romário, and today’s Ronaldo, among others. It was also here that football legend Pelé scored his 1000th career goal, and similarly, it was here that Pelé shed tears as he bid farewell to the pitch he loved and the national team that was the dream of his life.

Located in the central area of Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã Stadium can also be clearly seen from the top of Corcovado Mountain. The stadium is usually open on weekdays, and admission is just 3 Brazilian reais. Since Brazil was spared the ravages of World War II, the fourth FIFA World Cup was held in the country in 1950, for which Rio de Janeiro built what remains the largest stadium in the world to this day — Maracanã Stadium. To commemorate 50 years of the stadium, a Walk of Fame was opened at its entrance — on the ground on both sides of the main gate, legendary Brazilian footballers, led by Pelé, left their footprints, and the Walk of Fame is enclosed by ropes.

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