Wembley Stadium could host the final of Europe’s flagship competition for a NINTH time – as UEFA prepare to choose between England’s national stadium and Barcelona’s revamped Nou Camp as the venue for the 2029 showpiece.
Mundo Deportivo has reported that the Spanish government this week threw its weight behind the city’s bid to host the men’s Champions League final in three years, as well as backing Bilbao to host the women’s showpiece at Athletic Club’s San Mames ground in 2028.
And with Wembley having already submitted its bid late last year, UEFA are now set to pick one of the two at a meeting of its executive committee on September 15.
Spain – set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco – will hope to show off the modernised 105,000-capacity stadium which is due to be completed next year at a cost of more than £1.1billion.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham lifted the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid at Wembley two years ago
Barcelona’s revamped Nou Camp is still to be completed but re-opened with a reduced capacity last year
La Liga giants Barca spent two seasons away from the iconic 99,354-seat stadium before returning in November last year at a reduced capacity of around 45,000.
In March they opened up more sections, raising the number of fans to 62,652 as they cruised to the title, eight points clear of Real Madrid, and the final work is now set to be completed by 2027.
Wembley previously hosted the finals in 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1992, 2011, 2013 and 2024 – with Real Madrid the most recent victors, landing their 15th crown thanks to a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
By contrast, the Nou Camp has hosted the final just twice before. It was the scene for AC Milan’s 4-0 win over Steaua Bucharest in 1989, and Manchester United’s famous stoppage-time comeback against Bayern Munich to complete a historic Treble 10 years later.
