Jamie Carragher Names Santiago Bernabeu as Football’s “Pinnacle” Stadium Over Anfield
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has surprisingly overlooked his beloved Anfield when naming what he believes is the greatest football stadium in the world. Despite Anfield’s reputation for electric European nights, Carragher has declared Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu as “the pinnacle” of football stadiums globally.
Speaking on The Overlap US, Carragher reflected on his recent visit to the renovated Bernabeu for a Champions League fixture. “I was at the Bernabeu the other week for a Champions League game,” Carragher shared. “When I stood in the new stadium, I was thinking, ‘this is the pinnacle’.”
The former Liverpool defender even joked about how he now understands why Trent Alexander-Arnold might be tempted by a potential move to the Spanish giants, saying: “I was almost thinking, I can understand where Trent is coming from if he comes here! I hope he hasn’t seen this new roof!”
What Makes the Bernabeu Special According to Carragher
The Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid since 1947, has undergone significant renovations that have elevated its status among football venues. Some of its standout features include:
- A retractable roof that can close during major Champions League matches to intensify the atmosphere
- State-of-the-art facilities that blend modern design with historical significance
- A special feeling that Carragher describes as “special when you’re on the side of the pitch”
- The prestige of housing the 14-time European champions
Despite his lifelong connection to Liverpool and Anfield’s famous reputation, Carragher was unequivocal in his assessment: “Every time we go to Tottenham we say that stadium is one of the best in the world but Real Madrid’s stadium is the best in the world. It is.”
This revelation comes as Liverpool prepares to host Paris Saint-Germain in their upcoming Champions League round of 16 first leg match at Anfield – a venue known worldwide for its own special European night atmosphere.
Carragher recalled how Spanish teammates at Liverpool always viewed Real Madrid as the premier club in Spain, reflecting the global allure that extends to their iconic stadium. “When I was speaking to the Spanish lads at Liverpool, they always saw Real Madrid as the club in Spain,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid recently secured a 2-1 victory against city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at their esteemed venue. They appear likely to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with the Gunners having dominated PSV 7-1 in their first-leg encounter.
Though Carragher’s comments might surprise Liverpool supporters who cherish Anfield’s historic standing in world football, they speak to the universal respect commanded by the Santiago Bernabeu as both an architectural masterpiece and a temple of football excellence.
Do you agree with Jamie Carragher’s assessment? What stadium do you think deserves the title of world’s best? Share your thoughts on social media using #FootballStadiumDebate and let us know which iconic venue tops your personal list!