Big names in the football world including Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, and Zico have played at the Estadio do Maracana. This stadium hosted the dramatic 1950 World Cup final where Uruguay stole the world championship from hosts Brazil in one of the most incredible matches in football history. Popularly known as the Maracanã, this arena is one of the largest stadiums in the world. In addition to football, the stadium also holds music concerts and has hosted performances by Tina Turner and Paul McCartney, among others. Guided tours of the venue are available that offer glimpses of the changing rooms, views of the pitch from the stands, and a chance to witness the bronzed footprints of Pelé. It was one of the host stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the venue for the final.
Designed by Carlos Porto with a capacity of up to 45,000 people the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos (formerly known as the Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange), home to the Botafogo de Futbol e Regatas is a stadium with international appeal. It has hosted a number of football matches and other events in its spacious premises. This stadium is also well known for hosting the 2007 Pan American Games as well as a World Cup Qualifier between Brazil and Bolivia.
Estádio Giulite Coutinho, or Estádio Édson Passos, as it is more commonly known, is the home-ground of the América Football Club. Opened in 2000, this football stadium is available for various events. Though its grass surface is ideal for soccer matches, it is used for private functions when there are no matches played here.