Top 10 football figures immortalised with architectural gestures

Maradona has two major stadiums named after him.

History has witnessed that the game of football has been a reflection of identity, pride and honour for citizens of a country and various club supporters. For decades, football players have been idolised as heroes and inspirations by youngsters. Their status has been nothing less than that of a celebrity.

We have seen fans crying in tears recently after many trophyless teams won their first major trophy after decades, this season. Commentators have often jokingly said that the statues of footballers must be constructed after they score a winner or define any moment that won them the trophy.

Sometimes, the madness has turned into reality. There have been many architectural marvels which have been constructed to honour the legacy of a footballer. In this feature article, we shall take a close look at the best engineering marvels that immortalised football players.

10. George Best

One of the greatest football players of all time, George Best, has an airport named after him in his hometown of Belfast. The Northern Irish international won the Ballon d’Or in 1968 and was also inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

The Belfast City Airport began its operations in 1983 and was renamed as George Best Belfast City Airport in 2006 after the demise of the Irish legend, a year ago. The former Manchester United star is an epitome of loyalty, dedication and passion for the beautiful game of football.

9. Iker Casillas

One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Iker Casillas, has been a Real Madrid legend and was also part of Spain’s golden generation that won three major trophies in a span of four years. This feat includes two EURO Cups and one FIFA World Cup as well.

In 2012, two years after becoming the World Champion, Iker was honoured. A street in the Spanish town of Mostoles was named after him as “Avenida de Iker Casillas”.

8. Ferenc Puskas

One of the greatest Hungarian football players, Ferenc Puskas, was an Olympic Champion and also took Hungary to the finals of the FIFA World Cup in 1954. Nicknamed “Galloping Major”, he also has an award named after him. The Puskas Award is awarded to the player with the most beautiful goal.

The Puskas Arena in Budapest has an all-seater capacity of 67,215. It has seen many international celebrities perform with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons and Coldplay.

7. Andres Iniesta

The Spanish legend’s iconic goal in the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against the Netherlands in extra time made Spain the world champions. He also played a pivotal role in turning FC Barcelona into an infallible team over the years.

To honour the legacy of Iniesta, a statue was unveiled in his home province of Albacete. His statue still reminds us of that famous volley goal that won Spain the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Andrés Iniesta posing with his statue of 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 moment 🥇🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/8l0SYUlENS

— 433 (@433) December 28, 2024

6. Arsene Wenger

The French former midfielder and gaffer, who took Arsenal to three Premier League titles, has a stadium named after him. He is currently serving as the Chief of Global Development at FIFA.

To honour the legacy of the legendary French coach, USL Duppigheim named their home stadium after him. Wenger grew up near Duppigheim and started his football journey as a young prodigy in Alsace. The stadium was opened in 2016 and was inaugurated by Wenger himself.

5. Johan Cruyff

The Dutch icon has two stadiums named after him. One in Amsterdam and another in Barcelona. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner popularised the concept of ‘Total Football’. He is regarded as one of the greatest football players and managers of all time.

The Amsterdam Arena was renamed the Johan Cruyff Arena in 2019 after the demise of the Dutch legend. This stadium has seen celebrities like Michael Jackson, Rihanna, One Direction, Beyonce and Taylor Swift perform as well.

4. Sir Alex Ferguson

The Scottish gaffer has won the most trophies and accolades than any other manager in the history of football. He is also widely hailed for promoting young talent during his tenure as the Red Devils gaffer. He won 13 Premier League titles and two UCL titles with Manchester United.

The North Stand at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester was renamed after Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 to honour the legacy and heritage of the greatest manager in Manchester United’s history.

A shirt the height of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand 🤯Our 2025/26 @adidasFootball home kit is here.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 12, 2025

3. Lionel Messi

The most decorated player in the history of world football, Lionel Messi began his footballing odyssey or his path to greatness at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario before making a move to FC Barcelona. A transfer that changed the timeline and history of football and saw the arrival of the greatest of all time.

Lionel Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, gave a tribute to the Argentine international on his birthday recently by inaugurating the Lionel Messi Stand at their home stadium, Estadio Marcelo Bielsa in Rosario.

A beautiful photograph of our stadium in the heart of Rosario with the new Lionel Messi Stand completed ♥️🖤(📸 @KiricochoPh) pic.twitter.com/NHZbWamSub

— Newell's Old Boys – English News (@Newells_en) June 27, 2025

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

The GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo shall remain unsettled until the end of time, but the legacy left behind by the Portuguese icon has been unparalleled. From Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus to even Al Nassr, Ronaldo has been a goal scorer everywhere he has gone.

The fourth busiest airport in Portugal was named after Ronaldo in 2017 and drew a lot of fame and attention. His footballing journey commenced at Funchal, on the island of Madeira. His hometown has an international airport named after the legendary icon.

1. Diego Maradona

Many icons have an architectural marvel named after them in their hometown or birthplace, but such was Diego Maradona’s legacy that a stadium is named after him at a place, miles away from his country. The FIFA Player of the 20th Century won the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Napoli's stadium has been officially renamed the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium 💙 pic.twitter.com/yQPPbxnE74

— GOAL (@goal) December 4, 2020

He also won two Serie A titles at Napoli. To honour his legacy, Napoli renamed their home stadium in 2020 after the demise of their club legend. The stadium has also hosted some of the biggest concerts. We have seen Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, and the Rolling Stones perform.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.