Templo sagrado do futebol e palco de muitas história, Maracanã completa 75 anos | Rio de Janeiro
Maracanã celebrates 75 years on June 16, 2025 Image courtesy of Conmebol
Rio – On this Monday, June 16, the Maracanã Stadium marks its 75th anniversary. More than just a football field, the Maraca is a monumental cultural symbol of Brazil, having witnessed tragedies, triumphs, timeless idols, and passions that span generations.
Since its inauguration on June 16, 1950, this stadium in North Zone of Rio de Janeiro has played a pivotal role in the history of world sports, hosting unforgettable matches and events beyond football.
The Maracanã was built for the 1950 World Cup, the first held after World War II. The goal was to create an impressive stadium representing Brazil’s rise and passion for football, making it the largest stadium in the world at the time. Historian Luiz Antônio Simas notes that inclusivity was a key aspect of the Maracanã’s design.
“The Maracanã was built with Brazil’s 1950 World Cup bid in mind; it was intended to be an inclusive stadium, though not equally accessible. At a time when Rio had a million residents, a stadium for 200,000 was ambitious. It includes a system of compartmentalized spaces – general admission, seats, and tribunes – making it inclusive but not entirely equitable. Regardless, the Maracanã has influenced Rio’s history culturally, architecturally, and socially,” explains Simas.
The inaugural match between teams from Rio and São Paulo set the stage for what was to come. However, it was on July 16, 1950, during the final match between Brazil and Uruguay that the stadium etched itself into history, albeit with one of the most painful chapters for Brazilian football: the Maracanazo. Approximately 200,000 fans witnessed Uruguay’s comeback, and the ensuing silence enveloping the Maracanã became part of the national consciousness.
Over the years, the Maracanã has been the home of major Rio de Janeiro clashes and has celebrated the victories and farewells of Brazil’s greatest players. On November 19, 1969, Pelé scored his thousandth goal there, converting a penalty against Vasco in a match that captured the nation’s attention.
Zico, the Galinho de Quintino, symbolizes the Maracanã for many in the 1970s and 80s, having played memorable matches for Flamengo. Rivellino, Romário, Bebeto, Túlio Maravilha, Roberto Dinamite, and many others also left their marks on the Maraca.
Speaking to DIA, former left-back Branco, a 61-year-old 1994 World Cup champion who shone for Fluminense, shared his sentiments: “Playing at Maracanã was a dream come true. I had the honor of winning many significant titles at the world’s greatest football stage,” he stated.
Former defender Rondinelli, known as the ‘God of Race’ for Flamengo in the late 1970s, reminisces about the iconic stadium fondly.
“In the 1970s and 1980s, our games drew crowds of 110,000 to 120,000. The general admission areas filled with standing fans—all honored by their presence. It’s a privilege to reflect on our time at the Maracanã, where we had the chance to play historic matches and host esteemed international teams. I also had the fortune to witness Brazil’s 1970 team, attending many Maracanã matches for Zagallo’s squad, filled with the era’s finest players,” he reminisced.
“The Maracanã holds a legacy and a significant narrative in both my professional and personal life. I regard it as a banner, a recognition, a medal; nothing can adequately describe its beauty and greatness,” he concluded.
Reunions with the World: World Cups, Olympics, and Libertadores
In the 21st century, the Maracanã underwent extensive renovations to accommodate major international events. During the 2014 World Cup, it hosted seven matches, including the final between Germany and Argentina—marking its second World Cup finale.
Two years later, it proudly showcased the 2016 Rio Olympics, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and witnessing Brazil’s men’s football team clinch its first Olympic gold by defeating Germany in a penalty shootout.
In 2020, the stadium hosted a single final for the Libertadores Cup for the first time, where Palmeiras emerged victorious. In 2023, this scene reoccurred, now with local team Fluminense claiming the title with a last-minute goal against Boca Juniors.
The Maracanã also serves as a cultural and musical hub, hosting historic performances by artists such as Frank Sinatra (1980), Tina Turner (1988), Madonna (1993), Paul McCartney (1990 and 2011), and The Rolling Stones (2006), in addition to Brazilian icons like Ivete Sangalo and Roberto Carlos. Notably, the 1991 Rock in Rio festival showcased Queen’s legendary performance that left a lasting impact on the city. The stadium frequently appears in literature, film, and the collective memory of Brazilians, symbolizing profound emotion and identity.
Future Challenges Ahead
As Maracanã celebrates its 75 years, Professor Luiz Antônio Simas highlights the need for future generations to reclaim its status as Brazil’s premier venue. He emphasizes the importance of making football more inclusive. “This Maracanã, whether old or new, has been the site of significant moments—from the 1950 World Cup final to Pelé’s thousandth goal. It’s a physical symbol of both Brazilian and global football history. Evaluating the 75th anniversary is remarkable, and moving forward, we must aim for a more inclusive football. The transformation of stadiums into arenas has somewhat elitized the audience, so we need to work on returning to a more inclusive atmosphere,” Simas adds.
Severiano Braga, the CEO of Maracanã, also shared his vision for the stadium’s future, aiming to enhance its integration with Rio de Janeiro and improve its existing facilities.
“The Maracanã is a reference point. Our commitment is to ensure greater safety, comfort, technology, and accessibility for fans, athletes, service providers, and media professionals visiting the stadium. Recently, we unveiled the stadium’s new visual identity, marking the start of a new era under the management of Fla-Flu S/A for the next 20 years. In the short term, we will upgrade the pitch lighting and finalize plans to replace the screens and scenic lighting, along with other innovations. By 2027, a new Football Museum is planned,” Braga explained.
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