Top 15 Best Football figures Statues Around the World
Top 15 Best Football figures Statues Around the World
Football, or soccer as it’s known in some parts of the world, is more than just a sport. It’s a passion, a culture, and a way of life for millions across the globe. To honor the legends who have made a lasting impact on the game, statues of iconic footballers are erected in various places worldwide. These statues immortalize the greatness of the players, commemorating their achievements, and giving fans a physical space to celebrate their heroes.
In this article, we will explore the top 15 best football figure statues around the world. We’ll look at where these statues are located, the legends they commemorate, and the artistry behind these remarkable sculptures.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Madeira, Portugal
Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Unveiled: 2014
The statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in his hometown of Madeira was unveiled in 2014. It depicts the football icon with a triumphant smile, celebrating his status as one of the best players in the world. The statue sparked much debate due to its controversial likeness, but it remains a must-see for any fan of the legendary player.
Image Source: One of the many Cristiano Ronaldo statues in his birthplace of Funchal / Wikipedia
2. Lionel Messi – Rosario, Argentina
Location: Rosario, Argentina
Unveiled: 2016
Lionel Messi's statue in his birthplace of Rosario is a tribute to the player’s incredible achievements, particularly his success with Barcelona and the Argentine national team. The sculpture portrays Messi dribbling the ball, showcasing his exceptional skills.
Image Source: https://www.alamy.com/
3. Pele – Santos, Brazil
Location: Santos, Brazil
Unveiled: 2010
Pele, often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, has a statue in his honor at the Santos FC stadium, where he played for much of his career. The statue showcases him with the ball at his feet, in a typical Pele posture, exuding skill and grace. It commemorates his immense contribution to football, having won three World Cups for Brazil.
4. Diego Maradona – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Unveiled: 2008
Diego Maradona is another legend who has left an indelible mark on football. The statue located in Buenos Aires depicts the iconic image of him with the ball at his feet, famously immortalized after his "Hand of God" goal and the stunning "Goal of the Century" against England in 1986. Maradona's contribution to Argentine and world football is captured beautifully in this statue.
Image Source: https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/buenos-aires-gets-its-first-statue-of-diego-maradona.phtml
5. Johan Cruyff – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Unveiled: 2017
Johan Cruyff is one of football's most influential players and tacticians. In 2017, a statue was unveiled in his honor at the Amsterdam Arena. The statue portrays him with the ball, in a pose that highlights his innovative playing style and genius on the pitch. Cruyff is widely credited with shaping modern football, especially with his "Total Football" philosophy.
Image Source: https://www.worldofjohancruyff.com/cruyff/johan-cruyff-statue-in-amsterdam/
6. Zinedine Zidane – Paris, France
Location: Paris, France
Unveiled: 2006
Zinedine Zidane’s statue in Paris is a tribute to the French footballing legend who led his country to World Cup glory in 1998. The statue captures Zidane in an iconic pose, with his arms extended, looking up toward the heavens—a symbol of his leadership and legacy in football.
Image Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/zh/editorial/image-editorial/visitors-take-pictures-sculpture-entitled-'coup-de-7756916a
7. George Best – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Unveiled: 2009
The statue of George Best in his hometown of Belfast is an iconic homage to one of the greatest players to ever grace the field. Best's legend is built on his incredible dribbling and flair, and this statue portrays him in mid-action, capturing his magic with the ball.
Image Source: Liam McBurney/PA
8. David Beckham – Los Angeles, USA
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Unveiled: 2019
David Beckham's statue outside the LA Galaxy's Dignity Health Sports Park commemorates his time in Major League Soccer, where he significantly boosted the sport's popularity in the United States. The statue depicts Beckham taking a trademark free-kick, a perfect representation of his career and his role in transforming American football culture.
Image Source: Ringo HW Chiu/AP
9. Thierry Henry – London, England
Location: London, England
Unveiled: 2014
A stunning statue of Thierry Henry stands outside Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The statue features the legendary striker in one of his most iconic poses, a celebration of his excellence in front of goal during his time at the club. It highlights his importance to Arsenal, where he remains the club’s all-time top scorer.
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thierry_Henry_statue.jpg
10. Ronaldinho – Barcelona, Spain
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Unveiled: 2013
Ronaldinho's statue outside Barcelona's Camp Nou honors his magical contribution to the club, where he brought joy and flair to the pitch. The statue shows him in an elegant pose, reflecting his dazzling footwork and joyful playing style. Ronaldinho helped lead Barcelona to success and remains a beloved figure in the football world.
11. Franz Beckenbauer – Munich, Germany
Location: Munich, Germany
Unveiled: 2003
Franz Beckenbauer's statue outside the Allianz Arena in Munich stands as a tribute to the man known as "Der Kaiser." Beckenbauer revolutionized the role of the sweeper and led Germany to World Cup glory. The statue, depicting him holding the ball at his feet, commemorates his status as one of football's greatest ever defenders.
Image Source: Gerd Muller's statue outside the Allianz Arena
12. Marco van Basten – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Unveiled: 2008
Marco van Basten is another Dutch legend honored with a statue at the Ajax Arena. The statue depicts Van Basten celebrating his iconic volley in the 1988 European Championship final. His stunning skill, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess are immortalized in this dynamic piece of art.
Image Source: http://www.offbeat.group.shef.ac.uk/statues/STFB_VanBasten_Marco.htm
13. Eusebio – Lisbon, Portugal
Location: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
Unveiled: 1992
Eusebio, known as the “Black Panther,” has a statue at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. The statue depicts him in action, showcasing his strength and agility, which made him one of the most feared forwards of his time. Eusebio’s influence on Portuguese football remains unmatched, and the statue serves as a fitting tribute to his incredible career.
Image Source: https://www.alamy.com/
14. Ronaldo Nazário – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Unveiled: 2016
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário's statue stands as a tribute to his incredible achievements, including winning two World Cups. The statue portrays him in a pose that reflects his explosive power, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
15. Bobby Moore – London, England
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Unveiled: 2007
Bobby Moore, England’s World Cup-winning captain in 1966, is immortalized in a towering statue outside Wembley Stadium. The statue portrays Moore holding a football, embodying his composed, dignified style of defending. A true English football legend, Moore remains an inspiration for players and fans alike.
Conclusion
Statues of football legends are more than just pieces of art—they are symbols of admiration, history, and cultural pride. These sculptures immortalize the achievements of players who have inspired generations and left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. From Pele’s grace to Messi’s magic, each statue tells a story of dedication, passion, and unforgettable moments in football history.
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Whether you’re a football club, a community honoring a local hero, or an organization looking to make a bold artistic statement, Xiangtai can bring your vision to life with unparalleled precision and artistry.
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