Maracanã completes 75 years as stage of great moments in history

The Maracanã Stadium is 75 years old on Monday, June 16, reaffirming its place as one of the biggest symbols of Rio and Brazil. Opened in 1950 to host the World Cup, Maraca is a true cultural and sporting heritage of the country.

Throughout its trajectory, the Mário Filho Journalist Stadium (as it is officially called) was the stage of moments that entered history. In 1969, the largest football temple witnessed Pelé's thousandth goal, one of the most emblematic milestones of the football king's career. Another great moment happened in 1983, when the stadium received a volleyball challenge between Brazil and the Soviet Union, attracting a crowd to an unusual sporting event. To this day, this game holds the highest public title for an Olympic sport outside football, either in the open or in gymnasiums, with 95,887 paying.

Between 2005 and 2007, the Maracanã underwent a major reformulation to suit the reality of major sporting events, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2007 Pan American and Parapan American Games. Years later, he returned to the center of attention with the 2014 Men's World Cup, when it was the stage of the final that consecrated the German tetracampeonato before Argentina. In 2016, the stadium once again attracted the eyes of the world with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.

And the story continues: In 2027, the Maracanã will again be global highlight when it receives the inaugural match and the grand final of the first FIFA Women's World Cup held in South America.

Far beyond the sport

But the Maracanã is also synonymous with great shows. The highlight goes to the presentation by Frank Sinatra, who took 175,000 spectators to the stadium in 1980 to sing classics like My Way, Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars and Strangers in the Night. In 1988, Tina Turner moved the audience with an electrifying tour show Break Every Rule, including hits like Added to Love and We Don’t Need Another Hero.

Other legends of world music also performed in the stadium, such as Rolling Stones, Phil Collins and Paul McCartney. In 1991, Maracanã received a historical edition of Rock in Rio, featuring Guns N’ Roses, INXS, George Michael and many others.

Faith also has a special place in its history. Pope John Paul II celebrated two Masses in the stadium: in 1980, during his first visit to Brazil, and in 1997 during the II World Meeting of the Pope with Families, gathering thousands of faithful in striking moments of world Catholicism.

Live that story up close

For those who want to live this trajectory closely, the Maracanã Tour offers a guided backstage tour of the stadium. It is possible to pass the changing rooms, enter the field and feel the unique energy of the temple of Brazilian football.

The tour runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last entrance at 4:00 p.m. On game days, visits are closed five hours before the opening of the gates and schedules may vary according to the schedule of the stadium. Learn how to know the stadium through this link

Learn more: Rio will receive FIFA 2027 Women's World Cup games