On March 19, 2025, Rafael Louzan, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), unveiled the news that the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid will host the Champions League final in 2027. This announcement solidifies the stadium’s status as a premier venue for international football, further enhancing Spain's reputation on the global stage.
Previously a subject of speculation, the confirmation of the 2027 Champions League final at the Metropolitano is a significant victory for both the stadium and the city of Madrid. Louzan also took this opportunity to discuss the potential for Seville's La Cartuja Stadium to host future European finals. He emphasized the importance of Spain's capacity to accommodate large-scale events, stating, “This year, Spain is hosting the Europa League final at San Mamés, we have also secured the 2027 Champions League final at Madrid’s Metropolitano, and why not push for Seville to host a future European final at this stadium?”
The backdrop to Louzan’s remarks includes the impending Copa del Rey final, which is set to take place at La Cartuja on April 26, 2025. The choice of venue reflects a deliberate strategy by the RFEF to utilize Spain's impressive stadium and hotel infrastructure for major tournaments. Louzan expressed ambition for not just the Metropolitano but also for La Cartuja, highlighting “the venue, the city, and outstanding hotel infrastructure” that would make it ideal for a European final.
As Atlético de Madrid prepares for its second Champions League final at the Metropolitano, following the famed 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham, the announcement is met with enthusiasm from fans and officials alike. Louzan’s vision sees the Metropolitano becoming a traditional site for significant football matches, increasing its stature in the world of football.
However, in a twist of events, Atlético Madrid has expressed a willingness to forfeit its status as one of the venues for the upcoming World Cup to support the renovation efforts of Valencia’s Nou Mestalla. Louzan confirmed this benevolent gesture, noting that “Atletico Madrid have said that, once again very generously, they would be willing, even if necessary, to give up their space so that Valencia could be one of the eleven venues currently granted to Spain.” This change could effectively allow Valencia to reclaim its place in top-tier competition as it currently lacks a suitable stadium for hosting games.
The financial implications for Atlético Madrid are significant, as the club would lose an estimated €20 million during the months that the Metropolitano is used for World Cup activities. The stadium is a revenue generator, especially in the summer months when it is rented out for concerts and other events. Nonetheless, the commitment to support Valencia highlights a collaborative spirit that resonates through Spanish football.
Reflecting on the overall preparations for major events, Louzan’s emphasis on working with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin underscores an important relationship for the future of Spanish football. Louzan mentioned, “I’ve met with Ceferin two or three times, and we will request the possibility of Seville hosting a final.”
In conclusion, the confirmation of the 2027 Champions League final at the Estadio Metropolitano marks a defining moment for Madrid while opening doors for future events in Seville. With the Copa del Rey final and the Europa League commitments on the horizon, Spain is uniquely positioned as a hub for European football, responding to the evolving dynamics of the global sports arena.
