Puskás Arena: the stadium that hosted Europe’s biggest night

The Puskás Arena is named after Ferenc Puskás, arguably the greatest footballer Hungary ever produced. Born in Budapest in 1927, Puskás scored 84 goals in 85 international appearances and captained the Golden Team that crushed England 6-3 at Wembley in 1953. After the failed 1956 uprising, he fled to Spain and joined Real Madrid at 31: 242 goals in 262 games, three European Cup titles, and four goals in the 1960 final that many call the greatest club match ever. FIFA’s annual award for the most beautiful goal carries his name.

The modern Puskás Arena opened in November 2019 on the site of the old Népstadion, a kilometre from Keleti station. Its 67,000 seats and full roof make it one of Europe’s most atmospheric grounds. It hosted four Euro 2020 matches — including Hungary’s famous 1-1 draw with World Cup holders France — the 2020 Super Cup, and the 2023 Europa League final. But the biggest night was the 2026 Champions League final, the first time Hungary hosted the pinnacle of European club football.

On 30 May 2026, 61,035 spectators watched Paris Saint-Germain face Arsenal under a warm Budapest sky. After a tight tactical match ended level, PSG won 4–3 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, with Vitinha named man of the match. The Puskás Arena proved it belongs on the biggest stage — and the stadium named after Hungary’s greatest icon finally hosted Europe’s greatest game.