🦁 San Mamés set for another shot at the Women's Champions League final 🏟️ | OneFootball

The San Mamés stadium in Bilbao has once again made a move on the European board by officially applying as a candidate venue to host the final of the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2028. Following the successful experience of hosting the 2024 final, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed "La Catedral's" interest to UEFA, marking a strong commitment to establishing the Basque city as a benchmark in elite women's football. The decision reinforces Bilbao's commitment to women's sports and its proven ability to organize large-scale events.

This new candidacy for San Mamés comes just a year after being the venue for the 2024 final, an event that left an excellent impression on both UEFA and the fans. The modern infrastructure of the stadium, combined with the passion of the Basque public and the city's perfect logistics, are the main credentials presented by the capital of Biscay. The organizational success of the previous edition, which culminated in FC Barcelona's victory, has motivated the RFEF to seek a repeat of the experience in a short period of time, demonstrating the high regard the venue holds at a continental level.

However, the road to the 2028 final will not be easy. San Mamés is not alone in the race, as it will compete with other internationally prestigious stadiums. Among the candidates that have also shown formal interest are the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon (France), St. Jakob Park in Basel (Switzerland), and the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul (Turkey). This strong competition ensures that UEFA will conduct a thorough evaluation, forcing each federation to refine the details of their dossiers to the maximum.

The bidding process is already underway, and although the initial expression of interest has been communicated, the RFEF and the authorities of Bilbao have until June 10, 2026, to submit the complete and final bid dossier. This document must detail all operational, financial, and logistical aspects that demonstrate the suitability of the venue, including government guarantees and the security plan, in a coordinated effort between Athletic Club, the City Council, and Basque institutions.

For Bilbao, securing the venue for the 2028 final would be a milestone that transcends sports, consolidating its image as a reference destination and a growth engine for women's football. With its impressive architecture and unparalleled atmosphere, San Mamés hopes to once again convince UEFA to be the epicenter of the European women's football celebration, adding another prestigious chapter to its already glorious history as "La Catedral."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Juan Manuel Serrano Arce - 2024 Getty Images