Architect Behind San Siro Overhaul And Famous Stadiums Worldwide

The architectural firm behind the new San Siro replacement has designed several iconic stadiums, including projects for Manchester United, Wembley, and Barcelona.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 30, 2026 · 2:04 PM 2 min read

Key takeaways

The San Siro will be demolished and replaced by a 71,500-seater venue called Generali Stadium.

Foster + Partners designed the new San Siro replacement as well as Manchester United's proposed new ground.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised architect Norman Foster when discussing Manchester United's stadium plans for 2025.

Foster + Partners also worked on Wembley Stadium, Lusail Stadium, and the Carrington training complex.

The iconic San Siro is scheduled for demolition and will be replaced by a brand new stadium. The 71,500-seater venue comes from the architectural firm behind Manchester United's proposed new ground.

Foster + Partners revealed their bold concept to carry the spirit of San Siro into a new era, replacing winding columns and red girders with a modern double-curved roof and X-frame structure. Named Generali Stadium, the project has split opinion among supporters.

Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised the firm, calling Norman Foster the world's greatest architect when discussing plans for a 100,000-seater ground in 2025. Earlier concepts by the firm for United featured a giant canopy criticized as a tent, which was later dropped.

Supporters do not always welcome unique architectural elements. Following the San Siro release, one fan labeled the 70,000-seat design a washing machine.

Barcelona's Camp Nou renovation was initially designed by Foster + Partners in 2007 with a brightly colored mosaic outer skin that would glow on match nights, though the plan did not happen.

The new Wembley Stadium, featuring a 133-metre arch replacing the twin towers, was also built by Foster + Partners and opened in 2007. The Lusail Stadium in Qatar, an 88,966-seater venue that hosted matches at the 2022 World Cup, was another project by the firm.

Recently, Foster + Partners modernized Manchester United's Carrington training complex, built in 1999, following criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo regarding outdated facilities. The revamp added a new dining area, kitchen, gym, and medical facility.

Questions and answers

Who designed the new San Siro replacement?

The new 71,500-seater Generali Stadium was designed by the architectural firm Foster + Partners.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about Carrington?

Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the training ground for not changing between his 2009 departure and 2021 return, noting that facilities like the pool, gym, and kitchen had stopped in time.