Bukayo Saka snubs Anfield as Arsenal star reveals which two away stadiums have the best atmosphere

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has named the two best atmospheres he has played in during his career, and perhaps surprisingly, neither came in the Premier League.

Despite playing at iconic English grounds, the Gunners winger instead pointed to two huge European away nights as the most intimidating experiences of his career so far.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka names two of the best atmospheres he has played in

Saka was asked about the toughest atmospheres he has experienced during an appearance on Adebayo Akinfenwa’s ‘Beast Mode On' podcast.

Rather than selecting one of the Premier League’s biggest stadiums, the England international highlighted Arsenal’s trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in Europe.

“I’d say probably PSG or Real Madrid away last season, they were both top atmospheres,” Saka explained.

The comments will surprise some supporters given the reputations of stadiums such as Anfield, Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on major domestic occasions, particularly during title races and derby matches.

However, Saka’s answer reflects the unique intensity often associated with Champions League nights, where packed stadiums, travelling support and knockout pressure combine to create a very different environment.

Having already played in some of Europe’s biggest fixtures at just 24, Saka has quickly built experience across elite domestic and continental competitions, with Arsenal now regularly returning to the latter stages of the Champions League under manager Mikel Arteta.

FGG says: European nights still feel different even to elite Premier League stars

European nights continue to offer something that even the Premier League’s biggest stadiums struggle to match

Saka’s comments underline a long‑held belief among players and supporters: the atmosphere inside the Bernabeu or the Parc des Princes on Champions League nights reaches an intensity that domestic fixtures rarely replicate.

That isn’t a criticism of English grounds. Instead, it reflects how uniquely hostile and emotionally charged Europe’s elite venues become under the lights, especially when knockout football is on the line.

Still, some fans will be surprised that iconic atmospheres such as Anfield or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium didn’t make Saka’s list, particularly given Liverpool’s history and the ferocity of north London derbies.