Call them eccentric, whimsical or outlandish: Ten of the most unique football stadiums in the world

Football stadiums have been around for centuries, with the first major stadium, Harvard Stadium, opening its doors in 1903.

Since then, football stadiums have evolved significantly, becoming cultural icons and architectural marvels.

From historical landmarks to futuristic designs, let's take a look at some of the most unique football stadiums around the globe that are as fascinating as they are functional.

Bizarre as they may be, though, these football stadiums are pretty sought-after venues. But be warned, you may want to save a bit of dosh before setting your heart on a ticket to watch your favourite football match, because it can cost quite a pretty penny!

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1. Timsah Arena - Turkey

The Timsah Arena has been capturing the attention of football fans around the globe for many years, thanks to its captivating crocodile design that curves around the pitch.

The green-hued stadium even features a crocodile mouth that reaches approximately 140 feet which sports fans can walk into.

Located in Bursa, northwest Turkey, this one-of-a-kind stadium goes even further on match days, lighting up the reptile's eyes and teeth for added effect.

2. Estádio Municipal de Braga - Portugal

The Estádio Municipal de Braga is Portugal's very own football stadium, carved out of a rock. Yes, you heard it right. Designed by acclaimed Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the stadium stands on a former quarry and only consists of two lateral strands connected together by steel strings.

A regular feature in the Europa League, the stadium won its architect the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2011.

3. Ottmar Hitzfeld Gspon Arena - Switzerland

This next stadium on our list reaches new heights, quite literally. Located in the Swiss Alps, the Ottmar Hitzfeld Gspon Arena sits approximately 2,000 metres above sea level and is surrounded by stunning mountains twice as high.

It is the highest football stadium in Europe and even becomes a ski resort during the cold winter months.

While this stadium offers an unbeatable backdrop for every game, there is a downside. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for the ball to go over the nearby cliff, although there is a net installed to prevent this from happening.

4. Mmabatho Stadium - South Africa

Designed and built in 1981 during apartheid, the Mmabatho Stadium is the fourth-largest arena in South Africa.

The stadium boasts an interesting and somewhat impractical design, featuring stands with elevated blocks that don't quite face the pitch.

This has undoubtedly contributed to its lack of permanent tenants, despite its ability to house 59,000 people, with the stadium only being used by a local university for training purposes and the occasional exhibition match.

5. Stadion Vozdovac - Serbia

Ever wondered what it would be like to combine your weekly shopping trip with watching a football game? Well, at the Stadion Vozdovac you can.

Situated on top of a shopping centre in Belgrad, the stadium is 24 metres above ground level, allowing spectators to enjoy the views as well as some shopping.

Sure, the Dragons might not be one of Belgrade's best teams, but their stadium is sure worth a visit.

6. Igraliste Batarija - Croatia

It's hard to beat a stadium that was built between two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Croati's Igraliste Batarija stadium is positioned between not one but two 15th century fortresses bringing their mediaeval glamour to the football field.

Behind each of the goals, you can find the towers of St.Marco and Kamerlengo Castle, respectively.

7. Kaohsiung National Stadium - Taiwan

The Kaohsiung National Stadium features an open spiral-shaped design bearing a likeness to the shape and look of a dragon. This is partly due to the roof consisting of 6,500 aluminium plates with 4,500 solar panels, giving the stadium the appearance of scales.

The impressive structure was built in 2009 for the World Games which were held in Taiwan that year. It cost a whopping $150million, and can yield 1.1 million kWh of solar energy per year, making it one of the very few green stadiums.

8. Beijing National Stadium - China

Initially built for Beijing's 2008 Summer Olympics, this stadium has become known all over the world due to its dynamic form and vast scale.

Its circular shape is said to represent 'heaven', while the neighbouring square structure, which is home to the National Aquatics Centre, is said to represent the Chinese symbol for Earth.

The stadium's structural form has also been described as a bird's nest due to its crazed pottery pattern and is made up of approximately 42,000 tonnes of steel frame.

9. The Float - Singapore

Singapore may not be a stranger to innovation but its floating football stadium sure takes the cake.

Opening its doors in 2007, this truly one of a kind structure holds the title as the world's largest floating stage.

Although it has yet to host any football matches above Sunday league level, The Float is still used for concerts, New Year's Eve celebrations and parades.

10. The Rock Stadium - Abu Dhabi

Closing off our list is a stadium that almost came to pass but still managed to gain worldwide recognition, Abu Dhabi's Rock Stadium.

The idea came about to improve tourism and capitalise on the rising success of football.

Located in the depths of the barren desert, the structure was expected to feature three gigantic trapezoid planes.

However, unfortunately as with many projects of this magnitude it has yet to come to pass but we are still hopeful as this idea deserves to be fulfilled.