Toy collectors, as 2021 draws to a close, are there any LEGO sets on your wishlist you haven't checked off yet? In today's review, we're diving into a set that's already been released but might still be on the radar for many LEGO and football fans alike: the LEGO Creator Expert 10284 Camp Nou – FC Barcelona!
Camp Nou, located in Barcelona, Spain, is the home stadium of the La Liga club FC Barcelona, affectionately known as the Blaugrana. It's also the largest football stadium in Europe, with a capacity for nearly 100,000 spectators. This LEGO recreation not only captures the stadium's stunning architecture with 5,509 pieces but also pays homage to the legendary 2010 "El Clásico" match between Barça and their archrivals, Real Madrid. The set immortalizes the 5:0 scoreboard from that decisive home victory, a perfect tribute for Barça fans. For Real Madrid supporters, however, that match remains a legendary and painful humiliation.
▼ Let's get back to the LEGO set itself and start with the packaging! The expansive black box highlights the main product image of Camp Nou and the iconic FC Barcelona crest.
▼ The back of the box features close-up shots of the stadium's interior, the completed model's dimensions (49 cm long), and its five-part modular design.
▼ The top of the box displays a line-art illustration of the stadium's front facade.
▼ Here's a look at all the parts bags. Numbered up to 32, there are 43 bags in total.
▼ The set also includes two large printed tiles for the football pitch. There's quite a hefty sticker sheet this time around.
▼ There are two instruction manuals. Book 1 is packed with history about the FC Barcelona club, descriptions of famous victories, and spectacular photos of the stadium filled with fans. It's a fantastic read!
▼ The aerial view of the stadium is truly magnificent.
▼ Meet the designer of the LEGO Camp Nou set, Rok Zgalin Kobe.
▼ Alright, let's get building!
▼ Finished! Clocking in at 5,500 pieces, this football stadium has an undeniable presence. Befitting its expert-level status, the classic LEGO studded look is almost entirely smoothed over, with the exception of the roof canopy.
▼ The stadium is designed with a five-part modular structure, with four grandstand sections enclosing the central pitch.
▼ Looking down from above, you can really appreciate the architectural beauty of the stadium, with its layers upon layers of red and blue seats.
▼ Més Que Un Club (More Than A Club).
▼ The printed tiles for the pitch are sure to excite any football-loving LEGO fan. The transparent goal nets and the players' tunnel are also excellent touches.
▼ The massive glass facade at the entrance of Camp Nou is recreated here with stacks of translucent light blue bricks, creating a fantastic visual effect. Paired with the "CAMP NOU" sticker, it looks amazing.
▼ Moving to the exterior, the set captures key structures and elements with remarkable detail. Features include the large grey baseplates, cleverly designed trees made from just three parts each, a micro-scale model of the team bus, and the Catalan flag. The Barça flag features the year 1899, marking the year the club was founded.
▼ The smooth curves and the layered effect created by repeating structures are incredibly satisfying to look at.
▼ The micro-scale team bus.
▼ Now for the details. Next to the 5:0 scoreboard, the phrase "TOTS UNITS FEM FORÇA" is Catalan for "together we are stronger."
▼ The phrase "TOT EL CAMP ÉS UN CLAM" is the opening line of the Barça anthem, meaning "The entire field (TOT EL CAMP) is a roar (ÉS UN CLAM)."
▼ The flags here are all represented by stickers. The floodlights are a nice detail.
▼ Designer Rok Zgalin Kobe specifically mentioned the roof canopy, which is cleverly constructed using lightsaber hilts and long bar elements from Star Wars sets.
▼ Here's a cross-section of the grandstand, which closely resembles the design of the real stadium. Due to this structure and the clip connections used to achieve the curved shape, you need to be careful with how you apply pressure during assembly. If you just squeeze the clips from the sides, you might dislodge the seats.
Source: Wikiarquitectura
▼ The modules are connected only by Technic pins and holes without a secure locking mechanism, so you can't really lift the entire stadium in one piece. If you need to move it, it's best to separate the sections first.
▼ But taking it apart for photos gives you an amazing on-the-ground perspective!
That covers the main LEGO Camp Nou set. Now, for a special bonus: the 40485 FC Barcelona Celebration set. This 178-piece mini-diorama was a Gift with Purchase for those who bought 10284 Camp Nou. The scene is based on the Font de Canaletes on La Rambla and includes five minifigures of Barça fans celebrating a victory. In addition to their iconic red and blue outfits, they come with a team flag and a Catalan flag. Even the baseplate is in the team's red and blue colors!
▼ You get five Barça fan minifigures in their red and blue jerseys all at once!
LEGO 10284 Camp Nou – FC Barcelona Review Summary
Let's start with the build process. The construction of the stadium is highly repetitive. After finishing the pitch, the next four sections involve building the base and then attaching the grandstands piece by piece. However, the sense of accomplishment when you combine all five modules at the end is fantastic! From an aesthetic standpoint, the LEGO Camp Nou is an exquisite display model. The symmetrical design, the layered brickwork, and the large translucent blue glass wall are all stunning. If you're a football fan, and especially a Barça fan, this model commemorating the thrashing of Real Madrid in 2010 is an absolute must-have. Plus, the historical information in the instruction manual is a real treat!
LEGO 10284 Camp Nou – FC Barcelona
Piece Count: 5,509 pieces. Currently available exclusively at LEGO Certified Stores.
LEGO 40485 FC Barcelona Celebration
Piece Count: 178 pieces. Available as a free gift with the purchase of 10284 Camp Nou – FC Barcelona at LEGO Certified Stores.