Exploring the world's most extraordinary football pitches

This unique floating football pitch lies in the heart of Phang Nga Bay in Koh Panyee, in Thailand's southern Phang Nga province. Children play on the turquoise blue surface, surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of limestone cliffs. The field, which floats on plastic pontoons, was built after the 1986 World Cup. Without nets or a fence, precise ball control is an absolute necessity.

Football is huge in Brazil — the sport is deeply rooted in the culture and social life, especially in the working-class communities known as favelas. Even in the narrow, colorful alleyways, space is made for the beloved game. In the Tavares Bastos favela in Rio de Janeiro, a net has been stretched across the pitch to prevent misses from flying into nearby windows.

Surrounded by water, this football pitch is located on the Lofoten archipelago in the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvaer. The breathtaking location is particularly impressive when seen from the air. The local amateur club Henningsvaer IL plays here, but the impressive backdrop made the pitch the location for a commercial for the 2018 Champions League final.

This football pitch in the middle of Tokyo is not for the fainthearted. Players with a head for heights can check out the Adidas Futsal Park on the roof of the Tokyu Toyoko department store. The field was built for the 2002 World Cup, and offers a spectacular playing experience high above the Japanese capital.

This football pitch in Singapore's Marina Bay district appears to float on the bay — but the stands are firmly anchored on land and offer a spectacular view of the action. However, matches are rarely played at the Floating Stadium, and it more often serves as a venue for various events.

FC Gspon in Switzerland plays on the highest football pitch in Europe, some 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. Players can reach Ottmar-Hitzfeld-Arena by ski lift. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with a breathtaking Alpine panorama.

The Libertador Simon Bolivar Stadium is located in the heart of the Bolivian city of La Paz. People living on the upper floors of the surrounding buildings have an excellent view of the pitch during a match — a unique neighbor in the middle of the city.

Players who want to be on the field in time for kickoff here should pay close attention to the road signs. This pitch in the Chinese city of Shenyang is located directly on the highway in Liaoning province, and is probably only accessible by car.

The green football pitch in the middle of the desert mountains of Al Batinah South in Oman is a fascinating example of the fusion of sport and nature. It's part of Bank Muscat's "Green Sports" program, which aims to improve sports infrastructure in Oman and support local communities.