The Champions League anthem is one of, if not the, most iconic songs in football. Even without knowing the lyrics, the melody alone sends chills down the spines of players and fans alike.
The anthem echoes around the stadium before every kickoff, setting the stage for Europe’s biggest clubs to battle under the bright lights – a sound that signals greatness, passion, and the magic of the Champions League.
For every football player, walking onto the pitch while the anthem plays is more than just a routine – it’s a dream fulfilled. Erling Haaland, while on the books of Borussia Dortmund, said he used the anthem as his wake-up call on his alarm clock, explaining: “I wake up to it every day – it’s the last song I’m tired of. I always get a perfect start to the day.”
From watching the legends of old to becoming one of the stars under those same dazzling lights marks a moment of arrival. The sound of the anthem for players signifies that all the rejections faced, sacrifices made, long training sessions, and years of hard work have finally paid off, bringing them to the grand stage – the pinnacle of club football. It’s not just a song; it’s a symbol of achievement, pride, and belonging among Europe’s elite.
Many have spoken about how hearing it for the first time on the pitch gives them goosebumps.
Arsenal and former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, in an interview, said, “Playing in the Champions League is very emotional for me. I’ve been watching the games ever since I was little. When I’m standing in the tunnel before entering the pitch, listening to the anthem, that’s very emotional.”
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, while at Ajax, had an emotional Champions League debut, becoming visibly moved as the iconic anthem played before kickoff.
Regardless of background, most footballers dream of playing in the Champions League, with the competition the benchmark for club football and considerably the most prestigious table to sit at when it comes down to it.
For fans, it’s a reminder that they’re about to witness football at its finest – where legends are made and history is written.
The Origins of the Champions League Anthem
Written by British composer Tony Britten in 1992, the UEFA Champions League Anthem was adapted from George Frideric Handel’s song “Zadok the Priest,” a piece originally composed for the crowning of British monarchs. This royal inspiration perfectly captures the essence of the competition – a tournament that crowns Europe’s best.
The anthem, sung in UEFA’s three official languages – English, French, and German – features lyrics that celebrate unity, glory, and the spirit of fair play.
Though few fans can recite the words, everyone recognises the majestic rise of “The Champions!” – a moment that instantly transforms the atmosphere in any stadium.
The UEFA Champions League lyrics
Ce sont les meilleures équipes
Es sind die allerbesten Mannschaften
The main event
Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions
Une grande réunion
Eine grosse sportliche Veranstaltung
The main event
Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions
Ils sont les meilleurs
Sie sind die Besten
These are the champions
Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The La Liga 15-Second Protest: A Warning Against Selling the Soul of the League
Champions League Matchday 3
After the two-week international break, we will hear the Champions League anthem again soon. Matchday 3 promises plenty of excitement as heavyweights go head-to-head as they look to strengthen their positions in the group stage.
Among the standout ties is Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, where Mikel Arteta’s men will aim to extend their impressive form on the European stage.
On Wednesday, La Liga table toppers Real Madrid will welcome the Kings of Turin to the Santiago Bernabeu in what is the game of the round. Other fixtures include Chelsea vs Ajax, Monaco vs Tottenham and Barcelona vs Olympiacos.
Conclusion
Years have gone by, and the Champions League anthem has become more than just a piece of music; it’s a symbol of prestige. Whether played at the Santiago Bernabeu, the San Siro, or under the lights of Stamford Bridge, the sound unites millions of fans across the world in a shared moment of expected brilliance.
Even outside matchdays, the anthem’s impact extends far beyond the pitch – featuring in wedding entrances, school orchestras, church choir performances, commercials, viral social media edits and video games that highlight the magic of European nights. Its heartfelt allure has turned it into an ageless football anthem – one that transcends language, borders, and generations.
Be it at a viewing centre in Lagos, Nigeria or a pub in Madrid, Spain, when the UEFA Champions League Anthem rings out, shivers are sent down the spine, football becomes more than a game – it becomes theatre, history, and pure emotion.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / MIS
Recording Date: 17.09.2025