Behind the UEFA Champions League Anthem - Golden City Business Magazine

When UEFA, the European football management body, contacted British composer Tony Britten to write up an anthem for the inaugural UEFA Champions League, expectations were not exactly how awe-inspiring the song was.

To Britten’s credit, he composed the splendid anthem in what he reveals took him a matter of days.’ The musical tune is well crafted, invoking the eagerness and thrill of football fans worldwide who watch Europe’s premier competition.

Setting the Scene

Before the UEFA Champions League in 1992, the sport was marred by violence and abject disorder. In Europe, hooliganism, club bans, and fan recklessness were well documented. So the need to revitalize Europe’s continental tournament was compelling – not in name only but grace it with an electrifying and dignified rendition befitting it.

Origin of the anthem

British composer and musical Director Tony Britten Credit: Archant

Musical Director and composer Tony Britten acknowledged that he had to tap into something gracious and grand. With that in mind, he borrowed the rhythmic flow from George Frederik Handel’s Zadok, the Priest, which had been played during some coronations for English monarchs, including that of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s father, and predecessor.

Diction and Structure

The song is written in all three official languages of UEFA; English, French, and German. The use of exclamations like ‘Les grandes équipes,’ a French expression for ‘the biggest teams,’ coupled with ‘The Champions,’ ensures that the nobility and grandeur of the competition are not lost on anyone, including the musically ignorant. The anthem is made up of two short verses and a chorus. The complete package is about three minutes long though fans would instead; it was lengthier.

Footballers Have Had Their Say

Footballers also share fans’ admiration for the iconic anthem. Veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon agreed that the music invokes a special feeling within you. “It is always emotional to hear the song,” he observed.

“Magic… it’s magic above everything else. It captivates you straight away when you hear the anthem,” confirmed Zinedine Zidane, a four-time UEFA Champions League winner as both player and coach.

“When you are on the pitch and listen to the anthem, you know it’s an important and special match,” seven-time Balon D’or winner Lionel Messi affirmed.

The man with the most Champions League goals, Cristiano Ronaldo, cherishes the song so much he was seen to have been mouthing the lyrics a couple of times as he and his teammates lined up while the iconic anthem played.

Real Madrid and PSG players line up as the widely recognizable anthem is being played.

When It Is Played

The instantly recognized music is played at the beginning and end of every matchday broadcast by broadcast partners; it would presume a call to football fans worldwide. It is also played at the beginning of every competitive match as players line up for the pre-game formalities. During cup finals, renowned global artistes are invited to regale supporters with the iconic tune. Amazing Croatian cellist duo 2Cellos showcased an extraordinary display ahead of Real Madrid – Liverpool clash.

The anthem is as iconic as the competition’s trophy, leading many to remark that it is football’s unsung hero.