What elevates a thrilling football match to legendary status? Beyond the spectacular goals and nail-biting finishes, it’s the soundtrack that resonates with fans, creating an atmosphere of unity and passion. Football Songs, more than just melodies, are the emotional heartbeat of the beautiful game.
From the echoing chants in stadium tunnels to the familiar tunes in football video games, these songs weave themselves into the very fabric of football culture. They are a potent source of nostalgia, instantly transporting fans back to cherished moments in football history.
Inspired by The Athletic’s writers’ personal favorites, this curated list explores iconic football anthems. While not exhaustive – the sheer number of songs celebrated by fans globally is immense – this selection offers a rich tapestry of football nostalgia and musical brilliance.
Let’s dive into the songs that define the soundtrack of football:
1. Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up: The Soulful Anthem of Dreams
Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” is pure soulful magic. That instantly recognizable trumpet riff ignites an irresistible urge to move and groove. The song exudes positivity, and Mayfield’s timeless vocals have captivated audiences for decades. For many, including myself, it’s forever linked to the iconic 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham.
This cinematic masterpiece follows Jess Bhamra, a young Sikh girl in London daring to dream of professional football. The film resonated deeply, particularly with young women, at a time when women’s football lacked mainstream recognition. Jess’s fictional ambition mirrored the unspoken dreams of many. Rewinding that VHS, we relived her journey in a pre-visibility era for women’s football. Today, imagine “Move On Up” blasting in a packed stadium before a women’s match – the collective understanding of its significance would be palpable.
2. The Proclaimers – Sunshine on Leith: A Scottish Ballad of Hope
When football feels distant – perhaps after a team defeat, or another instance of corporate consolidation, or tiresome VAR debates – I turn to a specific YouTube clip for solace. It’s from the 2007 Scottish League Cup final. Hibernian’s 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock culminates in a powerful scene at Hampden Park. Amidst the stadium’s emptying stands, the Hibs faithful passionately sing “Sunshine on Leith,” their unofficial anthem by The Proclaimers.
Hibs manager John Collins, visibly moved, paces the pitch, his expression a mixture of joy and tears. The BBC broadcast momentarily fades, allowing viewers to fully absorb the raw emotion. This local anthem, crafted by local artists, is an unlikely football song. It’s slow-paced, emphasizes “sorrow,” and takes a while to reach its chorus.
Yet, it works because at its heart, it’s about hope. It’s about overcoming despair, finding solace in love, and the feeling of belonging and safety. These are emotions deeply intertwined with the football experience itself.
Hibernian fans singing Sunshine on Leith
3. Parquet Courts – Total Football: Punk Rock Collectivism on the Pitch
While some might expect a Los Campesinos! selection given my past interview with Gareth Paisey about football references in their music (comparing heartbreak to xG, Bela Guttmann, and catenaccio is a lyrical feat!), another punk-infused rock track has captured my attention: “Total Football” by Parquet Courts.
This opening track from their 2018 album Wide Awake! pays homage to Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, and the concept of “Total Football.” It critiques the self-centered machismo of the 90s while championing a renewed sense of collectivism.
Vocalist Andrew Savage explained to NME that the song is “about people’s desire to be together and stand for something ideologically.” Its driving rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics make it a compelling listen. The final line, in particular, resonates with even the most cynical football fans.
4. Gala – Freed from Desire: From Eurodance Hit to Global Football Anthem
In 1996, “Freed from Desire” was simply a catchy Eurodance track, enjoyed by an innocent 11-year-old. Twenty years later, its resurgence, sparked by Will Grigg’s goal-scoring prowess for Wigan Athletic, initially elicited a shrug.
However, “Freed from Desire’s” persistent presence in football culture has been undeniable. Over the past eight years, its status as the football anthem of a generation, a continent, arguably the world, has become justified.
At the recent European Championship, it was omnipresent – pre-match, post-match, after goals, in stadiums, bars, streets. Fans of diverse nations enthusiastically joined in the “Na na na na na na na na na na na na na” chorus. It was infectious and genuinely joyous. Even at a recent Brentford match, after a victory over Bournemouth, it filled the air.
Its enduring popularity, coupled with Gala’s story – she revealed in an interview that its success felt like justice after industry exploitation and blacklisting – makes it a truly uplifting football story.
5. Bellini – Samba de Janeiro: Euro 2008’s Goal Soundtrack
Goal music is generally something I could happily banish. Yet, “Samba de Janeiro,” the dance track played after every goal at Euro 2008, evokes pure joy. Euro 2008 was my first truly memorable international tournament. Thinking back to my grandma’s sofa, watching every match, I vividly recall Andrey Arshavin, Colin Kazim-Richards, Marcos Senna, and the infectious beat of “Samba de Janeiro.”
I recently heard it in a Birmingham bar. Anyone present that evening surely now understands my deep affection for this song. It’s pure football nostalgia in musical form.
6. Jorge Ben – Fio Maravilha: Brazilian Samba and Football Legend
Brazil’s musical giants have long drawn inspiration from football. Chico Buarque’s “O Futebol” dreams of a shot “with arrow-like precision,” while Gilberto Gil’s “Meio de Campo” celebrates Botafogo icon Afonsinho.
However, Jorge Ben’s 1972 hit “Fio Maravilha” stands as a pinnacle. This vibrant, rhythmic tribute to Flamengo striker Fio Maravilha, with its chorus “Fio Maravilha, we score another one for us,” remains a highlight of Jorge Ben’s performances even today.
Beyond its artistic merit, the song sparked a legendary feud. It forced Jorge Ben to rewrite lyrics and tarnished Fio Maravilha’s public image. This tale of music, football, and controversy is a fascinating part of Brazilian football lore.
7. Abi Paterson – Hemp To the Left: A Chant That (Almost) Was
This is a story of a valiant, yet unsuccessful, attempt to dethrone “Freed from Desire.” Summer 2022, the unforgettable Women’s European Championship. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses were unstoppable, destined for glory. I decided to create a chant, a musical totem for England’s journey to the trophy.
Alas, viral fame eluded me. My chant, set to the tune of “Instruction” by Jax Jones, Demi Lovato, and Stefflon Don, went:
Hemp to the left
Mead to the right
Ellen’s up front
Millie’s looking bright
They don’t need introduction
Follow Sarina’s instruction.
While tactically sound, its complexity hindered its adoption. But perhaps, now you’ve read this, you might remember that historic victory and hum this tune instead of the ubiquitous “Beth Mead’s on fire…”
8. The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army: The Riff Heard Around the Stadiums
I could list facts about “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes’ 2003 single, Rolling Stone’s 36th Greatest Song of All Time, its resemblance to Bruckner’s Symphony No 5. But nothing conveys its power like that guitar riff: “Daaaa, da da da da daaaa daaaa.” It’s permeated global culture, especially within football.
Club Brugge fans reportedly adopted it first in 2003 before a Champions League match against Milan. Italy’s national team followed, and its use spread globally. Now, it’s a universal sporting chant, used for figures from Kevin De Bruyne to Jeremy Corbyn.
Jack White’s reaction? “Nothing is more beautiful in music than when people embrace a melody and allow it to enter the pantheon of folk music.” Indeed, “Seven Nation Army” has become modern football folk music.
9. Deuce – Don’t Tread: A Player-Made Football Anthem
Football anthems are common, but player-created ones are rare. Even rarer are those by a nation’s greatest ever player. “Don’t Tread,” by former USMNT star Clint Dempsey, is just that.
In 2006, USMNT hype was building. Ranked sixth globally, Americans were finally noticing. Nike, the team sponsor, tapped Dempsey to create a fight song. He delivered.
Dempsey collaborated with Houston rapper Big Hawk. Nike filmed a music video in Dempsey’s humble hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas, showcasing his trailer park roots.
Listening to “Don’t Tread” repeatedly while researching a feature on it, I was surprised by its quality. Any US soccer fan from the 2006 World Cup era remembers Dempsey’s rallying cry: Don’t. Tread. On. This.
10. The England World Cup Squad – This Time (We’ll Get it Right): 1982’s Optimistic Anthem
Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, football team sing-alongs filled the charts around cup finals and whenever England qualified for tournaments. Players themselves sang, often in knitwear and scarves. Imagine Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham doing that today!
In 1982, after 12 years of World Cup absence, anticipation for England was immense. Ron Greenwood’s team qualified for Spain ’82. Their anthem: “This Time (We’ll Get it Right).”
Unfortunately, history repeated itself. Despite early wins, England exited unbeaten after goalless draws in the second group stage. “This Time (We’ll Get it Right)” became a bittersweet reminder of perennial England optimism and eventual disappointment.
11. John Newman – Love Me Again: FIFA Soundtrack Nostalgia
European football surged in India in the past decade. FIFA video games were crucial in introducing me and many others to global clubs. FIFA 14, a series highlight, had an exceptional soundtrack.
While many may not know other John Newman songs, “Love Me Again” is instantly recognizable. Its opening line, “Know I’ve done wrong, left your heart torn…” triggers instant FIFA memories. It evokes simpler times – the Barclays Premier League, La Liga BBVA, peak Messi-Ronaldo, less intense online football debates. Avicii’s “The Nights” deserves a mention too.
Hours spent adjusting FIFA formations and tactics, soundtracked by these songs, mean I could probably nail the lyrics in karaoke.
12. Avicii – Levels: An Indulgent Edinburgh Derby Anthem
This is a purely personal choice. In 2012, Hearts and Hibernian faced the biggest Edinburgh derby ever – the Scottish Cup final. Neither team was outstanding, Hibs especially struggled.
For some reason, Avicii’s “Levels” became Hearts’ soundtrack to the final run and their 5-1 victory over Hibs. As a Hearts fan, witnessing that win was surreal, likely the best of my life. Unlikely to be topped.
So, “Levels” triggers fond memories for Hearts fans. For others, it’s simply a great dance track – and that’s perfectly fine too.
13. Republic of Ireland Football Squad – Put ’Em Under Pressure: Ireland’s 1990 World Cup Spirit
“We’ve qualified for the World Cup, go and compete.” Hearing those words, in a Northern English accent, most Irish people over 40 instantly recognize the Horslips-inspired guitar riff.
It’s the intro to “Put ’Em Under Pressure,” released for Ireland’s debut World Cup in 1990. Produced by U2’s Larry Mullen, it samples manager Jack Charlton (the Northern Englishman) and fan chants.
The catchy chorus (borrowed from Scotland’s 1978 song) includes, “We’ll really shake them up, when we win the World Cup.” Ireland didn’t win, but that wasn’t the point. The song captured the national mood, especially for an 11-year-old in Kildare.
“Put ‘Em Under Pressure” resurfaced after Charlton’s death in 2020, remaining a timeless Irish football anthem.
14. Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 – Mas Que Nada: Brazilian Flair in Song
“Mas Que Nada” embodies Brazilian football’s elegance and flair. Less a nightclub anthem, it’s characterized by Sergio Mendes’s smooth samba and bossa nova style.
Mendes’s 1966 version with Brasil 66 followed Jorge Ben’s 1963 original. Its association with Brazilian football grew after its use in Nike’s iconic 1998 World Cup ad featuring the Brazilian squad dribbling through an airport.
It enjoyed renewed popularity in 2006 when re-recorded with the Black Eyed Peas, reaching No. 6 in the UK charts. Sergio Mendes, a Grammy-winning Brazilian legend who collaborated with Pelé, passed away in September, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy intertwined with football.
15. Kevin Keegan – Head Over Heels in Love: A 70s Football Pop Gem
Footballer pop songs are less common now. Players are already famous and lucrative endorsements offer easier income. Advisers discourage anything “foolish.” While many are novelty songs – Andy Cole’s “Outstanding,” Johan Cruyff’s “Oei, Oei, Oei (Dat Was Me Weer Een Loei)” – some are unfairly dismissed.
Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle’s “Diamond Lights,” often mocked, is genuinely good. Kevin Keegan’s “Head Over Heels in Love” is another. This slice of 70s pop, if released by a “credible” artist, would be praised, not ridiculed. Justice for Kevin!
In Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Football Songs
Football songs are more than just background music; they are cultural touchstones. They encapsulate the highs and lows of supporting a team, the shared experiences of fans, and the emotional rollercoaster of the game itself. From anthems of hope and unity to personal nostalgic triggers, these songs enrich the football experience in profound ways. They are the soundtrack to our football memories, and they will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
What are your favorite football songs? Share your go-to anthems in the comments below!
