You recognise it, of course. The instrumental prelude builds, introducing components from different languages, leading into a grand choral declaration of ‘THE CHAAAMPIONS!’, concluded by a distinctive four-note fanfare.
Surprisingly, it still reminds many of watching the Champions League on a specific channel, even though it has been broadcasted across various networks and played at every match across Europe since its adoption in 1992.
But what are the roots of this musical piece, and how did it become associated with the sport?
The Champions League anthem is a (sort of) original composition in three languages
Tony Britten was commissioned by UEFA to create the Champions League signature tune in 1992, and it has remained in use ever since. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs the music, with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields providing the vocals, because naming conventions in classical music can be quite unique.
As reported by ClassicFM, the composition draws significant inspiration from George Frideric Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ (1727), created for the coronation of George II – regarded by some as a king with peculiarities.
Watch On
Regarding the term ‘peculiar’… the anthem does feature lyrics, delivering a sense of grandeur through a combination of English, French, and German.
The portion most people are familiar with but may hesitate to sing confidently is ‘Die Meister! Die Besten! Les grandes équipes! The champions!’ (do-do-do-dooo).
Nonetheless, verses exist – and the lyrical translation can be underwhelming, making some improvised tunes sound like Bob Dylan compositions. A direct translation presents:
They are the best teams
They are the best teams
The main event
The master
The best
The great teams
The champions
A big meeting
A great sporting event
The main event
And perhaps, occasionally, Tottenham is present too. (This addition is fictional)
This clarifies why operas are often performed in Italian.
Should you aspire to impress your companions at the local establishment with your rendition, the official lyrics are:
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
(Tottenham est parfois là aussi)
