The familiar European tournament anthem is instantly recognizable to fans, even if the full lyrics aren’t always known by heart. In football, certain sounds are unmistakable: the roar after a goal, a crowd urging for a penalty, or a reception reserved for a player who isn’t welcome in the stadium. And there is an anthem that marks the moment for every devotee of the beautiful game. You can feel it before the notes even finish—the Champions League theme is a sound that signals drama, skill, and big nights on the pitch.
Directly follow the Inter – Porto match and the Champions League 2022-23, here.
Directly follow the RB Leipzig – Manchester City clash of the Champions League 2022-23, here.
The anthem was written by the English composer Tony Britten, a graduate of the Royal College of Music, with its first performance dating back to 1992. It draws inspiration from the baroque grandeur of Handel and is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece has become synonymous with the tournament and a symbol of its global appeal.
The UEFA Champions League stands as one of the most thrilling sports competitions worldwide. A long-standing tradition is that nearly every match features this song, a trigger for goosebumps among many listeners. While many hum along, few know every syllable. During those three minutes, the lyrics unfold in three official languages of UEFA: English, French, and German.
Now the words can be sung in full, as the full lyrics are shared here for fans who want to join in:
Ce sont les meilleures équipes — The best teams are here
Es sind die besten Mannschaften — The best teams are there
The main act — The main act
Die Meister — The Masters
The best — The best
Les grandes équipes — The big teams
The Champions
A great meeting — A great meeting
Eine grosse sportliche Veranstaltung — A major sporting event
The main act
Die Meister — The Masters
The best — The best
Les grandes équipes — The big teams
The Champions
Ils sont les meilleurs — They are the best
Sie sind die Besten — They are the best
These are the champions
Die Meister — The Masters
The best — The best
Les grandes équipes — The big teams
The Champions
How far will Liverpool go in the 2023 Champions League?
- round of 16
- Quarterfinals
- Semi finals
- Last
3294 to vote
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How far will Liverpool go in the 2023 Champions League?
- 63% round of 16
- 18% Quarterfinals
- 8% Semi finals
- 11% Last
3294 to vote