With the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ expected to be watched by more than a billion people worldwide, it’s no wonder a barrage of footballing anthems have been released over the years.
So, to get you into the spirit whilst you’re waiting for the next match to start, have a listen to the best football anthems out there, as voted for by the Yes Crowd team.
1. La Copa De La Vida - Ricky Martin
“La Copa De La Vida” meaning “The Cup of Life” was the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup™, held in France. Released on the 9th March 1998, this catchy tune was performed by iconic Puerto Rican singer, Ricky Martin. The hit garnered extreme popularity around the world, climbing to the top of the charts in numerous countries including Australia, France and Germany.
2. “Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home) – Lightening Seeds
Created by English band The Lightning Seeds, Three Lions (originally known as Football’s Coming Home) received its first burst of popularity in 1996. Initially released as an ode to England’s football team playing in the 1996 European Championships, a revised version of the song, known as Three Lions, was played during England’s participation in the 1998 World Cup in France. This unofficial anthem is one that is still played during European Championship and World Cup periods in England.
3. The Time of our Lives - Il Divo
Performed by the highest selling operatic group at the time, Il Divo and American R&B singer, Toni Braxton, The Time of Our Lives was the official anthem of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ hosted by Germany. The song was created in accordance with the theme of the 2006 World Cup which was about making friends and the feel-good nature of the tournament. The Time of our Lives enjoyed chart success in Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Italy, just to name a few.
4. Wavin’ Flag - K’naan
Originally written as a reference to Somalia and its countrymen, K’naan created an international version of the song for The Coco-Cola Company. The tune featured in all of Coco-Cola’s promotions during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ held in South Africa. The remake proved to be extremely successful, becoming the unofficial anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
5. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira
Created and performed by Columbian national Shakira, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) was the official tune of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ held is South Africa. The fun lyrics aim to inspire and encourage everyone to reach for their goals. The up-beat tune was altered from the original 1986 song Zangaléwa by Golden Sounds. Earning a Number1 title in countries across the globe, Waka Waka cemented itself as another football anthem favourite.
And finally, we’ve got to give an honourable mention to the official song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™:
Live It Up - Will Smith, DJ Nicky Jam & Era Istrefi
The official 2018 FIFA World Cup™ tune has been released and it’s very catchy. Live It Up features the legendary Will Smith, Reggaetón singer and songwriter DJ Nicky Jam and Albanian talent Era Istrefi. The song is filled with upbeat tones with the lyrics about bringing people all over the world together in celebration.
Got a fave football anthem of your own? Share it with us in the comments.
