The Story Behind the Champions League Anthem
In 1992 the European Cup was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League. Along with changes to the competitions format, including the introduction of a group stage, UEFA called for a complete design overhaul and commissioned the marketing company, TEAM to carry out the rebrand.
It was the process that gave us the distinctive “star ball” logo — and the now iconic Champions League anthem. It has since become one of the most recognisable pieces of music in world football.
Tony Britten, a composer and filmmaker was given the task of producing a piece of music worthy of Europe’s most prestigious football competition. UEFA were intent on a classical piece, taking inspiration from George Frederic Handel’s Coronation Anthem, Zadok the Priest.
Britten used the first few bars of Handel’s rising string phrase, adapting them into a full three minute orchestral composition, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
I’m here to say that’s all I did steal, although some unkind people have said it’s an “arrangement” of Zadok the Priest. It’s nothing of the sort, because it’s got nothing else to do with it. — Tony Britten
Next came the lyrics which were sung by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Britten employed a linguist to translate numerous superlatives into English, French and German — the three official languages of UEFA.
Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions
Since its introduction the anthem has become synonymous with the competition and is loved all over the world by fans and players alike. Cristiano Ronaldo has even been known to sing along when lining up before kickoff!
