Top 20 Soccer Songs Used in FIFA, Leagues & Trophies

Last Updated on: 21st January 2026, 12:26 pm

Soccer is not just about goals, trophies, or statistics. It is about moments that stay in your heart forever. The roar of the crowd, the tension before kickoff, and the joy after a last-minute winner all create memories that fans carry for life. One thing that ties all these emotions together is music. Soccer songs give a voice to fans when words are not enough. They turn stadiums into choirs and matches into unforgettable experiences.

From World Cup anthems that unite the whole world to club songs sung every weekend, football music has become part of the game’s identity. Some songs were created especially for football, while others were adopted by fans and transformed into legendary chants. Over time, these songs stopped being just music and became symbols of passion, belief, and unity.

20 Most Iconic Soccer Songs

1. World in Motion – New Order

“World in Motion” is one of the most iconic football songs ever produced. Released for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, it marked a turning point in the creation of football anthems. Instead of sounding traditional or slow, this song felt modern, energetic, and exciting.

Its catchy beat and memorable rap section made it different from anything fans had heard before. The song perfectly matched the optimism and excitement of a World Cup summer. Even decades later, “World in Motion” remains a symbol of football’s ability to evolve while keeping its soul intact.

2. The Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida) – Ricky Martin

“The Cup of Life” is a song that instantly brings World Cup energy. As the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, it was played everywhere, from stadiums to streets and homes around the world.

The powerful rhythm, loud chants, and Latin influence made it perfect for football celebrations. This song did not belong to one country; it belonged to the world. It showed how football music can cross cultures and languages, bringing fans together through pure excitement.

3. Samba de Janeiro – Bellini

“Samba de Janeiro” is pure celebration. Inspired by Brazilian samba, this song represents joy, flair, and freedom, qualities often associated with football itself. It became a favorite in football highlights, goal celebrations, and pre-match build-ups.

Even without official tournament status, the song earned its place in football culture. Its rhythm makes people move, clap, and celebrate without thinking. It proves that football music does not always need lyrics to create emotion.

4. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira is one of the most famous football songs ever, and yes, it is clearly included in this Top 20 list.

As the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Waka Waka carried a message of unity, strength, and hope. Its African-inspired rhythm and uplifting lyrics made it unforgettable. Shakira’s performance added global appeal, turning the song into a worldwide hit.

Even years later, Waka Waka is still played during football events. It represents a moment when football truly felt global, inclusive, and joyful.

5. Football’s Coming Home – Lightning Seeds

“Football’s Coming Home” holds a special place in football history, especially for England fans. Released during Euro 1996, the song reflects hope, belief, and emotional attachment to the game.

Rather than being loud or aggressive, this song connects through emotion. Fans sing it with pride and sometimes irony, knowing the pain and joy football brings. It remains one of the most emotionally powerful football songs ever written.

6. Ole, Ole, Ole (The Name of the Game)

“Ole, Ole, Ole” is one of the most universal football chants. Its simple structure allows fans from any country to adapt it for their teams.

This song represents football in its purest form: fans singing together, supporting their players without needing complex lyrics. It shows how football music often starts in the stands, not the studio.

7. Anthem (Football World Cup 2002) – Vangelis

This anthem created a dramatic and emotional atmosphere for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Instead of hype, it focused on intensity, pride, and anticipation.

The powerful instrumental sound made matches feel bigger and more meaningful. It reminded fans that football is not just entertainment but also emotion and identity.

8. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

“Seven Nation Army” was never meant to be a football song, yet it became one of the most famous football chants in history. Fans discovered its simple but powerful bass line and turned it into a stadium anthem.

Once supporters started chanting it after goals, it spread across leagues and countries. Today, hearing that melody instantly reminds fans of football celebrations. This song proves that fans themselves shape football culture more than anything else.

9. We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister

This song found a natural home in football stadiums due to its rebellious spirit. Fans use it to show confidence, resistance, and belief, especially during tough matches.

Its strong chorus makes it easy for thousands of supporters to sing together. It reflects the fighting mentality that football fans love to show when backing their teams.

10. Stand Up (For the Champions) – Right Said Fred

“Stand Up (For the Champions)” is closely linked with victory moments. Played during trophy ceremonies and celebrations, it perfectly matches the feeling of success.

The lyrics and rhythm celebrate achievement and pride, making it a favorite at finals and title wins. Over time, it has become a modern classic in football celebrations.

11. Un’estate Italiana – Gianna Nannini & Edoardo Bennato

This song was the official anthem of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy and is often considered one of the most beautiful football songs ever created.

Its emotional melody brings back memories of legendary players, dramatic matches, and summer nights filled with football. For many fans, it represents a golden era of the World Cup.

12. Força – Nelly Furtado

“Força” became popular during Euro 2004 and perfectly reflected the fighting spirit of football. The word “Força” itself means strength, which connects deeply with players and fans.

The song’s emotional build-up and rhythm made it ideal for tournament settings. It captured the determination and pride that football fans feel when supporting their teams.

13. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam

This song is often used in stadiums to celebrate victories or tease opponents. Its catchy tune and simple lyrics make it easy for crowds to sing together.

It adds humor to football culture, showing that football is not just about tension but also fun and laughter.

14. Love Generation – Bob Sinclar

“Love Generation” carries a message that fits football perfectly: unity. Its positive vibe made it popular during football events and tournaments.

Football brings people from different backgrounds together, and this song reflects that idea through music.

15. Go West – Village People

“Go West” has been adopted by football fans across the world. Its hopeful melody makes it perfect for away matches and celebrations.

Over time, fans gave the song new meaning, turning it into a football anthem filled with optimism.

16. Vin-Da-Loo – Fat Les

This song represents the fun and humorous side of football fandom. Popular during tournaments, it is often sung in a playful and carefree way.

It reminds fans that football is also about enjoying the moment, not just winning.

17. We Are the Champions – Queen

“We Are the Champions” is the ultimate victory song. Played after finals and trophy lifts, it symbolizes achievement and success.

Its emotional lyrics make it one of the most respected songs in football history.

18. We Will Rock You – Queen

With its simple beat, this song is perfect for stadium chants. Fans clapping and stomping together create an unforgettable atmosphere.

It has become a universal football anthem used across leagues and competitions.

19. Wavin’ Flag (Celebration Mix) – K’naan

Strongly linked with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, “Wavin’ Flag” carries a message of hope, freedom, and pride.

Its lyrics resonated deeply with fans around the world, making it one of the most meaningful modern football songs.

20. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & the Pacemakers

This song is deeply emotional and symbolic in football culture. Most famously associated with Liverpool FC, it represents loyalty, belief, and unity.

When sung before matches, it creates one of the most powerful moments in football. It is not just a song; it is a promise between fans and players.

2026 FIFA World Cup Official Song – Desire

One of the newest additions to football’s musical legacy is “Desire,” the official FIFA anthem that will be featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Created by British pop star Robbie Williams, with vocals from Italian singer Laura Pausini, Desire was introduced as the first official FIFA anthem in 2025 and is set to be played at major tournaments around the world, including the 2026 World Cup.

Designed to capture the passion, pride, and unity of the game, the song accompanies players as they walk onto the pitch before kickoff and aims to blend music with the emotional intensity of football. While it’s more of an anthem than a traditional pop hit, many fans have already associated Desire with the spirit of the upcoming World Cup, continuing the tradition of memorable football music that connects global audiences.

Final Thoughts

Football songs are more than background music played before kickoff or after a trophy lift. They carry emotions, memories, and stories that fans relive every time the music starts. From World Cup anthems like Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) to timeless stadium chants and victory songs, each track on this list has earned its place in football history.

Players come and go, teams rise and fall, but these songs remain part of the game. They connect generations of fans, turn stadiums into living memories, and remind us why football means so much across the world. As long as the game is played, these songs will continue to echo through stands, streets, and hearts.