The Official Full Lyrics Of The Uefa Champions League Anthem

The UEFA Champions League Anthem is one of the most iconic pieces of music in sports. It has become synonymous with European football's premier club competition, setting the stage for dramatic encounters and unforgettable moments.

 

History and Composition

The anthem was composed by Tony Britten in 1992, specifically for the newly rebranded UEFA Champions League. Britten, an English composer and graduate of the Royal College of Music, drew inspiration from George Frideric Handel’s "Zadok the Priest," a piece that has been traditionally performed at British coronations since 1727. The composition by Britten features a similar majestic and grandiose style, fitting for the prestigious nature of the tournament.

Performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields chorus, the anthem includes lyrics in UEFA's three official languages: English, French, and German.

 

Lyrics

The lyrics are simple yet powerful, encapsulating the spirit of the competition. They are a mix of English, French, and German phrases celebrating the best teams in Europe. Here’s a look at the lyrics:

 

Ce sont les meilleurs

(Eles são os melhores)

Die Meister

(Os mestres)

Die Besten

(Os melhores)

Les grandes équipes

(As grandes equipes)

The champions

 

Une grande réunion

(Uma grande reunião)

Eine große sportliche Veranstaltung

(Um grande evento esportivo)

The main event

 

Ils sont les meilleurs

(Eles são os melhores)

These are the champions

 

Die Meister

(Os mestres)

Die Besten

(Os melhores)

Les grandes équipes

(As grandes equipes)

The champions

 

Die Meister

(Os mestres)

Die Besten

(Os melhores)

Les grandes équipes

(As grandes equipes)

The champions

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The anthem is a mix of the three official languages of UEFA: English, French, and German. The lyrics translate to:

---

They are the best

The masters

The best

The big teams

The champions

 

A big meeting

A great sporting event

The main event

 

They are the best

These are the champions

 

The masters

The best

The big teams

The champions

 

The masters

The best

The big teams

The champions

 

Cultural Impact

The anthem is played before every Champions League match, from the group stages to the final, and is also featured in the opening and closing sequences of all broadcasts. This ritual has made the anthem an essential part of the competition’s identity. Its familiar strains evoke excitement and anticipation among players and fans alike. Renowned players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have expressed their emotional connection to the anthem, with Ronaldo even being filmed singing along before a match.

 

Performances

Over the years, the anthem has been performed live by various artists at the finals, adding to the spectacle of the event. Notable performances include those by opera singer Andrea Bocelli, who has sung the anthem at several finals, and violinist David Garrett.

 

Availability

Interestingly, the anthem is not available for legal purchase or download through traditional means, although it can be streamed on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. This exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a piece of music that fans eagerly await hearing at the start of each match.

 

Conclusion

In summary, the UEFA Champions League Anthem is more than just a piece of music; it is a symbol of footballing excellence and the drama of European club competition. Its majestic composition and multilingual lyrics reflect the diverse and unifying nature of the sport, making it an enduring part of football culture.