WithFeeling got together and thought about the top theme songs from the Euros. The official song for UEFA EURO 2024, "Fire," performed by MEDUZA, OneRepublic, and Leony, aims to ignite excitement and passion among football fans worldwide. Written by Ryan Tedder and produced by MEDUZA, this anthem sets the stage for this year's tournament held in Germany. Supported by The Coca-Cola Company, AXE, and LIDL, "Fire" not only energises fans but also features initiatives like LIDL's "Lidl Kids Team," allowing over 1,100 children to be official player escorts during the tournament.
Join us as we take a look through history at the most memorable and impactful Euros theme songs – the good, the bad, and the hideous! As a sonic branding agency with a soft spot for football (and being mostly England fans), we'll also highlight our top hit.
WithFeeling's Number 1 Champion
"Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)" by Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds (Euro 96)
The quintessential football anthem for England, filled with optimism and a catchy chorus that every fan knows by heart.
Interesting fact: It’s been re-released multiple times and is a chart-topping hit whenever England does well in tournaments.
Pros: Universally loved by English fans and synonymous with hope.
Cons: Absolutely none! Ok, well, If you’re not an England fan, it might get on your nerves after the 50th play. 😛
The Others!
"Campione 2000" by E-Type (Euro 2000)
Interesting Fact: E-Type, a Swedish artist, turned this song into a massive hit across Europe. It became the unofficial anthem of Euro 2000, perfectly capturing the tournament's electric atmosphere.
Pros: This track is pure energy, ideal for getting the crowd hyped before a match. Its catchy, repetitive hook makes it an unforgettable earworm – exactly what you want in a sports anthem. Fans can't help but sing along, creating a united, lively vibe.
Cons: If you’re not a fan of repetition, this might not be your jam. But let’s be real, in the world of sports anthems, being memorable is a win.
"Força" by Nelly Furtado (Euro 2004)
An upbeat track that mixes Portuguese flair with a positive, feel-good vibe.
Interesting Fact: Nelly Furtado’s Portuguese heritage shines through in this celebratory tune, adding authenticity and cultural pride to the anthem.
Pros: Infectiously positive and brimming with cultural pride, "Força" is a feel-good anthem that gets everyone in the spirit of celebration. Its vibrant energy and catchy chorus make it a standout track that fans can't help but sing along to.
Cons: Some might feel it leans more towards a carnival tune than a traditional football anthem. But honestly, who doesn't love a good carnival vibe at a football match?
"Can You Hear Me?" by Enrique Iglesias (Euro 2008)
A catchy pop song from one of the biggest stars in the music world, bringing a mainstream pop vibe to the Euros.
Interesting Fact: Enrique performed this song at the closing ceremony of Euro 2008, adding a touch of glamour and star power to the event.
Pros: Hugely popular and incredibly easy to sing along to, this track brought Enrique's signature style to the football world, making it a favourite among fans who enjoy a bit of mainstream pop with their sports.
Cons: Some purists might find it a bit too commercial and feel it lacks the traditional football spirit. But hey, it's all about the vibe and this song definitely brings it.
"Endless Summer" by Oceana (Euro 2012)
This song brings summer vibes to the football field with its lively and danceable rhythm.
Interesting Fact: Oceana’s performance of this song became one of the highlights of Euro 2012, adding a fresh and vibrant energy to the tournament.
Pros: Perfect for a dance party, this track’s infectious rhythm gets everyone moving and adds a festive, celebratory atmosphere to the event. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an instant hit among fans.
Cons: Some might feel it’s a bit too beachy for a traditional football anthem, leaning more towards a summer party vibe than the usual sports-centric tunes. However, this lighthearted feel can be a refreshing change, making the tournament feel like a grand festival.
The UEFA European Championship songs and anthems have been a significant part of the tournament's heritage, playing a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the overall experience for fans. These songs are adopted officially to be used as warm-ups, to accompany the championships during the event, and as souvenir reminders of the events, as well as for advertising campaigns leading up to the European Championship. This practice not only gives the singers exceptional universal coverage but also embeds these songs in the collective memory of football fans worldwide.
These anthems are usually multilingual, incorporating English along with the languages of the host country and other widely spoken languages such as Spanish. Official versions often lead to cover versions in many other languages, performed either by the original artist or by local artists.
For instance, "Fire," the official song for UEFA EURO 2024, performed by MEDUZA, OneRepublic, and Leony, embodies the fervour and spirit of football and music fans alike. Written by Ryan Tedder and produced by MEDUZA, this anthem is designed to ignite excitement and passion among fans, making it a memorable part of the tournament held in Germany. Supported by The Coca-Cola Company, AXE, and LIDL, "Fire" also features initiatives like LIDL's "Lidl Kids Team," which allows over 1,100 children to be official player escorts during the tournament.
Throughout the years, the UEFA European Championship has seen a variety of anthems, each reflecting the cultural and musical zeitgeist of its time. From the nostalgic "Un'estate Italiana" by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini for Italia 90, to the high-energy "This One's For You" by David Guetta ft. Zara Larsson for Euro 2016, each song has left an indelible mark on the history of the tournament.
These anthems are more than just songs; they are integral to the identity and legacy of the UEFA European Championship, uniting fans, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories. As the tournament continues to evolve, the importance of these anthems in enriching the football experience remains undiminished.
For a comprehensive list of UEFA European Championship songs and anthems, along with details about the performers and the context of each song, you can visit the Wikipedia page.
"This One's For You" by David Guetta ft. Zara Larsson (Euro 2016)
A high-energy, modern anthem that brought fans together across the continent.
Interesting fact: Fans from all participating countries were invited to contribute to the song.
Pros: Energetic and unifying.
Cons: Feels a bit like a typical dance track rather than a unique football song.
"We Are the People" by Martin Garrix, Bono, and The Edge (Euro 2020)
A powerful collaboration aiming to inspire unity and resilience.
Interesting Fact: The song was delayed along with the tournament due to the pandemic but still managed to capture the spirit of the event perfectly.
Pros: This track boasts a great collaboration between Martin Garrix and U2’s Bono and The Edge, delivering a strong message of unity and resilience that resonates well with fans. Its anthemic quality and emotional depth make it a standout piece for the Euros.
Cons: Mixed reviews on its overall impact, with some fans finding it too mellow compared to more upbeat anthems. However, its emotional and unifying message struck a chord with many.
Manic Street Preachers - Together Stronger (C'mon Wales) [Official Video]
A rousing anthem capturing the pride and spirit of the Welsh team and their fans during Euro 2016.
Interesting Fact: Released to support Wales in their first major tournament in over 50 years, performed by the beloved Welsh band, the Manic Street Preachers.
Pros: Uplifting, easy to sing along to, and deeply connected to Welsh national pride, this anthem resonates strongly with fans. Its energetic and passionate vibe makes it a favourite for both the team and supporters, creating a powerful sense of unity and celebration.
Cons: Tailored specifically to Welsh fans, which may limit its broader appeal. However, its strong connection to the team and fans is precisely what makes it so special.
Benny Andersson - UEFA Euro 1992 Theme
An instrumental theme that perfectly captured the spirit of the 1992 Euros held in Sweden.
Interesting Fact: Composed by Benny Andersson of ABBA fame, this theme added a touch of Swedish musical heritage to the tournament, making it uniquely memorable.
Pros: Evocative and stirring, this instrumental track has a timeless quality that remains memorable even decades later. Its orchestral arrangement perfectly matches the grandeur and excitement of the Euros, creating an immersive experience for fans.
Cons: As an instrumental, it lacks the sing-along appeal of lyrical anthems. While its evocative power is undeniable, some might miss the vocal element that can make an anthem more universally engaging.
Fire (Official UEFA EURO 2024 Song)
The official song for UEFA EURO 2024, "Fire," aims to ignite excitement and passion among football fans worldwide.
Interesting Fact: Supported by major sponsors like The Coca-Cola Company, AXE, and LIDL, the song includes initiatives like LIDL's "Lidl Kids Team," enabling over 1,100 children to be official player escorts during the tournament. Ryan Tedder, a prolific songwriter known for his contributions to various global events, co-wrote this anthem, showcasing his knack for crafting memorable and impactful songs.
Pros: High-energy and engaging, "Fire" is designed to get fans pumped up and ready for the matches. The strong corporate backing enhances its visibility and reach, ensuring it resonates with a wide audience. The involvement of popular artists like MEDUZA, OneRepublic, and Leony adds to its appeal, making it a catchy and memorable anthem.
Cons: The hook is quite short, which might become repetitive and less engaging when looped throughout the day during TV broadcasts of the Euros. This could make it less appealing for continuous listening.
It's Coming Home!
Theme songs for major events like the Euros play a critical role in setting the tone and enhancing the overall experience for fans. They become anthems that unite people, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories.
At WithFeeling, we understand the power of music in creating these unforgettable moments. Our work on the Expo 2020 theme song and the Dubai World Cup theme song showcases our commitment to crafting soundscapes that resonate with audiences worldwide. Theme songs are more than just background music; they are integral to the identity and legacy of events, leaving a lasting impact long after the final whistle blows.
By carefully selecting the right melody and lyrics, a theme song can encapsulate the spirit of an event, turning fleeting moments into timeless memories. As we continue to explore new sonic branding opportunities, we are excited to see how music will shape the future of global events and bring people together in celebration.
This is our time to shine, and we look forward to creating more iconic themes that will inspire and unite people around the world.
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