Football has always been more than just a game. It’s a ritual steeped in emotion, woven through the fabric of everyday life: from the shirts we wear and the late-night kickoffs we anticipate, to the songs that score its most unforgettable moments.
Music and football share a unique relationship. Some tracks are commissioned as official league themes, while others organically become part of football’s cultural memory, played repeatedly in stadiums, television broadcasts, or radios during our formative years.
Over time, certain songs have grown into unofficial emblems. You can’t mention a league or a club without instantly recalling the melodies that define them.
Premier League and the Songs That Stuck
Before YouTube highlights and digital streaming, many fans experienced the Premier League through Indonesian television broadcasts on channels like TV7 (now Trans7), Lativi (now TVOne), or RCTI. But beyond the visuals, it was often the music that lingered in memory.
“Fire” – Kasabian
Used in Sky Sports promotions around the 2009–2010 season, the track’s explosive “I’m on fire…” refrain became synonymous with high-stakes Premier League action. It remains a sonic symbol of that era’s star players and dramatic moments.
“Football Is Life (Come On England)” – FC Allstars
Though unofficial, this track resonated strongly in Indonesia, TV7 (now Trans7) frequently used it to open Premier League broadcasts. Its heavy bass intro signaled one thing: a big match was coming. It captures the analog-era excitement of weekend football.
“Beautiful Day” – U2
Club Anthems: Soundtracks of Identity
Some songs transcend their popularity to become woven into the identity of clubs. They are not merely played, they are sung, collectively, and act as emotional signifiers of belonging.
Liverpool FC – “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Arguably the most iconic anthem in football. Originally by Gerry and the Pacemakers, the song has come to represent solidarity and loyalty. It’s printed on scarves, echoed in stadiums, and embedded into the ethos of the club.
Manchester United – “Glory Glory Man United”
Once a staple after victories, the anthem carried the spirit of dominance. Today, it also exists in the realm of football banter, mocked and repurposed by rivals, showing how football songs evolve with context.
Chelsea FC – “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis
Not created for the club, but its infectious beat quickly became a celebratory anthem for goals. Its high-energy rhythm made it a natural fit for jubilant moments at Stamford Bridge.
Bayern Munich – “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Though now a fixture across European stadiums, the chant-like simplicity of its riff makes it instantly recognizable. The drum-heavy chorus and crowd-chanting moments have turned this indie rock staple into a pan-European victory anthem.
Other Iconic Football Songs
- “Blue is the Colour” – Chelsea FC: A classic from the 1970s that remains part of the club’s ceremonial soundtrack.
- “Roma Roma Roma” – AS Roma: A grand, passionate anthem sung collectively at the Stadio Olimpico before kickoff, capturing the spirit of Roman pride.
- “O Ville Lumière” – Paris Saint-Germain: A stirring chant that fuels pride and unity among PSG supporters.
When Music Becomes Collective Memory
One might forget the details of a match. But the emotional pull of a song, blaring across a stadium or quietly playing on a home stereo, remains vivid. Music in football acts as a bridge between memory and emotion, present in moments of triumph, defeat, and nostalgia.
Sometimes, all it takes is a single song to transport us back, to a Saturday night in the early 2000s, to TV7’s football broadcast, to a Steven Gerrard goal highlight, or even to a quiet afternoon with MTV playing in the background.
In moments like these, football doesn’t just stay alive. It sings.
