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The UEFA Champions League anthem was composed by English composer Tony Britten in 1992 for the rebranding of the European Cup. Adapted from George Frideric Handel's coronation anthem Zadok the Priest, it is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields chorus singing in English, French and German. Played as players line up before every match, it became inseparable from European football and is now a global shorthand for prestige, high stakes and elite competition.
About this sound
The UEFA Champions League anthem, the orchestral theme heard before every match. Used by creators for football edits, hype intros and sports moments.
This is the official UEFA Champions League anthem, a grand orchestral piece with a soaring choir singing in English, French and German. It opens with swelling strings and brass before the choir delivers the famous refrain, building to a triumphant, stadium-sized climax. The full theme runs about half a minute in this version, capturing the ceremony of players lining up under the lights. Hearing it instantly creates anticipation and prestige, turning even a casual clip into something that feels like a major European night.
