New mode, new look, new sound: the UEFA Champions League is bringing a lot of changes this season. This also includes the new anthem. There was a lot of criticism from fans on the first match day.
The iconic Champions League anthem has been the official song of the premier class for over 30 years. Hardly any other element contributes so much to the magical atmosphere of the Champions League.
For the first time since the European Cup was rebranded as the “Champions League” in 1992, UEFA changed the anthem slightly.
New anthem in the 2024/25 Champions League: That has been changed
The new version doesn’t differ significantly from the original – but some differences are still noticeable. For example, the background music sounds a little quieter and gentler, which makes the choir singing stand out more.
“The original composer, Tony Britten, has given greater prominence to the orchestra and re-recorded the music with a hand-picked orchestra and the internationally renowned choir Tenebrae,” reads UEFA’s official press release.
Why is UEFA changing the CL anthem?
The biggest change for the 2024/25 season concerns the new league mode. The draw for the league phase took place on August 29th and the first matchday began on September 17th.
In keeping with this major sporting change, UEFA has carried out a rebranding – one aspect of which is the new anthem. UEFA has named the new brand identity “Kick of Light”.
“UEFA’s main goal in developing ‘Kick of Light’ was to create a younger, more modern look to the brand that still appeals to the UEFA Champions League’s established fans. It is important to adapt the competition’s identity to digital communication and tailor social media to appeal to younger fans in particular,” UEFA explains the redesign.
In addition to the anthem, the graphic branding has also been slightly updated, with a different “blue” of the Champions League stars and rainbow-colored details.
How are the fans reacting to the new anthem?
The new version was met with dislike by many fans online: “You have ruined the legendary anthem,” writes one user on “X”. “The Conference League anthem is better!” writes another user.
On matchday 1, fans in many stadiums whistled in protest against the new premier class anthem. “The new CL anthem sounds even shittier live,” another fan chose even more drastic words.
Champions League anthem: What is the origin of the original?
The original Champions League anthem was composed in 1992 by British musician Tony Britten and is based on the classic piece “Zadok The Priest” by George Frideric Handel.
The lyrics combine three languages - German, French and English. The unmistakable refrain goes: “The masters, the best – Les grandes équipes – The champions”.
Champions League anthem: These are the lyrics
These are the best teams
They are the very best teams
The main event
The masters, the best
The great teams
The champions
A big meeting
A major sporting event
The main event
They are the best
They are the best
These are the champions
The masters, the best
The great teams
The champions
The Masters, The Best, Les grandes equipes, The champions
