The Champions League Anthem has taken on iconic status among football fans since being introduced for the debut of the new competition in 1992, building up the anticipation of the crowd by being played immediately before kick-off in every match in the competition.
Champions League 2017-18: Qualified teams
It even reaches those watching at home as it is given an airing at the beginning and end of every match broadcast around the world, though it is not available to buy or download legally.
The anthem was composed by Tony Britten, a graduate of the Royal College of Music, in the style of the famous 18th-century musician George Frederic Handel. It is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields chorus, both of which are based in London.
The lyrics are a mix of UEFA’s three official languages: English, French and German. The full words, as well as an English translation, can be found below.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ANTHEM LYRICS
Ce sont les meilleures équipes Es sind die allerbesten Mannschaften The main event
Die Meister Die Besten Les grandes équipes The champions
Une grande réunion Eine grosse sportliche Veranstaltung The main event
Die Meister Die Besten Les grandes équipes The champions
Ils sont les meilleurs Sie sind die Besten These are the champions
Die Meister Die Besten Les grandes équipes The champions
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ANTHEM LYRICS (ENGLISH)
They are the best teams They are the best teams The main event The master The best The great teams The champions A big meeting A great sporting event The main event
The master The best The great teams The champions They are the best They are the best These are the champions The master The best The champions
