Before each Champions League match kicks off, one of football’s most iconic anthems resonates through the stadium. Delving into the origins of this tune inspired by Handel reveals a rich history
The UEFA Champions League anthem, formally known as ‘Champions League’, is a rendition of Handel’s renowned Coronation Anthem, ‘Zadok the Priest’.
But who orchestrated this adaptation, and for how long has it served as the competition’s musical centerpiece?
The creator behind the Champions League anthem is composer Tony Britten, who was tasked with its composition in 1992 during the tournament’s rebranding.
A graduate of the Royal College of Music, Britten drew heavily from Handel’s revered choral masterpiece – a choice that resonated profoundly.
Interestingly, 1992 marked the debut of Classic FM, where ‘Zadok the Priest’ became the inaugural piece aired on the station.
The rendition of the anthem heard before each match is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.
Swedish author Johan Fornäs describes the anthem as utilizing various components from Handel’s original piece, which are rearranged and adapted to fit the contemporary context.
The anthem spans approximately three minutes in total, comprising two brief verses and the chorus. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates UEFA’s trio of official languages: English, French, and German.
What are the lyrics to the Champions League theme?
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
What are the lyrics when translated into 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
