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If there’s one thing that can inspire passion and emotion - other than music - then it’s sport… and when the two collide, it can be incredible. That’s why sport and music are the perfect bedfellows…, with the right anthem being capable of transforming a great event into an unforgettable experience. It can unite fans, inspire athletes - and evoke passion, energy, and emotion across the board. 

With that being said, here are some of the greatest-ever sporting anthems ever…

We Will Rock You by Queen

There are few songs out there as synonymous with sports as Queen’s iconic tune… We Will Rock You. Released back in 1977, this anthem gets everyone stamping their feet, clapping their hands - and singing along throughout stadiums all over the world. It has a call-and-response style that makes it perfect for rallying fans and players alike - and the lyrics are all about getting one over on the competition!

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

When it comes to motivation, it really doesn’t get any better than Eye of the Tiger  - and if you’ve ever trained for a sport, you’ll know that when this tune comes on, energy levels go up tenfold. 

Written for the 1982 film Rocky III, it didn’t take long for this track to quickly become an anthem for athletes who need that extra push when the going gets tough. It has a legendary guitar riff and powerful lyrics that make it a staple in any training playlists and sporting montage.

Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Released back in 2003, Seven Nation Army has become a global phenomenon in the world of sports - thanks to its unforgettable bass line that is chanted by fans all over the world… at football stadiums, basketball courts, pretty much everywhere. 

It first hit the sporting big time when it was adopted by Italian football fans during the 2006 FIFA World Cup - and it’s no longer just an Indie song, it’s a sporting anthem icon to rally the masses.

Chariots of Fire by Vangelis

Everyone knows this hauntingly beautiful theme from the 1981 film of the same name - and it’s now one of the most iconic pieces of sporting music ever. It was composed by Greek musician Vangelis, and it manages to capture the emotional highs and lows of being an athlete - success and failure. 

Nessun Dorma by Luciano Pavarotti

Opera may not be the kind of music you’d necessarily associate with sports, but Luciano Pavarotti’s performance of Nessun Dorma ended up becoming the unofficial anthem of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.  With its dramatic crescendos and powerful vocals, it really reflects the drama and emotions of sports - and it’s always a favourite when celebrating triumph (and when singing in a talent show)!

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

This one was a bit of a surprise hit in the world of sports - and it’s sung a lot by sports fans… and anyone who watches England football matches will have probably sung along to it at some point!

But it’s not just for footie fans - it’s sung at all different sporting events thanks to its singalong chorus and cheerful vibes.  Whenever the Three Lions are topping the UK online betting odds, you can be guaranteed that this will be on the radio… along with Vindaloo and Three Lions (It’s Coming Home). 

Three Lions: Baddiel and Skinner and the Lightning Seeds

Speaking of which… You know that there’s a major football tournament on the horizon when this one starts getting played. Released back in 1996, this is played literally every 2 years and England fans sing along… with the hope and belief that maybe, this time, it will come home. Of course, it never actually happens, but it inspires fans to hope!

You'll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers

No list of sporting anthems would be complete without You’ll Never Walk Alone - the official anthem of Liverpool FC fans. If you’ve ever stood at Anfield and heard the fans sing this song in unison, you’ll be surprised at the emotion it evokes, even in the hardest of hearts. Originally from the musical Carousel, this is a song about unity and perseverance that has made it one of the biggest hits of all time - inside and outside the sporting world.

Songs that Matter

Ultimately sporting anthems are more than just background music—they are inspiring, they unite fans, and they evoke emotions in everyone involved- athletes and fans. No matter what the team, what the sport or what the event, the right song can take the whole experience to the very next level