Songs about soccer | Western music edition

World Cup WillieLonnie Donegan

World Cup Willie

A song inspired by the official mascot of the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England was created in 1965 by Lonnie Donegan, who hailed from Glasgow, Scotland.

Active on the British music scene, Donegan skillfully blended a novelty-song flavor with pop elements to craft a piece that would resonate with football fans.

Celebrating the first lion character in the history of FIFA World Cup official mascots, the song has a bright, cheerful vibe and a comfortable feel that’s perfect for a drive.

Released as a 7-inch single, it captured people’s hearts with a lion wearing a Union Jack football shirt.

It’s a track brimming with the distinctive charm of Donegan, who also collaborated with Elton John and Ringo Starr on the album Puttin’ On The Style.

VindalooFat Les

Fat Les – Vindaloo (Official HD Video)

While rooted in British pop rock, this approachable song incorporates brass band sounds and chant-like elements reminiscent of stadium anthems.

Released in 1998 by Fat Les—a group formed by Alex James of Blur, Keith Allen, and Damien Hirst—the track was created for the FIFA World Cup.

Peaking at No.

2 on the UK Singles Chart, it was intended as a parody of football chants, but ultimately became embraced as a rallying song for the England national team.

The music video parodies The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” was filmed in Hoxton, London, and features a large crowd generating a festive atmosphere.

It’s the perfect tune for moments when you want to get pumped up, such as watching matches at sports bars or pubs.

(How Does it Feel to Be) On Top of the WorldEngland United

England United ‎- (How Does It Feel To Be) On Top of the World

England United, a dream supergroup uniting world-class artists, brought together leading figures from the UK music scene—including the Spice Girls and Echo & the Bunnymen—to release a rousing anthem that captured the hearts of football fans.

Created for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the track is a pop-rock tune distinguished by its catchy melody and powerful rhythm.

It reached No.

9 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over 94,000 copies.

The group performed the song on Top of the Pops, and it garnered attention from the BBC and The Guardian.

It’s a perfect track to accompany a football match or to energize any sporting moment.

LOVEGianluca Vacchi, Sebastián Yatra

Gianluca Vacchi, Sebastián Yatra – LOVE

The collaboration “LOVE” by Gianluca Vacchi and Sebastián Yatra is a passionate, heartwarming track that lights up the football stadium.

Featured during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, this song had the power to unite fans around the world.

Its lyrics carry a universal message—that everyone seeks love—which resonates across skin color and nationality.

Consider adding it to your playlist for a drive or as motivation before a match.

Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Jurgen Klinsmann?Tonedef All Stars

Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Jurgen Klinnsman? [Don’t Panic Mix]

This is a humorous parody song by the UK’s Tone Deaf All Stars, formed to boost excitement for the FIFA World Cup.

Built on the classic theme of the popular TV series Dad’s Army, it’s an ambitious work that deftly expresses patriotism and passion for football.

It gained attention on a BBC radio program in May 2006 and reached No.

13 on the UK charts, remaining on the chart for four consecutive weeks.

The project drew buzz for featuring numerous celebrities, including former professional boxer Frank Bruno, as well as members of the 1966 World Cup–winning team Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.

Its upbeat melody and charming humor are sure to elevate your mood on a drive.

Hot Shot TottenhamChas & Dave with Tottenham Hotspur

Chas & Dave with Tottenham Hotspur – “Hot Shot Tottenham” live on Blue Peter 1987

The British pop-rock duo Chas & Dave released a song in 1987 together with Tottenham Hotspur FC that has become an exhilarating anthem for football fans.

Featuring powerful piano tones and sing-along-friendly lyrics, the track vividly showcases the “rockney” style born in London’s East End.

Created to commemorate Tottenham Hotspur’s advance to the FA Cup final, it achieved a brilliant peak of No.

18 on the UK Singles Chart.

With an atmosphere that makes you want to belt it out with fellow supporters at a match, its irresistibly catchy melody will have you humming along after just one listen.

It’s the perfect song to build pre-match excitement.

Playground SuperstarHappy Mondays

Happy Mondays – Playground Superstar

This is a striking track by Happy Mondays, the band that epitomized the UK Madchester scene, created in 2005 for the soundtrack of the football film Goal!.

Blending indie rock with dance beats, the song showcases Shaun Ryder’s distinctive vocals and reached number 51 on the UK Singles Chart.

Its energetic guitar riffs and rhythmic beats complement the film’s storyline, generating a refreshing rush that perfectly suits sports scenes.

It’s a great pick for warming up before exercise or getting pumped before watching a game.