Football fans around Europe and beyond will soon become accustomed to the UEFA Nations League anthem with the inaugural competition kicking off in just a few days’ time.
The composition reflects the energy and drive behind the branding of this new competition, which intends to emphasise that ‘every game counts’.
“The UEFA Nations League will lead to more drama on the field of play with more meaningful and competitive matches than ever before,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA marketing director.
“It is important that we have an overall brand and especially an anthem that captures all the emotions that come with playing football at the highest level. I am confident that, over time, this new anthem will become synonymous with the passion and drama that this competition will bring.”
Giorgio Tuinfort and Franck van der Heijden composed the new anthem, and recorded it with the help of the Netherlands Radio Choir and the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, which is based in the Dutch town of Hilversum.
“We looked to compose a piece that would symbolise the unity but also the emotion that comes with a very serious competition,” said Tuinfort.
“It is very important to realise where this piece is going to be played … the hundreds of thousands of people that are going to be cheering, laughing and sometimes crying. This inspired me to create a piece that has all these emotional factors.”
The lyrics of the anthem are in Latin, and it was performed in public for the first time at the UEFA Nations League draw in Lausanne in January. The lyrics capture the unity of the supporters, plus the importance of the competition for the respective nations.
“Even though the football players battle it out on the pitch, they still unite people,” Tuinfort added. “For us, this is the most important message.”
