15 Best Football Anthems In The World (Ranked)

Football anthems have a unique ability to ignite passion and unite fans across the globe. Whether it's a catchy melody or a spine-tingling lyric, these iconic songs transcend rivalries and bring supporters together in shared emotion.

Every club, from the grassroots of non-league football to the heights of Champions League glory, has its own chant. It might not always be tuneful or original, but it’s sung with heart—and that’s what truly matters.

The absence of fans during the pandemic reminded us just how vital these chants are. Without the roar from the stands, matches lost their soul. As we celebrate the sounds that define the sport, Betimate has explored the most beloved football anthems and compiled a list of those that have stood the test of time.

Ranking criteria:

• Intimidation – A powerful anthem should stir home fans and rattle the opposition.

• Memorability – The best songs are the ones you can’t get out of your head.

• Resonance – Great lyrics add meaning and identity, connecting deeply with fans.

15. The Liquidator

Chelsea

Originally an instrumental reggae track from the 1960s, The Liquidator has echoed through stadiums belonging to clubs like Northampton Town, St Johnstone, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. But no team is more synonymous with the tune than Chelsea.

Blasted through the speakers at Stamford Bridge as the players walk onto the pitch, The Liquidator has become one of the most iconic pre-match anthems in English football. It’s a ritual cherished by Blues fans—a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone before kickoff. And now, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the team looks to be returning to the identity and edge that defined Chelsea's dominance in the 21st century, following a couple of turbulent seasons.

14. Sunshine on Leith

Hibernian

One of the two major clubs in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, Hibernian have long been defined—at least in the wider football world—by their fierce derby clashes with city rivals Hearts. Founded in 1875, the club endured a rocky start before settling into their permanent home at Easter Road in Leith in 1893, where they’ve played ever since.

Their pre-match anthem, Sunshine on Leith, is a heartfelt tribute to their roots. Released in the 1980s by Scottish duo The Proclaimers—also known for their hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)—the song quickly struck a chord with Hibs fans. It didn’t take long for it to become the club’s unofficial anthem, resonating deeply in the stands and symbolising the club’s enduring connection to its community.

Chorus:

While I'm worth my room on this Earth

I will be with you

While the Chief puts sunshine on Leith

I'll thank Him for His work

And your birth, and my birth

13. Himno Centenario

Sevilla

Is there a club more closely tied to the Europa League than Sevilla? The Spanish side has made the competition their own, lifting the trophy a record seven times—more than any other team in Europe. For decades, Sevilla have been a consistent force in Spanish football, regularly securing qualification for European tournaments.

Their anthem, Himno del Centenario, was released by local artist El Arrebato in 2005 and quickly became a cherished part of the club’s identity. Played before every match at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, it’s passionately sung by the home supporters. During his successful spell as manager, Unai Emery even insisted his players learn the anthem by heart—emphasising just how much it means to the club and its culture.

Translated Chorus:

And that's why I've come to watch you today,

I'll be a Sevillista until I die,

The Giralda looks proudly on Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán,

And Sevilla, Sevilla, Sevilla, here we are with you Sevilla,

Sharing the glory in your badge, the footballing pride of our city.

12. Z-Cars Theme

Everton

Z-Cars was a British police drama that aired from 1961 to 1978, set in and around Liverpool. Given its local ties, it didn’t take long for Everton to embrace the show’s theme tune as their own. While Watford have also used the song at Vicarage Road, it’s far more iconic when played at Goodison Park.

The instrumental track has become a pre-match staple, stirring the crowd and setting the tone for kickoff. When the atmosphere is at its best, Goodison can be one of the most electric grounds in the country—and Z-Cars plays no small part in that. As Everton prepare for their move to a new stadium, it’s hard to imagine the tradition not carrying over.

11. Going Home: Theme of The Local Hero

Newcastle United

Going Home: Theme of The Local Hero was released in the early 1980s as the debut solo single from Mark Knopfler, best known as the frontman of Dire Straits. Having grown up in Newcastle, Knopfler has always been a proud supporter of Newcastle United — so it’s only fitting that the track became an anthem for the Magpies.

The instrumental piece is now played before every home game at St James’ Park. As the iconic saxophone melody hits, the atmosphere in the stadium builds, with fans often joining in to create a spine-tingling pre-match moment. It’s become a defining soundtrack to football on Tyneside.

10. Glory Glory Man United

Manchester United

Manchester United, one of the most decorated clubs in football history, proudly celebrate their legacy with the iconic anthem "Glory Glory Man United." First recorded ahead of the 1983 FA Cup final against Brighton — a match they went on to win — the song has evolved over the years, adapting to new eras, squads, and styles of play.

Chanted passionately by fans both home and away, the anthem has become a defining symbol of United’s rich heritage. Its presence is so strong, in fact, that rival supporters often respond with their own colorful versions of the lyrics — particularly the famous line, “Who are Man United?”

Chorus:

Glory glory Man United,

Glory glory Man United,

Glory glory Man United,

As the Reds go marching on, on, on!

9. Will Grigg's On Fire

Northern Ireland

House singer Gala had a trio of UK hits, but it's "Freed From Desire" that has truly stood the test of time — and football has played a massive role in keeping it alive. Fans across the globe have adopted the infectious chorus, tweaking it to chant the names of their favourite goal scorers and declare that they’re “on fire.”

The most famous version came courtesy of Northern Ireland supporters during Euro 2016, who belted out “Will Grigg’s on fire, your defence is terrified.” The chant went viral and became the nation’s unofficial anthem for the tournament, even inspiring DJ Kenno to release it as a full track.

Other popular takes have featured the likes of Aleksandar Mitrović, Jarrod Bowen, and Jamie Vardy, while the Belgian national team have also embraced the track as an unofficial anthem — regularly blasting it through stadiums at home games and major tournaments.

Chorus:

Will Grigg's on fire,

Your defence is terrified,

Will Grigg's on fire,

Your defence is terrified,

C'mon

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na

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8. Stern Des Sudens

Bayern Munich

"Stern des Südens", or "Star of the South", is a beloved football anthem deeply tied to Bayern Munich. Written by German musicians Willy Astor and Stephan Lehmann, the song has become a staple at the Allianz Arena, regularly sung by fans who take immense pride in both the club’s decorated legacy and the Bavarian identity it represents.

With its uplifting rhythm and infectious chorus, the anthem radiates optimism and unites supporters in celebration of their team. It’s little wonder that “Stern des Südens” has become a go-to for German football lovers—especially those backing the most decorated club in Bundesliga history.

Translated chorus:

FC Bayern, Star of the South,

You will never go down,

Because we stand by each other in good times and bad.

FC Bayern, German champions,

Yes, that's the name of my club,

Yes, that's how it was and that's how it is and that's how it always will be!

7. Blue Moon

Manchester City

"Blue Moon" is a classic ballad penned in 1934 by musical theatre icons Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers. While it originally gained popularity in the 1930s—reaching number one in Variety magazine in 1935—it has since taken on a new life as the anthem of Manchester City, symbolising hope, resilience, and transformation.

Just a year after the song's initial success, City claimed their first league title, and over time, "Blue Moon" became an emotional reflection of the club’s own journey—rising and falling through the decades. Though the club’s fortunes have soared over the past 15 years, the anthem continues to be a cherished part of their identity, echoing through the Etihad Stadium before every home match.

Chorus:

I said Blue Moon,

You saw me standing alone,

Without a dream in my heart,

Without a love of my own.

6. The Angel (North London Forever)

Arsenal

Arsenal’s embrace of “The Angel”—a stirring modern anthem written by lifelong fan and Islington native Louis Dunford—came about in the most authentic way possible. The song began making the rounds through social media before organically finding its way into the hearts and voices of those at the Emirates Stadium.

Built around the powerful line “North London forever,” the anthem has been passionately sung before every Arsenal home match since 2022. Its arrival has coincided with a resurgence in the club’s performances, only strengthening its emotional connection with fans and players alike. Club captain Martin Ødegaard even revealed: “I always listen as they play ‘North London Forever’ over the speakers, and I start singing along under my breath.”

Chorus:

North London forever,

Whatever the weather,

These streets are our own,

And my heart will leave you never,

My blood will forever,

Run through the stone.

5. Marching On Together

Leeds United

“Marching On Together” is the iconic anthem of Leeds United, deeply woven into the fabric of the club’s identity. Its roots go back to the 1972 FA Cup final, when Leeds players celebrated by singing “Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!” in the Wembley dressing room. Inspired by that moment, songwriters Les Reed and Barry Mason crafted “Marching On Together,” which went on to become a hit, spending nearly three months on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 10.

The anthem, which unites fans and players alike, is played just before kick-off and again at the start of the second half at every home match at Elland Road. It’s tradition for every Leeds supporter to rise and sing it with pride. Over time, the rousing chant has also been embraced by other Leeds-based sports teams, most notably the Leeds Rhinos rugby league side.

Chorus:

Marching On Together!

We're gonna see you win,

Na na na na na na,

We are so proud,

We shout it out loud we love you, Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!

4. Cant del Barca

Barcelona

The Catalan anthem "Cant del Barça" is one of the most iconic football songs in the world. Originally released in 1974 to celebrate FC Barcelona’s 75th anniversary, it quickly became a core part of the club’s identity. Composer Manuel Valls won a public competition to create the music, pairing it with Catalan lyrics written by Josep Maria Espinàs and Jaume Picas.

The anthem made its debut at Camp Nou with a powerful performance by a 3,500-strong choir ahead of a friendly against East Germany. Today, "Cant del Barça" remains a cherished tradition, proudly sung by fans before every home game — a symbol of unity, pride, and the club’s deep-rooted Catalan heritage.

Translate chorus:

Blue maroon in the wind

A valiant cry

We have a name

That everyone knows:

Barca, Barca, Barca!

3. Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)

England

Released ahead of Euro ’96, Three Lions has become one of the most iconic football anthems of all time. Written by Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, with lyrics by comedians and football fanatics David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, the song perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of being an England supporter — the endless cycle of heartbreak, resilience, and undying hope.

Its unforgettable chorus — "It's coming home" — has become a cultural phenomenon, echoing through stadiums and living rooms every time England take the pitch in a major tournament. Despite its hopeful tone, the song also embraces the reality of repeated disappointment. Even rivals have taken notice: after Italy’s penalty shootout win in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, captain Leonardo Bonucci mocked the anthem with a cheeky, “Football’s coming to Rome,” live on camera.

Chorus:

Three Lions on a shirt,

Jules Rimet still gleaming,

No more years of hurt,

No more need for dreaming,

…

It's coming home, it's coming home,

It's coming, football's coming home,

It's coming home, it's coming home,

It's coming, football's coming home

2. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles

West Ham United

"I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" is the cherished anthem of West Ham United, steeped in tradition and emotion. Originally a popular music hall tune from the early 1900s, it found its way into Hammers folklore in the 1930s and has been sung passionately by fans at both Upton Park and, more recently, the London Stadium.

The song was introduced to the club by then-manager Charlie Paynter, who was inspired after spotting a young trialist who resembled a boy from a well-known soap advertisement linked to the tune. Since then, its wistful melody and sentimental lyrics have become an integral part of the West Ham identity, ringing out before every home game and uniting generations of supporters in song.

Chorus:

Fortunes always hiding,

I've looked everywhere,

I'm forever blowing bubbles,

Pretty bubbles in the air,

United! United!

1. You'll Never Walk Alone

Liverpool

Sitting proudly at the top of our list is the legendary "You'll Never Walk Alone" – arguably the most iconic football anthem in the world. Originally a show tune from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel, it was adopted by Liverpool FC in 1963 and has become inseparable from the club’s identity ever since.

The story goes that Gerry Marsden, frontman of Gerry and the Pacemakers, handed a recording of the song to then-manager Bill Shankly. Shankly was instantly moved and championed it as the club's official anthem. Since then, it has echoed around Anfield before every match, creating one of the most spine-tingling atmospheres in football. The anthem’s name is even immortalised in iron above the Shankly Gates at the stadium.

"You’ll Never Walk Alone" is more than just a song – it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and unwavering support. From the club’s highest highs, like their six European Cup triumphs, to the deepest lows of Hillsborough and Heysel, it has been a guiding light for the Liverpool faithful.

Though other clubs like Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Twente have embraced the anthem in their own way, it’s the fans at Anfield who have poured the most heart into its every word – making it a timeless symbol of hope and solidarity in the world of football.

Chorus:

Walk on through the wind,

Walk on through the rain,

For your dreams be tossed and blown,

Walk on, walk on,

With hope in your heart,

And you’ll never walk alone,

You’ll never walk alone!