Ranking the Top 9 Champions League Final Opening Ceremonies

Today, the opening ceremony has become an integral part of major events, and the Champions League is no exception. Infused with elements of a country's culture, featuring stunning virtual animations, or showcasing performances by world-renowned artists, the ceremony serves multiple purposes.

It not only builds anticipation among fans before the match begins but also serves as a prominent advertising platform, particularly since the UEFA-PepsiCo partnership began in 2015. Much like the spectacle of the Super Bowl, the Champions League final has hosted performances by top artists like Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Alicia Keys, and Dua Lipa.

As Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund prepare to clash in the 69th final at Wembley in London, the stadium is expected to dazzle with lights, promising yet another memorable show. Let's take a look back at the nine most remarkable opening ceremonies in Champions League history since its inception in 1992.

Ranking factors:

• Artists/performers involved
• The emotions felt
• The quality of the show

9. FC Barcelona vs Arsenal

Year: 2006

Sixteen years prior to the gripping events of the 2022 Champions League final, the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, was the stage for the showdown between Barcelona and Arsenal in 2006. With nearly 80,000 fans filling the stadium to capacity, the French venue set the scene with a dazzling display of light and sound, synchronized to the captivating soundtrack of 'The Chronicles of Narnia', released the year before.

Amidst the choreography performed by dozens of dancers on the pitch, paying homage to football legends of the past like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Paolo Maldini, the anticipation for the imminent clash between the 22 players reached a crescendo. Although there was no headline performer that year, the anthem of the tournament echoed through the stadium with its most resplendent notes. The result? One of the most memorable finals in the competition's storied history.

8. Real Madrid vs Juventus

Year: 2017

On June 3, 2017, Cardiff's Millennium Stadium was electrified by the performance of the Black Eyed Peas, just before the clash between Real Madrid and Juventus. The American group lit up the Welsh stadium with a vibrant and musical spectacle, treating the gathered spectators to a medley of their greatest hits.

From 'I Gotta Feeling' to 'Pump It' and 'Boom Boom Pow', the entire arena pulsated with the infectious rhythms of the California quartet's songs. It set the stage for an unforgettable evening, culminating in Real Madrid clinching the title, marking their second consecutive triumph in the Zinedine Zidane era.

7. Real Madrid vs Liverpool

Year: 2018

In 2018, Kyiv, Ukraine, was selected as the host city for the Champions League final, featuring Liverpool and Real Madrid. The opening ceremony was highly anticipated, with Dua Lipa delivering a stellar performance of her hit songs, including 'One Kiss' and 'No Lie'.

A notable highlight of the evening was the surprise appearance of global sensation Pitbull, who joined Lipa for a duet of 'No Lie'. The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by a Croatian cello duo, providing a musical backdrop as the 22 players made their entrance to the iconic anthem of the competition.

6. Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Year: 2016

The 2016 Champions League final held at Milan's iconic San Siro was a momentous occasion, featuring a rematch between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Alicia Keys graced the opening ceremony with a captivating performance, showcasing her talent accompanied by her piano amidst a stunning choreography.

Adding to the grandeur of the event, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli serenaded the teams' entrance with the powerful rendition of "Il Gladiatore," a song from the soundtrack of the film 'Gladiator.' The combination of Alicia Keys' soulful performance and Bocelli's mesmerizing vocals created an unforgettable atmosphere befitting the prestigious venue.

5. Juventus vs FC Barcelona

Year: 2015

In 2015, the stage was set at Berlin's Olympic Stadium for the showdown between Juventus and FC Barcelona in the Champions League final. Against the backdrop of Coldplay's "A Sky full of stars," Woodkid's "Iron," and Macklemore's "Can't Hold Us," a captivating choreography evoking symbols of the German capital, including the iconic Brandenburg Gate, captivated the audience before the players took to the pitch.

Adding to the spectacle, the anthem of the prestigious competition was performed by a duo for the first time, with German soprano Nina Maria Fischer and Spanish tenor Manuel Gomez Ruiz delivering a stirring rendition. The electrifying atmosphere set the stage for one of the most unforgettable finals in recent memory.

4. Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Year: 2014

In 2014, Lisbon's Estadio da Luz was the esteemed venue for the Champions League final clash between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid. Kicking off the festivities, Portuguese football icon Luis Figo had the honor of presenting the coveted trophy to the fans gathered at Benfica's iconic stadium.

The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair, featuring a show meticulously crafted by London-based choreographer Wanda Rokicki. The performance, which involved six months of preparation and 400 volunteers, paid homage to Portuguese culture, its illustrious maritime history, and its exquisite tradition of tile artistry. Adding to the cultural immersion, the ceremony welcomed the 22 players onto the pitch with a soul-stirring performance by Mariza, a renowned fado singer known for her emotive vocal style synonymous with Portugal.

3. Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan

Year: 2010