The 15 Most Iconic Football Anthems – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

April 13, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football wouldn’t be the same without its songs. From spine-tingling walkout anthems to emotional club hymns sung by thousands in unison, these tunes define the matchday experience. Some anthems are intimidating, others unforgettable—and a few go far beyond sport, representing identity, culture, and tradition.

We’ve taken a closer look at 15 of the most iconic football songs in the world and ranked them based on their impact, memorability, and meaning.

15. Chelsea – The Liquidator

Chelsea FC — Photo: kreditering: 4kclips / Shutterstock.com

This reggae-inspired instrumental has been a pre-match tradition at Stamford Bridge for decades. Although it has no lyrics, the pounding rhythm and crowd chants give it an unmistakable identity among Chelsea fans.

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14. Everton – Z-Cars Theme

Borrowed from a 1960s British police drama, this instrumental is deeply rooted in Everton’s history. The unique connection to the city of Liverpool gives the song a nostalgic, almost cinematic quality before kickoff.

13. Newcastle United – Going Home: Theme of The Local Hero

Composed by Geordie native Mark Knopfler, this saxophone-heavy instrumental captures the spirit of the city. Played as the Magpies walk out at St. James’ Park, it provides a calm yet emotional prelude to the noise that follows.

12. Hibernian – Sunshine on Leith

Adopted from Scottish band The Proclaimers, this anthem resonates deeply with the club’s roots in Leith, Edinburgh. Its lyrics bring fans together in emotional harmony before key matches, particularly in local derbies.

11. Sevilla – Himno Centenario

Written to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary in 2005, this passionate anthem quickly became a staple at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. With its stirring lyrics, it perfectly captures the pride of being a Sevillista.

10. Manchester United – Glory Glory Man United

Set to the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” this chant has followed United through decades of success. It’s a staple at Old Trafford and beyond, symbolizing the club’s tradition and massive global following.

9. Northern Ireland – Will Grigg’s On Fire

What began as a fan-made remix of Gala’s “Freed From Desire” turned into a viral sensation ahead of Euro 2016. The chant encapsulated the passion and humor of Northern Irish fans and became a cult classic.

8. Bayern Munich – Stern des Südens

“Star of the South” is Bayern’s proud club anthem, sung by fans at the Allianz Arena. It speaks to the unity and dominance of Germany’s most successful club, with a chorus that radiates Bavarian pride.

7. Manchester City – Blue Moon

Originally a melancholic love song, “Blue Moon” has taken on new meaning in the stands at the Etihad. Sung by City fans for decades, it’s a symbol of loyalty through the club’s ups and downs.

6. Arsenal – The Angel (North London Forever)

A modern anthem born from social media and the voice of local artist Louis Dunford, this song has quickly become a fan favorite at the Emirates. Its heartfelt lyrics have made it a symbol of local pride and Gunners unity.

5. Leeds United – Marching On Together

Written for the club in the early 1970s, this anthem is uniquely Leeds. Fans sing it with unmatched passion at Elland Road, uniting the crowd with its distinctive rhythm and rallying cry for the team.

4. Barcelona – Cant del Barça

FC Barcelona — Photo: charnsitr / Shutterstock.com

This Catalan anthem reflects more than football—it symbolizes identity, pride, and the spirit of Catalonia. Sung in unison at Camp Nou, it’s an unforgettable part of the matchday experience.

3. England – Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)

Released in 1996, this anthem captures both the hope and heartbreak of supporting England. Its timeless chorus has become an emotional rallying cry at every major tournament since.

2. West Ham United – I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles

A haunting, melodic song with lyrics about fleeting dreams, “Bubbles” has long been West Ham’s anthem. It echoes across the London Stadium with a sense of nostalgia and defiance before every match.

1. Liverpool – You’ll Never Walk Alone

The gold standard of football anthems. Adopted in the 1960s, this powerful song is sung with full emotion by the Anfield faithful. Its universal message of solidarity and hope has made it iconic far beyond Merseyside.