Pop star Robbie Williams named as new Fifa Music Ambassador
The singer, best known for songs such as Rock DJ, Angels and Candy, has been appointed to the role to 'deepen fan connection' and 'elevate' the emotion of the game by bringing music and football together on the world stage.
He has co-written a new song, Desire, which will be played before Fifa tournaments and matches worldwide to accompany players as they walk on to the pitch.
The 2022 World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar (Adam Davy/PA)
The song will debut at the Club World Cup's opening match being held in Miami on Saturday, before being used in all upcoming tournaments including the 2026 World Cup.
Williams said: 'Music and football bring people together like nothing else — each with their own universal language of connection, emotion, spirit and community.
'When those worlds come together, there's nothing like it — and I'm beyond honoured to be the Fifa Music Ambassador.
'Football and music have both been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so this means a lot to me on a personal level.
The new anthem was co-written with Karl Brazil, Owen Parker and Erik Jan Grob, and features Italian singer Laura Pausini.
The track will be accompanied by a new video which will be shown for the first time at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Williams added: 'I've grown up watching the walk-outs, the anthems, the drama – so writing and recording the official Fifa anthem is a real privilege.
'I wanted to create something that captures all of it — the passion, the nerves, the pride and the majesty of that feeling just before kick-off.
'Football and music have always meant the world to me, and bringing them together on this kind of stage gives me goosebumps.
'I know I'll get to perform this song at some of my favourite tournaments in the coming years, which fills me with excitement. It's a real honour that Laura Pausini accepted my invitation to feature on the song – she's an incredible artist with the perfect voice.'
Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini (Leo Baron/PA)
Pausini, 51, rose to fame after winning the 1993 newcomer artists' section of the Sanremo Music Festival, one of the biggest and longest running song contests in Italy, with her song, La Solitudine.
The singer, who has released Italian and Spanish albums, won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Latin Pop Album and was also nominated for an Oscar in 2020 for best original song with Io si/Seen.
She added: 'The song is amazing, really touching. It's a dream to be with him for the Fifa Club World Cup. Since I was a little girl growing up in Italy I remember the thrill and passion for football in my home country.
'To be able to perform live with Robbie Williams in front of passionate football fans and to be heard by music fans around the world will be truly amazing.'
It comes as Williams completes the UK leg of his tour which will then continue with concerts in Ireland, Spain and Italy.
His new album Britpop is due to be released this autumn.
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