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Robbie Williams confirmed as FIFA Music Ambassador as he records official anthem for Club World Cup kick-off in Miami
Robbie Williams has been confirmed as the FIFA Music Ambassador ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The 51-year-old hitmaker made the announcement during a video call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, confirming that he's written and recorded the high-energy track ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Co-written with long-time collaborators Karl Brazil and Owen Parker, alongside Erik Jan Grob, the track will debut in full before the Club World Cup's opening match on Saturday, June 14.
In a major move for FIFA, Desire will be used across all future tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and beyond.
For the first time ever, the new anthem will play as teams walk onto the pitch at every FIFA match worldwide.
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Described as a stadium-ready anthem packed with emotional energy, the song aims to capture the intensity, pride and unity that defines football on the global stage.
In his new ambassador role, Robbie has also invited iconic Italian singer Laura Pausini to feature on the track.
Speaking about the role, Robbie 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.'
On the inspiration behind Desire, he 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.
He continued: 'Football and music have always meant the world to me, and bringing them together on this kind of stage gives me goosebumps.
Speaking about the role, Robbie said: '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' (pictured February)
'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.'
Laura Pausini said: 'It's an honour for me to be invited to join Robbie Williams and be featured on the song DESIRE, written by Robbie.
'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.'
The announcement comes just as Robbie wraps the UK leg of his critically acclaimed BRITPOP Tour, with a final show this Saturday in Bath, having played to over 250,000 fans across the country in just two weeks.
The European leg of the tour kicks off next, with shows in Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Sweden.
Robbie also recently confirmed his brand-new album BRITPOP, due out later this year via Columbia Records.
