It’s hard to imagine football without the fans and, in particular, the magnificent sound they create inside venues around the world. Whether it’s the roars of celebration when a goal is scored, or the whistles and boos that follow a poor decision by the match referee; nothing quite matches the aural atmosphere inside a packed football stadium.
Of course, passionate fans of any football team, who travel across the globe to watch their home club in action, will have their own favourite chants and anthems. However, these are three which arguably transcend rivalries and are widely admired by anyone who loves the beautiful game, especially if you get the chance to experience them in person.
Galatasaray (Turkey)
Commonly known as the Galatasaray War March, few anthems and chants in football create quite so much noise as this. Accompanied by a pounding drum beat and the voices of more than 50,000 fans at the Türk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul, this intimidating yet mesmerising chant helps to inspire a unique atmosphere ahead of games.
Unsurprisingly, there are militaristic roots to this chant, which one could almost imagine accompanying throngs of Ottoman troops marching into battle. It began when Galatasaray played at the Taksim Stadium during the 1920s and 1930s, which, itself, was previously the site of a military barracks. Fans have since continued the chant as part of their proud tradition.
Liverpool (England)
Often imitated at venues all around the world, there’s arguably no greater place to hear “You’ll never walk alone” sung than at Anfield. The song itself is originally from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel, although it gained more fame when Liverpudlian band Gerry and The Pacemakers recorded their cover version, which topped the UK charts in 1963.
Since then, the song has become just as synonymous with Liverpool Football Club as the red kit worn by the team. Embraced by fans of the team as their anthem, the lyrics beautifully capture the emotions of hope and courage. Backed by such an inspirational tune, it’s no wonder that Liverpool have often been tipped as Premier League betting favourites in recent years.
Sevilla (Spain)
“Pelos de punta” say the Spanish when something makes the hair on the back of their necks tingle. When more than 40,000 fans begin singing the “centenary anthem” at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, that’s precisely the sensation anyone visiting the venue will feel. What’s more, this is a song that’s completely unique to Sevilla FC and their home city.
Originally written and recorded by El Arrebato, a popular local rumba-pop and flamenco musician, the song even topped the Spanish music charts for a while in 2005. Melodic and catchy, it’s hard not to be impressed when you hear thousands of Sevilla fans in full voice, as they sing a song that even rival fans are known to admire.
These are just three of the most impressive anthems and chants heard at football stadiums. If you have any particular favourites, let us know in the comments below and explain what makes them such special sounds.
Leave a Reply