September 17, 2026 | 11:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Few sounds in European football are as recognizable as the music that signals a UEFA competition is about to begin. The Europa League anthem has become a familiar part of matchdays, adding to the atmosphere inside stadiums and connecting fans watching around the world. But what exactly is the anthem, and how did it come to be?
What is the Europa League anthem?
According to GiveMeSport, the UEFA Europa League anthem is played in stadiums before matches, during half-time and at the end of games, while also featuring in broadcasts worldwide. Since the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League in 2009, the competition has used two different anthems, with the current version introduced for the 2015/16 season.
Unlike the Champions League anthem, it has no lyrics. Its distinctive rhythm incorporates the sound of thousands of supporters clapping together, giving the instrumental piece a strong matchday atmosphere.
Who is behind the Europa League anthem?
German musician and former hip-hop producer Michael Kadelbach composed the current anthem. Recorded in Berlin, the piece combines electronic and orchestral elements.
Kadelbach said he wanted the music to reflect the emotion and energy he experienced as a young football fan standing among friends while cheering and clapping for their team. He is a supporter of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt and has also composed music for documentaries, films and television.
Europa League anthem incidents
The anthem attracted attention in 2025 when it was mistakenly played before Aston Villa's Champions League quarter-final home match against Paris Saint-Germain. UEFA and Aston Villa attributed the error to an automated system, while players and fans reportedly reacted with laughter.
A similar mix-up happened during the 2026 Champions League qualifiers, when the Europa League anthem was played as Norwegian side FK Bodo/Glimt hosted NEC Nijmegen. The anthem played unexpectedly in the stadium as the players were walking out. NEC went on to lose 3-0 and dropped into the Europa League.
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