By LoffMusic Editorial Staff – June 2025
FIFA releases its anthem and does it in a big way. Robbie Williams, one of the icons of British pop, signs and sings “Desire”, the new official song that will be played at all FIFA events from now on, including the 2026 World Cup. The song will be played for the first time at the opening match of the Club World Cup, which will pit Inter Miami against Egypt’s Al Ahly.
And it will be accompanied by a luxury guest: Laura Pausini, the most international Italian voice, who will add her talent to a premiere destined to be historic.
🎵 The birth of a hymn
Composed by Robbie Williams with his regular collaborators Karl Brazil and Owen Parker, and composer Erik Jan Grob, “Desire” is a piece conceived to condense the essence of soccer: passion, nerves, pride and greatness.
“I wanted a song that encompassed everything: the passion, the nerves, the pride and that greatness you feel just before the kick-off,” explained Robbie Williams. “Football and music have always been central to my life, and to bring them together on a stage like this gives me goosebumps.”
With these words, the Briton remarks his link with the beautiful game, after his memorable performance at the opening of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
🌍 A hymn for the entire soccer planet
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the song as “a great song that represents the spirit of world soccer. Desire will not only be the anthem for the Club World Cup: it will be played at all official FIFA events, from the opening ceremony of the next World Cup to the youth and women’s competitions.
“It will be the perfect start to the first FIFA Club World Cup. Undoubtedly, an epic moment,” Infantino stressed.
Laura Pausini said she was thrilled to be part of this story: “I grew up in Italy, surrounded by the excitement and passion for soccer. Singing live with Robbie Williams in front of thousands of fans is simply incredible.
🌟 Robbie Williams: FIFA Music Ambassador
With this project, the author of hits such as Angels and Rock DJ has been named FIFA’s “musical ambassador”, thus consolidating a relationship that links his music to the most popular sport on the planet.
After the premiere at the Club World Cup, Desire will be available on all digital platforms and will be part of FIFA’s sound identity for years to come.
