Soccer is obviously one of the biggest parts of Latin American and European culture, so it’s not surprising that it’s played such a big role in music. You can read our piece on some of the best soccer players turned artists here. As I wrote that piece, I thought to myself, “damn, there are a ton of songs about soccer”. Each song I thought of led me to the next.
So naturally, we’re going to rank them all. Apologies if I miss any, just tweet at me or comment and let me know.
1. The Cup of Life – Ricky Martin
This is the king. Undisputed. The song that helped Ricky Martin breakthrough to the mainstream remains the undisputed best soccer song of all time. It goes without saying that this is also the best World Cup song of all time.
2. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira
This song will always hold a special place in my heart for a one reason; it was the theme for the 2010 World Cup, which Spain won. On that note, the 2010 World Cup was monumental for Gerald Pique, one of the greatest defenders in Spain’s history. Not only did he help finally deliver Spain’s first World Cup, he also met his future wife and mother of his children, Shakira. Win a World Cup and meet your future wife, sounds like a good month to me.
Watching this video now, 10 years after its release, it’s hilarious to see how some of these players have aged. Messi has ditched the long dorky locks, for example. The song itself still SLAPS 10 years later. Every time this comes over the speakers at Salsa Saturday, people go nuts. Shakira’s dance was one of the earliest things that could be compared to a Tik Tok trend.
Waka Waka is still absolute heat a decade on.
3. Futbol Y Rumba – Anuel AA and Enrique Iglesias
The newest addition to this list, being released only in May 2020. This song was allegedly supposed to be the theme for Euro 2020 (I could be very wrong on that so don’t quote me). Unfortunately, COVID had other ideas.
This song is the perfect summer track. It hits all the right notes. It just makes me want to sit out in the sun, have a few drinks with my friends, and kick the soccer ball around. I love this track. No doubt it would have been the 2020 song of the Summer if not for COVID. The video for this song is also great and features a ton of awesome cameos like Sergio Ramos, Leo Messi, Anitta, J Balvin, Lunay, Marshmello, and tons of others.
Hopefully Summer 2021 will be much better and this song can get the play it deserves.
4. Wavin’ Flag – K’Naan ft David Bisbal
We’re going back to the 2010 World Cup for this track. I chose the David Bisbal version because we are a Latin music website after all. You can’t go wrong with any version of this track.
This song is full of hope and speaks to the ways that sports, especially soccer, can be so uplifting for people. If I remember correctly, this and Waka Waka were the only songs I would have enabled on the 2010 World Cup video game.
I don’t know what K’naan has done with his career after this smash but if he just popped every 4 years when we had a new World Cup and performed the theme, I wouldn’t be upset.
5. No Hay 2 Sin 3 – Cali & Dandee ft. David Bisbal
A very controversial pick this high in the list. It’s basically just a Spanish soccer hype video…which is why I chose it. The song is a banger too but I’m
This song is solely about Spain’s run going into the 2012 European Championship. The title “There isn’t 2 without 3” refers to the coveted third major win for the Spanish team. The Golden Age of Spain had won the 2008 European Championship, the 2010 World Cup
6. Dar Um Jeito – Santana, Wyclef Jean
This song combines Santana’s unbelievable guitar skills with Wyclef Jean being, well, Wyclef Jean. There are three things that I will always think of when I think Wyclef.
- Hips Don’t Lie
- Trying to run for President of Haiti
- Dar Um Jeito
This song will get you pumped like few others. It’s energetic and inspirational. Without a doubt, one of the most underappreciated sports songs of all time.
7. Live It Up – Nicky Jam, Will Smith, Era Istrefi
Nicky Jam is really one of the best possible choices for a song like this. He brings the Latin flare to a place as bland and morose as Russia. Will Smith delivers a good verse as well and helps keep the track pushing in the right direction. Era Istreti does a great job on this track and I wish I knew more of her catalog. This song isn’t the best World Cup theme ever created but it’s definitely one of the better ones.
8. Hala Madrid Y Nada Mas – Real Madrid
Is this also a controversial pick because it’s the theme for my favorite club team? Do you think I care? This song is straight fire.
The first version I embedded was recorded by the team after their first Champions League trophy in 12 years. La Decima kick started a golden era of Champions League domination for Real Madrid as they would go on to win three of the next four finals. (You can learn more about that 2014 final here.) The second version of Hala Madrid features Placido Domingo, one of the most important artists in Spanish history.
The club still plays this song every time Real Madrid score at their home stadium. It is absolutely a bucket list item of mine to get to a Real Madrid home game and hear live.
9. Superstar – Pitbull ft Becky G
Maybe a surprising take, but I think this is Pitbull’s best soccer song. It doesn’t get mentioned as often as his 2014 World Cup song but I prefer this one. This song is a perfect theme song for an event like Copa America. Becky G is the X factor on this track. She helps turn this from a decent Pitbull song into a Top 10 soccer track. My only gripe is that the song should be named Superstars and not the singular Superstar.
10. The Time of Our Lives – Toni Braxton, Il Divo
I’m a huge fan of Il Divo. One of my favorite Pop Opera groups out there. This song brings the all of the bravado and theatrics that you would expect from a combination such as this. This song won’t necessarily get you pumped in the same way that some of the other tracks on this list will but if you want to feel like a king riding into battle, this is the track for you.
On a final note, just because I can, enjoy pictures of Julio Iglesias for Real Madrid and Antonio Banderas wearing a Spain futbol jersey.
