world cup
Musicians around the globe are celebrating Argentina’s exhilarating win over France at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
Artists like Ricky Martin, Kid Cudi, Daddy Yankee, Niall Horan and many more took to social media on Sunday (Dec. 18) to express their excitement over the thrilling match at Lusail Stadium, during which Argentina beat France in penalty kicks.
“God. This was crazy!! Congratulations!!” Martin, wearing a blue and white Argentina jersey, captioned a video on Instagram of himself celebrating the win.
“WHAT A GAME OF FOOTBALL!! Congratulations Argentina,” former One Direction member Horan tweeted.
In one of the most dramatic World Cup games in history, Argentina beat reigning men’s champion France. In a 3-3 tie after extra time, Argentina sealed the victory with 4-2 in penalty kicks.
Others music stars celebrated soccer icon Lionel Messi’s first-ever World Cup win. During the final match, the legendary player scored two goals, including one in the 108th minute of the game.
“Messi Messi Messi” producer Marshmello tweeted.
Boy George added on Twitter, “Wow #ArgentinaVsFrance what a match! Feel sad for France but proud for #Messi.”
Cudi also expressed his excitement for the sport after watching the dramatic match. “Ive never watched soccer before but this s— LIT,” the rapper-actor tweeted.
Hours before the last match, a wave of artists took over the soccer field for an energetic closing ceremony at the Lusail Stadium. The 10-minute performance included a mashup of songs from the official FIFA music soundtrack, luanching with American-Nigerian artist Davido and Qatari singer Aisha singing “(Hayya Hayya) Better Together.” Puerto Rican star Ozuna and French-Congolese rapper Gims joined the artists for an uplifting set of “Arhbo.” The ceremony wrapped with the full female lineup of “Light the Sky.”
See more musician reactions to the World Cup final below.
Ive never watched soccer before but this shit LIT— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) December 18, 2022
WHAT A GAME OF FOOTBALL !! Congratulations Argentina 🇦🇷 !— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) December 18, 2022
Felicidades Argentina!!!❤️❤️❤️🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼— Flea (@flea333) December 18, 2022
HATRICK HERO MBAPPE!!! This game has everything— Masked Wolf (@maskedwolfmusic) December 18, 2022
Much respect to Argentina! Congratulations 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 After 36 years Messi brought La Copa home🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾— Kat Deluna (@KatDeLuna) December 18, 2022
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is nearly wrapping up, with Croatia and Morocco facing off on Saturday (Dec. 17) for the third place title, and Argentina and France going head-to-head on Sunday (Dec. 18) for the championship.
As has been tradition for many years now, a select number of songs soundtrack the global soccer event, such as Ricky Martin‘s “Cup of Life,” the official song of the 1998 event held in France, and Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 World Cup in Africa. At times, the tracks also show up on the Billboard charts. “Waka Waka” peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated July 3, 2010, and Martin’s “Cup of Life” peaked at No. 45 on the Hot 100 in 1998.
This year, some of the tracks featured on the diverse official soundtrack are Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha’s “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” as well as Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares’ “Tukoh Taka,” which made history as the first FIFA World Cup song featuring English, Spanish and Arabic lyrics.
Below, we’ve compiled photos from the various World Cup official song performances throughout the years, stemming all the way back to 1994. See them below.
Soccer and music have always meshed well. Some of Latin music’s biggest artists, such as Maluma, Carlos Vives, Melendi, and Fito Paéz have proven to be passionate fútbol aficionados and vice versa. Soccer stars such as José Manuel Pinto (former goalkeeper for Barcelona FC) and Jese “Jey M” Rodriguez (former striker for Real Madrid), for instance, have not shied away from kicking off music careers. The former has collaborated with CNCO and Lali; The latter has a remix with Alexis & Fido, De La Ghetto, and Alex Rose.
Soccer and music are also a match made in heaven when it comes to romance. The best example is soccer superstar David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, whose dreamy love story began 25 years ago, and who have since welcomed four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
Another popular soccer-and-music power couple was Shakira and Gerard Piqué, who met during the 2010 World Cup and share two children, Sasha and Milan. Unfortunately, after a 12-year relationship, the Colombian artist and Barcelona defender announced their split in June this year. “We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a joint statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
There have been several famous soccer WAGS (the term given to the wives and girlfriends of athletes) from the Latin pop world over the years. Below, check out some past and present real-life couples who blended the two worlds.
In the midst of the monthlong 2022 FIFA World Cup, a wave of Argentine artists have used social media to show their support for the national team, which is headed to the finals against France on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Artists such as Bizarrap, Rusherking, Lali Esposito and TINI, who’s dating soccer player Rodrigo De Paul, have traveled miles away to the Middle East to experience the excitement in person. Others, such as Trueno and Khea, have documented their reactions on Instagram after a match.
If the Argentine national team anthem “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” is any indication, fans of the Albiceleste team are also very hopeful that the team’s captain, Lionel “Leo” Messi, will win his first-ever World Cup trophy.
“We’re already happy about winning the 2021 Copa America, but I think that winning this would be the icing on the cake,” rap artist Lit Killah previously told Billboard. “There is a lot of expectation and enthusiasm due to the fact that it’s Lionel Messi’s last World Cup. With that pressure and that desire of the people to see him win a World Cup, I think we would have the country happy for the rest of our lives.”
If Argentina or France win, both would secure their third World Cup. The former following its 1978 and 1986 wins, and the latter after winning in 1998 and 2018.
But as we wait for the grand finale, Billboard put together a fan poll featuring more than 20 Argentine artists who would make for great company at a World Cup watch party. Who would you want to watch the finals with? Vote below:
One of the most memorable moments in Latin music during the 2022 World Cup was undoubtedly “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” a cover of an old La Mosca song that was given new lyrics by a fan. The song has become the ultimate anthem to celebrate the achievements of the Argentine National Team in Qatar and beyond, and now it takes on special relevance with the Albiceleste’s advancement to the final of the event held this Sunday (Dec. 18).
“Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar, quiero ganar la tercera, quiero ser campeón mundial,” or “Boys, we have our hopes up again, I want to win the third, I want to be world champion,” goes the song, which was chanted by thousands of fans on Tuesday (Dec. 13) when Argentina beat Croatia 3-0.
The song itself is a poetic ode to Argentina’s profound respect for soccer and its solidarity and empathy as a nation. It mentions the late sports legend Diego Armando Maradona cheering on Lionel Messi from heaven with his mother, Dalma Salvadora Franco, aka La Tota. She is said to have become the most influential figure for the mythical Maradona, which is why fans christened her “the Mother of Soccer.”
“It has to do with our frustrations, our successes, our hopes, Malvinas, finals lost and finals won. And of course to have the illusion of being champions again,” Guillermo Novellis previously told Billboard.
“Muchachos” came into the public consciousness when the world’s most popular Argentine soccer player, Lionel Messi, was asked what his favorite song was during a television interview just before the World Cup kickoff. He mentioned the endearing song by La Mosca, and even sang it on screen.
“It’s like arriving in Rome and being introduced by the Pope,” Novellis told Billboard about that moment.
In November, the entire Argentina national team was caught on camera singing it at the top of their lungs as they celebrated their victory over Mexico.
“Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” is a version of “Muchachos, Esta Noche me Emborracho,” also by La Mosca, released in 2003. But the most recent version — written by soccer fan Fernando Romero in July 2021 to celebrate Argentina’s run to the Copa América final — is the one that has captured hearts.
“It’s a song that has a lot of tango in its lyrics and melody,” said Novellis. “This [newer] version started with Copa América, and the new lyrics are really good. They have to do with our frustrations, our success, our hopes, the Falklands, finals lost and finals won. And of course, the hope of being champions again. Maybe that’s why it resonated so much with fans and players.”
Here are the translated lyrics of the anthem that has gone viral during the 2022 World Cup:
In Argentina I was bornLand of Diego and LionelOf the children of MalvinasThat I will never forgetI can’t explain it to youBecause you won’t understandThe finals we lostHow many years I criedBut that’s overBecause at the MaracanáThe final with the brazucasDad won it againBoysNow we’ve got our hopes up againI want to win the thirdI want to be world championAnd DiegoFrom the sky we can see himWith Don Diego and La TotaCheering Lionel onBoysNow we’ve got our hopes up againI want to win the thirdI want to be world championAnd DiegoFrom the sky we can see himWith Don Diego and La TotaCheering Lionel on, and to be champions again, and to be champions again
For the original Spanish lyrics, click here.
Argentina’s last game was a nail-biter. After a nerve-racking penalty shootout over the Netherlands in one of the most exciting matches yet of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina is the last team standing from Latin America.
Now in the semifinals, Argentina — with star player Lionel Messi leading La Albiceleste — will go up against Croatia on Tuesday, Dec. 13. It’s been a wild ride for Argentina, who started the tournament in November losing against Saudi Arabia 2-1. But in a 360, the team won the rest of their matches against Mexico, Poland and Australia.
Ahead of what will probably be an equally thrilling game between Argentina and Croatia, we put together a list of Argentine anthems to help calm the nerves and get you feeling hopeful. Of course, Messi’s now-confirmed favorite song, La Mosca‘s “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” powered by a blend of ska, rock and pop, laced with tango, is on the playlist. The song not only pumps Messi but also Argentine fans who are just as passionate about the sport.
“The Argentine fan isn’t happy just being a spectator; he wants a starring role, from the stands, from the audience,” La Mosca’s lead singer Guillermo Novellis previously told Billboard. “As far as soccer goes, every single person in Argentina has played soccer at some point in their lives.
From Andrés Calamaro‘s “Maradona” to Fito Paez‘s “Y dale alegría a mi corazón,” stream the playlist of Argentine anthems we’ve put together to get you in the spirit and rooting for Argentina — if that’s the team you’re hoping to win it all.
Fútbol fans are anxiously waiting to see which two countries will play the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, set for Dec. 18. Meanwhile, music fans are patiently waiting to see which artists will take the stage for the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Both finalists and artists are still up in the air. The match will ultimately come down to whichever two teams move forward, and the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) has yet to announce the lineup for World Cup’s closing ceremony, which will also take place the same day of the last match.
Traditionally, artists who’ve released a song or anthem for that year’s World Cup perform at the closing ceremony. For example, that’s when Nicky Jam, Will Smith and Era Istrefi performed their 2018 official song “Live It Up.” But anything can happen: Shakira performed a special version of “Hips Don’t Lie” at the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony in Germany.
This time around, strong contenders include Ozuna and Gims, who released “Arbho” for the 2022 World Cup official soundtrack. The song earned the Congolese-French rapper his first top 10 Billboard chart hit. Another possibility could be Trinidad Cardona and Rahma Riad, who released a track for the soundtrack. There’s also Paulo Londra, who marked his grand return to music with his new album Back to the Game, and who was spotted in Qatar hanging out with Argentina star Lionel Messi. Maluma and Myriam Fares — who performed at the Fan Festival in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the World Cup — could also return to sing their hit song “Tukoh Taka,” this time with Nicki Minaj in tow.
There are many options and fans won’t know for sure who’s performing until FIFA officially announces the lineup. In the meantime, vote for the artist(s) you’d like to see perform at the World Cup’s closing ceremony below.
We are just days away from finding out who the 2022 World Cup winner will be. By now, soccer aficionados who religiously tune in to watch a match might have come across a few Latin music stars on television or social media — such as Luis Fonsi and Ozuna — where they flaunt their Copa Mundial pride in 15- or 30-second ads.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
With the quarter-finals just around the corner on Friday, Dec. 9, Billboard is celebrating fútbol by compiling some of our favorite 2022 soccer-themed ads.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Nov. 20 with host nation Qatar’s tournament opener against Ecuador. A total of 32 teams, representing different countries, have participated. Argentina, Croatia, England, France, and the Netherlands have already qualified for the quarter-finals round. In the end, only one team will be crowned the World Cup champion on Dec. 18.
Until then, see which Latin music stars have appeared in their own World Cup spots.
Danna Paola
A month before the World Cup officially began, Coca-Cola and Universal Music Group recruited three of its label artists to give Queen’s 1986 hit “A Kind of Magic” a new twist. Part of its “Believing Is Magic” campaign in Latin America, see the new version by Egyptian rapper Felukah, soulful Saudi Arabian singer-songwriter Tamtam and Mexican pop star Danna Paola above.
Luis Fonsi
Metro by T-Mobile has also hopped on the soccer train with its very own TV spot featuring Puerto Rican pop star Fonsi. Promoting the company’s 5G tablet, Fonsi chants “fiestas olé olé” on the streets as bystanders watch the game on the device.
Ozuna
Ozuna, who also forms part of the official FIFA World Cup soundtrack, teamed up with Coca-Cola Puerto Rico for limited-edition collectible cans, with 14 different designs representing some of the participating countries. In addition, the initiative will promote the development of sports on the island by allocating a donation of $50,000 for the rehabilitation of soccer fields in San Juan.
Prince Royce
Also in the fútbol spirit is Dominican bachata star, who teamed up with Google Pixel for a vibrant ad. In the clip, featuring a cameo by iconic Colombian soccer star Carlos “El Pipe” Valderrama, Royce is watching all things World Cup on the Pixel 7. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what team you’re rooting for, soccer is for all of us,” he posted on his YouTube channel.
Twelve years after its release, Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” has made its debut on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, peaking at No. 46 on the tally dated Dec. 3. On the Billboard Global 200, it debuted at No. 96.
This is no coincidence.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is currently taking place in Qatar and, as ever, fútbol fans have pivoted toward songs and anthems that they’ll have on repeat throughout the international soccer event.
The Colombian singer’s trilingual “Waka Waka,” featuring Freshlyground — which served as the official FIFA song in 2010 for the World Cup that took place in South Africa — captured fans globally thanks to its irresistible joyful and upbeat style powered by an Afro-fusion and soca-influenced beat. Plus, the track’s earworm chorus helps too: “Tsamina mina, eh, eh / Waka waka, eh, eh / Tsamina mina zangalewa / This time for Africa.” Back then, it peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.
She performed “Waka Waka” — plus a medley that included “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie” — during the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony. This year, fans were hoping that, if anything, Shakira would release a song for the World Cup, and even spread rumors online that she was set to perform at the opening ceremony. It was also reported incorrectly by other outlets that she was supposed to perform.
In reality, Shakira was never scheduled to appear at the World Cup, but she didn’t need to perform or even release a new song in order to be part of the festivities. The resurfacing of “Waka Waka” makes her the ultimate queen of World Cup music, as it becomes the only official World Cup song or anthem from previous years to appear on the Billboard global charts.
Shakira’s World Cup debut was in 2006, when she performed “Hips Don’t Lie” during the World Cup’s closing ceremony in Germany. And after South Africa, Shakira returned to the soccer world in 2014 for the World Cup in Brazil, for which she released “La La La,” featuring Carlinhos Brown.
But “Waka Waka” is a song you can’t escape. And it’ll go down in history as one of the most memorable World Cup songs — along with Ricky Martin‘s 1998 “Cup of Life.” We can all probably agree with the YouTube user who commented on the “La La La” video: “If Shakira could make all the World Cup songs, the world would be a better place.”
What is a jock jam?
Well, in the ’90s it was whatever ESPN defined it as for the purposes of their series of Jock Jams compilations: Most often, hip-hop-flavored dance-pop bangers which implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) promoted physical movement of any and all kinds. But defined more broadly for our purposes at Billboard, a Jock Jam is a song that has come to define the in-game experience at a pro sports arena: Any song that, after years of stadium (over-)usage, is as familiar to sports fans’ ears as sneaker squeaks, referee whistles and Zamboni organ groans. It’s a canon that spans rock, hip-hop, dance and country, and still includes pop songs old and new.
To celebrate this canon, Billboard presents our list of the 100 greatest jock jams of all time. We tried to stay away from jams that only really made sense for one sport (like John Fogerty’s “Centerfield”) or one city (like Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”), in favor of the classics that could work in the most games in the most places. These are the songs that helped define sports culture in this country for decades, which may have fallen in and out of favor with music supervisors as hip songs of the moment, but which will forever produce a Pavlovian response of sports-readiness. It’s a Hall of Fame in which AC/DC are The Beatles, 2 Unlimited are Michael Jackson, and The Baha Men… well, they’re still The Baha Men, but forever bronzed at their 2000 peak.
Now, a bunch of us here at Billboard are sports junkies, but we didn’t trust our own experiences and recollections in this matter to be anywhere near complete. So to help flesh out our Top 100 and determine the absolute cream of the bumper-music crop, we consulted the experts: Stadium entertainment officials, DJs, and general music men and women of the MLB, NHL, NFL and especially the NBA worlds. They were kind enough to give us their picks for the stadium-anthem GOATs, and explanations for their selections are interspersed throughout our list.
And now, let’s sound the horn and get our countdown underway. Y’all ready for this?