Every club has some pre-match songs. Whether it be a walkout song, a club anthem, or just an adopted song, each one provides a unique pre-match playlist.
However, there are some, when you step foot in a stadium, you’re guaranteed to hear! There’s a chance, by now, you are probably fed up of hearing them.
Here are the ten tunes that I believe every stadium in the EFL plays!
Typically associated with player-walkouts or pre-match atmospheres, Right Here Right Now by Fatboy Slim has developed into a popular track in stadiums.
Originally, it gained traction through its usage in Sky Sports coverage in the late 90s, and this exposure made it synonymous with big-match build-up and excitement for viewers, carrying over into the stadiums.
The song’s nature (drawing an orchestral sample from “The Peter Gunn Theme”) creates a sense of drama and anticipation, fitting perfectly with the tension of teams emerging from the tunnel.
Kasabian’s 2004 song Club Foot is a high-octane indie track with pounding drums and an anthemic energy that builds tension before a game.
Ultimately, it’s become a staple song in modern football culture. Furthermore, the song draws strong associations from modern media.
Video game soundtracks gave the song massive exposure, featuring predominantly in sports games such as Pro Evolution Soccer & FIFA, as well as Sky Sports Premier League using it for the intro for the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 campaign.
The raw and rebellious nature is perfect for pumping up home crowds before key fixtures.
Song 2 by Blur is undoubtedly a staple of any English football stadium.
It must be something about the screaming of “woohoo”, alongside the loud and energetic nature of this 90s classic punk rock anthem, that appeals to football clubs.
With the electric guitar and pounding drums, Song 2 is perfect for pumping up the crowd right before kick-off. Additionally, with just a two-minute duration, it fits as a short and punchy song!
Perhaps the cultural 90s influence from the Britpop era also provides nostalgia to some.
Another classic British 90s Rock song, Ready to Go by Republica.
This tune captures the anticipation that builds in the stands, carrying the high-energy sound ahead of kick-off.
Realistically, however, it’s the lyrics that mainly contribute to its popularity across football grounds.
The repeated lyric throughout the chorus of “Baby I’m ready to go” works almost like a direct question to the crowd, a rallying cry to the supporters.
Clubs like Sunderland use this tune as teams line up in the tunnel and walk onto the pitch, with the song ultimately reinforcing the shared sense of readiness among players and fans alike.
Without question, Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis is one of the most widely recognisable stadium songs in England, particularly as a goal celebration song.
Released in 2006, the song established itself as a lively anthem that translates perfectly to the charged atmosphere of matchday.
Undeniably, it is the wordless chorus that truly defines its appeal for football clubs.
Unlike songs that rely heavily on lyrics, “Chelsea Dagger” allows immediate participation, ultimately allowing thousands of supporters to join in with the goal or full-time celebrations without needing to remember lyrics, becoming a collective celebration amongst fans.
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles holds a unique place in UK football stadium culture, as it’s less about tempo and more about collective voice.
The melody is simple, repetitive, and arguably quite emotionally uplifting, allowing thousands of supporters to sing in unison.
Being able to insert their club’s name or nickname into the lyrics, instead of “Hey Jude”, creates goosebump moments for supporters right before kick-off.
Before kick-off, it’s this essence of unity amongst fans chanting simultaneously that sets the tone for the atmosphere for the remainder of the match.
This emotional warmth resonates strongly throughout a sport where shared experience defines the matchday culture.
One of the most common goal songs in the EFL (used by Southampton & Gillingham, to name a few), even those who don’t immediately recognise the name, will probably be familiar with the chorus.
Released in 1999 by the German electronic music project Zombie Nation, the track was not originally intended as a sports anthem, but over time, it has evolved into one of the most widely used songs in football.
The synthesiser hook and riff (sampled from the old Commodore 64 game track “Stardust” via remixes) is repetitive and easy to remember, ultimately allowing supporters to celebrate in unison after a goal.
Finishing this listicle off with a classic, “Freed from Desire” by Gala, is arguably the most omnipresent football song in Europe.
The catchy chorus with the infectious “na na na” makes it easy for massive crowds to create an electric atmosphere, utilising the song.
Whilst originally more ever-present in European stadiums, particularly in countries like Italy, following Wigan Athletics’ adaptation of “Will Grigg’s on Fire” going viral across social media, clubs began to adopt and remix this song into their own individual chants for their strikers!
In general, anyway, the tune’s liberating vibe builds the excitement and positivity before kick-off and is even used as a song to celebrate after the final whistle!
Insomnia by Faithless seems to be adopted by plenty of clubs as their walkout song, with the euphoric drop and adrenaline inducing vibe making the song a natural fit as a walkout song.
Additionally, it wouldn’t be a list about football songs without mentioning Dario G’s 1998 FIFA World Cup song “Carnaval De Paris”, with many football fans regarding it as the “default football song” in stadiums, due to its World Cup nostalgia and overall vibe.
Finally, clubs seem to love a high-energy dance track today, and an anecdotal song that seems to follow me to every stadium I visit is Sandstorm by Darude.
Whether you love the song or bloody hate it, there is no denying its high-energy tempo suits a football stadium!
