Global singer-songwriter Robbie Williams has been confirmed as the FIFA Music Ambassador ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. In his first engagement, Williams has written and recorded a new Official FIFA anthem, entitled ‘Desire’, which will debut at the tournament’s opening match.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Williams’ appointment, saying “Our FIFA Music Ambassador, Robbie Williams, has created what is a fantastic, incredible, emotional and brilliant Official FIFA anthem, and to feature Laura Pausini is wonderful. Involving two incredible musicians, this great song ‘Desire’ is the world’s football song and having it as part of the opening ceremony of the opening match will set exactly the right tone at the beginning of the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup. This is going to be truly epic.”
Williams discussed his new role, saying “Music and football bring people together like nothing else – each with their own universal language of connection, spirit and community. When those worlds come together, there’s nothing like it – and I’m beyond honoured to be FIFA’s Music Ambassador. Football and music have both been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so this means a lot to me on a personal level.”
He added: “I wanted to create something that captures all of it – the passion, the nerves, the pride and the majesty of that feeling just before kick-off. Football and music have always meant the world to me and bringing them together on this kind of stage gives me goosebumps.”
Laura Pausini, who has been featured on the song ‘Desire’, said that “It’s an honour for me to be invited to join Robbie Williams and be featured on the song ’Desire’, written by Robbie. The song is amazing, really touching. It’s a dream to be with him for the FIFA Club World Cup… To be able to perform live with Robbie Williams in front of passionate football fans and to be heard by music fans around the world will be truly amazing.”
The tournament will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 American cities, culminating with a spectacular final at MetLife Stadium New York New Jersey, on Sunday, July 13, where Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini will perform the track live.
