Ah, the beautiful game. Soccer (or football for the purists) is a game that brings the world together. The 2022 World Cup is just around the corner, and the Socceroos qualified thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne (who will now be forever known as the Grey Wiggle). It's not long before the country is once again swept up in soccer fever.
For the die-hard fans, being a soccer fan is a 24/7, 365 days a year pursuit. One of the great things about soccer is that there is a lot of competition between teams from different leagues, so no matter who you support, you'll know the name Kylian Mbappé.
Day1 and KAHUKX have teamed up for the raucous MBAPPÉ, which is a tribute to the Paris Saint-Germain star. To celebrate the release of the track, we've taken a look at some of our favourite soccer-related songs. Every artist on this list scored a goal in the studio when they recorded these tracks.
Mbappé - Day1 (Feat. KAHUKX)
Day1 and KAHUKX's new track, Mbappé, is a celebration of the life they're living. The pair trade verses across the song, and Day1's melodic flow is as hypnotic as ever. Bars like "But I still shoot my shot like my name Mbappé" and "Bro quick with the run like Mbappé" pay tribute to the French star, and the bouncy production will get your feet moving like you were on a soccer pitch.
The clip for the track features some soccer skills, crowd footage and much more. Day1 and KAHUKX are getting the party started in the visual for Mbappé, and this is a track that'll slot seamlessly into your party playlists. Tap in.
Zinedine Zidane (Feat. Les Murray) - Vaudeville Smash
Melbourne band Vaudeville Smash paid tribute to French maestro Zinedine Zidane in 2014, recording a glittering disco track that features vocals from the late legendary Australian soccer broadcaster Les Murray. Les lists the names of countless soccer stars, but of course, Zinedine is "the strongest of them all".
The music video for the track features the band dressed in Zinedine Zidane masks, visiting a convenience store to commit a robbery. Zinedine's infamous headbutt from the 2006 World Cup Final gets referenced, but we're most impressed by the choreographed soccer skills that are displayed throughout the clip.
Three Lions (Football's Coming Home) - Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds
Being a fan of the English national soccer team isn't fun - and they'll be the first to tell you that. However, Three Lions (Football's Coming Home) gets a run every time there's a large national tournament coming up, and for good reason. It's rousing, stirring and catchy.
English comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner teamed up with English rock group The Lightning Seeds to create the track, initially releasing it in 1996 to mark the team's then-upcoming appearance at the 1996 Euros. "It's coming home" has become a favourite saying amongst every English football fan when they're asked about an upcoming World Cup or Euros. Of course, they're still waiting...
Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) - Shakira
Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) was the official song of the 2010 World Cup, which was held in South Africa. Waka Waka remains one of the most iconic World Cup songs, thanks to its hip-shaking production and Shakira's stadium-sized vocals. It's a pop masterclass.
The track features a sample of a South African guitar (as well as a sample of Golden Sound's 1986 track Zangaléwa), and it's a highlight of Shakira's enviable discography. Chances are you heard this played on repeat throughout 2010, and for good reason - it's wildly catchy!
Thiago Silva - Dave x AJ Tracey
Dave and AJ Tracey's 2016 track Thiago Silva has become a grime staple, and both rappers are at their best on the track. The pair shout out the likes of Kun Agüero, Thiago Silva, Kaká, Nike and Nando's across the track. It's a song that'll get you ready to win on and off the pitch.
The track also created one of Glastonbury's most recognisable moments, after a fan called Alex joined Dave on stage to rap Thiago Silva. The performance caught Thiago Silva's attention, who wrote "Thanks Alex!" on Twitter. A truly full-circle moment.
Thanks Alex! @PSG_inside @Santandave1 @ajtracey 👏🏻👏🏻🇧🇷 https://t.co/yaSGhTPsAQ
— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) July 1, 2019
Thiago Silva has recognised Thiago Silva and now I have decided to retire. My work here is done
— SANTAN (@Santandave1) July 1, 2019
READ MORE: This Clip Of Frank Ocean Singing At His High School Graduation Is A Blast From The Past
You'll Never Walk Alone - Lana Del Rey
Originally written by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their musical Carousel, You'll Never Walk Alone has become synonymous with English Premier League giant Liverpool F.C. The song was popularised by British band Gerry and The Pacemakers after they covered it in 1963, and Liverpool fans have been singing it before every game ever since.
Lana Del Rey covered the track for the Liverpool documentary The End Of The Storm in 2020, and her cover captures the hair-raising beauty of the track. She's a big Liverpool fan, so it's a fitting cover. If you're a Liverpool fan and you've got a scarf nearby, you'll be holding it aloft and singing along after just a few seconds. If you're a fan of rival EPL clubs, then this cover may bring back some unwanted memories of Liverpool's 2019/2020 title-winning season...