By Mitch Rice
The World Cup is more than just a football tournament. The football might take center stage but the stuff around the edges is what makes it a global show that attracts attention from every single corner of the world.
Here some sports betting company looks back at some of the best World Cup songs ever. This is the top five of all time.
Number 5. 2014 Brazil
Song title: We are one
Artists: Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Claudia Leitte
Coming in at number five in some companies list of the best World Cup songs of all time is ‘We are one’ by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte. The song isn’t exactly a renowned classic but it did bring some stereotypical Brazilian beach beats to the party; think of it like a Rio carnival in a single track.
Of course, the track landed with mammoth names on the cover too. Lopez, who has racked up millions upon millions of record sales, was the lead artist. Pitbull brought a different style to the song with his vocals unmistakable in the chorus whilst Leitte was already well established in Brazil meaning the home fans quickly got on board with the official song.
What did all of that mean? Well, the song performed pretty well in the charts hitting number one in a trio of countries and it broke the top 20 in plenty more places as well. Brazil, however, did not do as well as expected, as the home country crashed in the semifinal with a 7-1 defeat against Germany. They are once again top on the World Cup odds Qatar 2022, as per usual, so let’s see if they have better luck this time.
Number 4. 2018 Russia
Song title: Live it up
Artists: Nicky Jam, Will Smith, Era Istrefi
Russia 2018’s official song received a mixed reaction with plenty of people not impressed with the sound but, equally, with a decent reception by a fairly vast number as well with plenty of strong chart performances in different countries; it reached number one in Panama as well as really impressing in Hungary and Poland.
Will Smith was probably the best-known name on the track but Nicky Jam is a well-respected artist too with a host of individual awards having come his way over the years. Era Istrefi, a Kosovan-Albanian singer, completed the performing trio.
The song itself saw a mix of popular Latin American beats and meaningful lyrics, which endeared it to a lot of people. The only thing that could have seen Live it up penetrate deeper into the charts was a Russian influence on the track.
Number 3. 1994 USA
Song title: Gloryland
Artists: Daryl Hall, Sounds of Blackness
The inclusion of Gloryland at number three in our list night raise an eyebrow or two but this company loved it as a World Cup anthem. The World Cup is so heavily linked to where it’s being hosted and this song oozed America in every single note – even if there have been better songs in their own right.
Daryl Hall was largely considered beyond hit best when the 1994 World Cup came around with the soul singer’s best work coming in the seventies and eighties but, even so, Gloryland was chosen to be the ITV intro music throughout the tournament making it a staple in many households around the country. Some of that hype though was helped by the other part of the duo – the Sounds of Darkness, who were in their prime.
Number 2. 2010 South Africa
Song title: Waka Waka
Artists: Shakira, Freshlyground
The true sound of South Africa in 2010 was the vuvuzela but the official song was somewhat of a banger too. It went by the name of Waka Waka (this time for Africa) and paid homage to the entirety of the continent rather than focussing solely on the World Cup. To some, that’s a negative but for us it was a stroke of genius.
As for the artists, Shakira, who has recently separated from Barcelona centre back Gerard Pique, was the main name that brought global appeal to the record. The producers aren’t draft though and the inclusion of South African group – Freshlyground – ensured the track was well received in the host country.
With a music video featuring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, it’s little surprise the song was so well received. It hit number one in no fewer than 16 countries.
Number 1. 1998 France
Song title: La Copa De La Vida
Artists: Ricky Martin
The song some company is picking as the best World Cup song of all time is La Copa De La Vida, which nicely translates to the cup of life. Strangely, it’s the only one of the five they’ve selected performed by a true solo artist in Ricky Martin. The song was loaded with heavy sounds courtesy of drums and horns whilst Martin himself proved quite the hit with his distinctive vocals.
One thing that stands out about the song is the fact that it’s one of very few World Cup tunes that didn’t pour focus onto the specifics of the final. Instead, the vibe you got was one of celebrating a party feel, which is the perfect accompaniment to the greatest show on Earth.
We’re not the only people that rate this song either with the track hitting number one in 14 different countries and breaking high into the charts in many more. Martin himself saw his career peak after France 98 too and this song was very much the springboard for that success.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
