What’s the best FIFA song of all time?
Later this month EA Sports will release FIFA 20 and we all know what that means: a new batch of catchy tunes to grip our minds across the next year.
Over the years the FIFA franchise has forged a burgeoning reputation for its vibrant selection of home-screen soundtracks, which at times, have captivated us more than the gameplay itself.
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The assortment of household earworms and unheralded melodies have long been imprinted in many of our memories across the past three or so decades, so we decided to rank them.
This will be a trip down memory lane like no other and is sure to evoke more than a strong sense of nostalgia, so sit back and enjoy the memories.
Disagree with any of our picks? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!
30. Maedon – Finale
This gem came into our lives in FIFA 13 to mark the first Premier League season without Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout; it certainly remedied a still-profound void.
29. The Strokes – Macchu Picchu
One of the most recognisable and uplifting tracks on FIFA 12. This masterpiece from The Strokes was a joy to have on in the background when browsing the Ultimate Team market or waiting for a match to load.
28. The Hoosiers – Goodbye Mr A
Here before the days of Ultimate Team, this banger was a classic on FIFA 08. The band even referenced FIFA in the music video to “Goodbye Mr A”, with lead singer Irwin Sparkes captured playing as his beloved Reading scoring against Manchester United.
27. Jungle – Busy Earnin’
This track proved such a hit that it not only featured in FIFA 15 but also Forza Horizon 2, while peaking at number 19 on the UK Indie Chart.
26. Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You
This silver-toned FIFA 09 classic was an absolute treat a decade ago, heralding the start of the Ultimate Team era in fine fashion.
25. Jump Jump Dance Dance – White Picket Fences
Whoever discovered this tune in the EA Sports headquarters deserves a promotion. FIFA 11 wouldn’t be the same without “White Picket Fences”.
24. Beck – Dreams
One of the more recent entries, Beck explained the reason for making this track was to try “to make something that would be good to play live”, and well, given how good this funky tune sounded on FIFA 16, it must be pleasure to hear in the flesh.
23. Catfish and the Bottlemen – Cocoon
FIFA 15 just wouldn’t be the same without this peach of a number – the guys at EA Sports certainly know how to pick ’em.
22. Marteria – Verstrahlt, feat. Yasha
This alternative German rap track deviated slightly from the norm of chirpy tunes but certainly held its own on the FIFA 12 home-screen.
21. Digitalism – Circles
And another entry from FIFA 12, making that year’s edition – which featured English duo Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere on the front cover – one of the most musically uplifting of the series.
20. Smallpools – Dreaming
Move along Wretch 32 and John Newman, this debut single by Smallpools was one of the most well-received on FIFA 14 and remains a hit.
19. Grouplove – Colours
Surprise, surprise, we’re back at FIFA 12 with this catchy song proving such a hit with the guys at EA Sports that it even made it into Madden NFL 12 that same year.
18. Chromeo – Don’t Turn The Lights On
Another funky jingle that proved such a banger among video game aficionados that it not only featured in FIFA 11, but also Dirt 3.
17. FOALS – Mountain At My Gates
This brilliant single by English rock band Foals reached the number one slot in the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart, but will be truly remembered by many of us for its appearance on FIFA 16.
16. Locnville – Sun in my pocket
This song takes us back to the time you could spend hours in FIFA 11’s practice arena just pelting shot after shot against some hapless goalkeeper with this bumping in the background – those were the days!
15. The Black Keys – Tighten Up
When the Rolling Stone lists a tune in its ‘Best Whistling Songs of All Time’ category you know it will fit a FIFA home-screen like a hand in a glove as it did for FIFA 11.
14. Blur – Song 2
Back in the days when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Owen and Dwight Yorke were terrorising Premier League defences, this throwback needs no introduction and was an absolute hit on FIFA 98.
13. Slaptop – Sunrise
This dazzling melody was a breath of fresh air on FIFA 15. Those trumpet solos are no doubt etched in the minds of every user who browsed the home-screen between the methodical musings of Martin Tyler and Alan Smith.
12. The Griswolds – 16 Years
Sticking with ’15, this little pearl complemented the dance hits and household names that featured in FIFA’s edition that year, offering a vibrant beat that stood proud alongside Avicii’s “The Nights” – oh, and The Griswolds even added “as heard in FIFA 15” to the song’s official title on YouTube.
11. Muse – Supermassive Black Hole
Muse’s hit single “Supermassive Black Hole” charted at number four in the UK Singles Chart, which is the highest position the band has ever achieved – no doubt, Matt Bellamy and the boys will have more proud of making it into FIFA 07 mind.
10. Keane – Nothing In My Way
Again, staying with FIFA 07 this soothing soundtrack made it nigh on impossible to start a new match such was its allure, instead forcing us to pointlessly play around with tactics for an extra four minutes while it played out.
9. MGMT – Kids
A smash hit in its own right but a sacred melody among FIFA fans, with this synth-pop banger immediately recalling thoughts of Wayne Rooney punching the air and Ronaldinho looking majestic in the esteemed red and black of AC Milan in 09.
8. Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank
This is where we start to separate the men from the boys. Back in the days when FIFA only boasted around six songs, Fatboy Slim’s dance hit has featured in a number of video games, including Gekido and Dance Dance Revolution SuperNova 2, but truly beguiled us in FIFA 99 – good times!
7. Foster The People – Call It What You Want
The 2011/12 season was a dramatic one, with Chelsea winning their first ever Champions League title, while Manchester City rocked the Premier League – all while this alternative banger sparked glee on FIFA 12.
6. Avicii – The Nights
One of the more renowned songs to make it as a FIFA soundtrack but by no means any less significant. Avicii’s “The Nights” captivated minds and souls across the globe but will always hold a special place in our hearts for making FIFA 15 that little bit more special.
5. Kasabian – Club Foot
Any match-going football fan will be extremely familiar with this classic as it’s played on the speakers at pretty much every stadium up and down the country, and rightly so – surprised it took as long as FIFA 13 to feature in the series.
4. Sam Sparro – Black & Gold
And we’re back to a decade ago in the joyous years of FIFA 09, a time when Andres Iniesta and Xavi were in their pomp for Barca and this Australian pop hit was causing a stir between matches.
3. Saint Motel – My Type
You probably recognise this song from the NowTV adverts dominating British television, but this song first peaked our imaginations on FIFA 15 – and will always be remembered for that!
2. Bloc Party – Helicopter
Another absolute classic that is guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine. “Helicopter” is almost synonymous with the word throwback and was a pulsating, yet enthralling, addition to the FIFA series in 06.
1. The Caesars – Jerk It Out
Probably the most iconic FIFA song that has ever graced the franchise. This banger came into our lives 15 years ago in FIFA 2004 and is sure to give you goosebumps, bringing back the good times when Ronaldinho was banging them in for Barcelona and Andriy Shevchenko was playing his way to the Ballon d’Or.
Honourable mentions
K’naan – Wavin’ Flag (2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa)
The less we discuss the 2010 World Cup the better, but K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” somewhat softened the blow after Frank Lampard’s shot went…forget it. This jovial jingle is one of the most uplifting songs ever to have featured in the video game series and was a fitting anthem for South Africa 2010.
Coldcut – True Skool, feat. Roots Manuva (FIFA Street 2)
A vintage tune with its funky rhythm aptly taking its place on the FIFA Street home-screen. This has to go down as one of the best video game soundtracks, having also featured on Forza Horizon 2 and Onrush.
