Why is the Champions League music played at King Charles III’s coronation?

THE Champions League music is one of the most recognised tunes in the world of football.

But did you know it is based on the anthem that is played during the coronation?

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Here is all you need to know about the iconic Champions League anthem and its relation to King Charles' coronation.

Why is the Champions League music played at King Charles' coronation?

The Champions League music derives from George Frideric Handel's Zadok The Priest.

When the Champions League was rebranded in 1992, English composer Tony Britten was commissioned to write the new anthem.

He adapted the famous Zadok The Priest piece, to create the tune that is traditionally played before huge European nights.

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The anthem was initially composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II.

It has since been traditionally performed during the anointing of the sovereign at the coronation of every British monarch, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Zadok the Priest will be performed again on Saturday, May 6, 2023, for the coronation of King Charles III.

Why was the Champions League anthem not played during home matches involving British teams ahead of the Queen's funeral?

The iconic song was not played in Champions League fixtures that took place prior to the Queen's funeral.

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Liverpool, Rangers, Chelsea and Manchester City all had home Champions League games during the ten-day national mourning period.

UEFA made the decision not to play the anthem, and clubs paid further respects with a period of silence.

What are the Champions League anthem lyrics?

Ce sont les meilleures équipes
Es sind die allerbesten Mannschaften
The main event

Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions

Une grande réunion
Eine grosse sportliche Veranstaltung
The main event

Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions

Ils sont les meilleurs
Sie sind die Besten
These are the champions

Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions

In English: 

They are the best teams
They are the best teams
The main event

The master
The best
The great teams
The champions

A big meeting
A great sporting event
The main event

The master
The best
The great teams
The champions

They are the best
They are the best
These are the champions

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The master
The best
The champions