Despite the existence of several codes around soccer and discoveries dating back to 400 B.C. about the presence of ball games. It was not until the 19th century that the first steps were taken towards the unification of these codes to give rise to what we know today as soccer.
It took about 30 years after this unification to announce the creation of the first tournament under the rules of this new code called Soccer, which mainly sought to put an end to violent physical contact to take the ball away from the opponent. This first championship, which took place in England, was organized by the FA (The Football Association), the maximum organism created at the same time as the unification of codes and the current ruling authority of this sport in England.
A posteriori, the expansion of this doctrine was undelayable, and during the following years national associations were formed not only in Europe, but also in countries outside the continent such as: New Zealand (1891) and Argentina (1893). It was thanks to this enlargement around the world, that 7 European countries, led by France, Spain and Switzerland, promoted the creation of an association whose purpose was to govern soccer federations around the world, eventually FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
During the first years of its management, FIFA was joined by federations from all over the world and this led to the creation of many local tournaments (domestic leagues and cups) and international tournaments (at club and country level). If we talk about international tournaments, one of the most important to date is the World Cup, held every 4 years where the best national teams of each of the 5 federations or continents participate. Now, at club level, we cannot fail to mention a tournament that involves the European countries that promoted the creation of the maximum institution in soccer, one of the most important for its media and sporting impact, this competition is the UEFA Champions League (Union of European Football Associations). But, having said that, what does a German composer born at the end of the 17th century, when soccer did not even exist, have to do with the UEFA Champions League?
To give way to answer this question, it is important to talk about Tony Britten, English composer known for his participation as musical director in television productions and films such as Robocop. Also for his work with British film director Clive Donner. But, beyond his vast experience as an arranger and musical director, Tony had the ingenuity to borrow the musical work “Zadok The Priest” from the compilation “Coronation Anthems” by Georg Friedrich Händel, in order to fulfill the task that UEFA had entrusted him with.
It was in 1992, with the help of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (also called the British Philharmonic Orchestra), that the interpretation of what is now known as the UEFA Champions League Anthem took place. This poetic resource, which consists of a small group of verses that are repeated, resounds in the European stadiums before the whistle that kicks off each match of this competition.