PARIS (AP) — The much-anticipated Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) takes place on Saturday at Budapest's Puskás Aréna, and the rivalry will extend beyond the pitch to the stands. Thousands of passionate supporters from both teams are expected to create a vibrant and competitive atmosphere by singing their respective anthems, aiming to outdo each other in vocal fervor.
Defending champions PSG will rally their fans to sing "Tous ensemble on chantera" (All together we will sing), a chant that has been popularized by the club's Ultras fans. Meanwhile, Arsenal supporters will respond with the uplifting chorus of "The Angel (North London Forever)," a song penned by Louis Dunford in 2022, which has since become a staple of the Gunners' matchday experience.
Louis Dunford's song is a tribute to Islington, the area where he grew up. Its catchy chorus encapsulates the spirit of Arsenal's fanbase and features lines that reflect local culture, including references to pubs, community, and resilience. Dunford shared, "This song I wrote in my bedroom as a little love letter to my hometown. I never dreamed I’d hear it sung at every home game." The chorus, which resonates strongly with Arsenal fans, emphasizes their unwavering support and connection to North London.
The lyrics of the Arsenal anthem exclaim: "North London forever, / Whatever the weather, / The streets are our own. / And my heart will leave you never, / My blood will forever, / Run through the stone." This anthem gained further recognition when actress Anne Hathaway shared a video of herself singing it, which went viral on social media.
Arsenal fans recently belted out their anthem to celebrate winning their first Premier League title since 2004, with coach Mikel Arteta describing it as an "emotional explosion" for the club after years of striving for success. In contrast, PSG has secured its fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title and a record-extending 14th overall, showcasing strong dominance in French football.
Despite their domestic success, PSG's history in the Champions League has been tumultuous. They struggled for many years and only recently achieved their first UEFA Champions League title in 2022. The club’s anthem mirrors the loyalty of their supporters, who have remained steadfast through challenging times. PSG's song expands on themes of love and dedication, with lines celebrating the struggles fans overcame as they supported their team through thick and thin.
PSG's song includes the lyrics: "Paris S G, / Tous ensemble on chantera, / Cet amour qu’on a pour toi,
