A 90s Hit Resurfaces at the FIFA Club World Cup
The 1996 hit “Freed from Desire” has become the unexpected anthem of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, captivating fans and adding to the tournament’s unforgettable moments.
Who is Gala Rizzutto?
Gala Rizzutto is an Italian singer who released “Freed from Desire” in 1996. The song became a summer hit in Europe, but its popularity waned over time. Little did anyone know that football would revive the tune twice from obscurity.
The Football Fans’ Adoption
In 2016, fans of the English Wigan Athletic appropriated the infectious melody to cheer on their striker Will Grigg, singing “Will Grigg’s on fire, your defense is terrified.” Since then, the catchy tune has taken over stadiums across Europe, from the 2016 Eurocup in France to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games football tournament.
Gala’s Legal Battle and Collaboration with FIFA
Gala had to fight for the rights of “Freed from Desire” as the song experienced a resurgence in recent years. In an interview with French magazine Paris Match, she revealed living “penniless” in Brooklyn due to an unfair contract signed three decades ago. However, she managed to regain the rights to rerecord her iconic song, which led to a collaboration with FIFA for the Club World Cup.
Impact and Reception
- Positive Impact: The song has become a football celebration anthem, spreading joy among fans across various sports and even in reclaiming movements.
- Gala’s Reaction: In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, Gala expressed her happiness that people find joy in the song, acknowledging its unique energy and adaptability.
- Liverpool’s Celebration: The Liverpool FC celebrated their 2024-25 Premier League title with the song, creating a viral celebration involving fans and players.
- FIFA’s Perspective: FIFA highlighted the song’s emotional connection with global football fans, emphasizing its historical significance and the evolving nature of sports.
The Song’s Spread and Varied Usage
The tune has transcended football, appearing in tennis and padel matches as well as reclaiming movements. Its adaptability has made it a versatile anthem for celebration and unity.
FIFA’s Official Song Change
Initially, FIFA announced Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” performed by Pitbull, as the official tournament song. However, fans opted to embrace the infectious rhythm of “Freed from Desire,” with its iconic dozen “na”s.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Gala Rizzutto? An Italian singer who released “Freed from Desire” in 1996.
- What is the song’s history at the FIFA Club World Cup? The song was adopted by fans, eventually becoming the unofficial anthem of the tournament.
- Why did Gala need to reclaim her song’s rights? Due to an unfavorable contract signed decades ago, Gala had to fight for the rights to rerecord and commercialize “Freed from Desire.”
- How has the song impacted the tournament? The catchy tune has created a sense of unity and joy among fans, transcending sports and even being used in reclaiming movements.
