I know what you’re going to say. It’s called FC now, not FIFA. Yes, sure, it is. I get it. However, all the songs featured today are from pre-FC days when the entire sports gaming world knew the game as FIFA. Most of us still call it FIFA—at least I do, and everybody I know does. I’m not being stubborn; I’m just setting the parameters of this article early so you know what to expect and why you’re wondering why I’m saying FIFA so often instead of FC.
A Football Gaming Dynasty
Given that the gaming franchise dates back over 30 years, it shows how far the landmark EA Sports title has come. Back in 1993, the games were primitive; there was no online gaming. In fact, the internet was in a very basic form. It’s not what we see today; everything is available online from a gaming perspective, from FIFA tournaments to online casinos and everything in between.
Those who place bets or play at a live casino don’t need us to tell you how much that technology has improved in the last three decades. Likewise, FIFA has come on leaps and bounds, too. Adapting to live technology in the same way casino gaming has, taking it in its stride and expanding the possibilities of FIFA titles. By the time the games got to the late 1990s, they could put dozens of tracks on their games to bolster their overall package – but certain songs are more timeless than others.
There have been a few contenders for the most timeless song. Perhaps we’re closing the net too short by only picking four of these timeless songs, but after meticulous research and furious debate, we have settled on the list.
#1 – FIFA 98: Road To World Cup 98: Blur – Song 2
Flying out of the traps with a classic from the 1990s. Many of you won’t remember this one. Blur’s timeless song wasn’t just one of the best FIFA intros of all time (go and check it out on YouTube if you don’t believe me), but it also exemplified the peak of 90s music and culture. Oasis vs Blur was one of the biggest British musical battles ever.
It captured the imagination of the nation. Blur still has a beloved fanbase, too. It is arguably the preeminent tune of any FIFA game from the 90s and one that has aged like a fine wine. EA Sports revived it a quarter of a century later for the FIFA World Cup 23 game. Although some get it mixed up with the FIFA 23 soundtrack, it was featured on the World Cup spin-off, just like it was all those years ago for France 98.
#2 – FIFA 09: MGMT – Kids
It helps that MGMT’s megahit wasn’t a custom-made song for FIFA; it was one of the biggest singles of 2007. While the brand might be determined to move away from FIFA to FC and are willing to spend an arm and a leg in advertising to do so, nostalgia merchants such as myself refuse to comply. One of the main reasons is the memories these songs bring back. Golden memories of FIFA 09, Ronaldinho on the warm-up screen, donning his AC Milan kit—what a time to be alive.
#3 – FIFA 04: Caesars – Jerk It Out
PlayStation 2 FIFA had such a different energy—mainly because it competed heavily with Konami and Pro Evo. So, with each game, each year, there were clear differences and a genuine appetite to deliver a new game. Nowadays, they dominate the market so much that veering away from the proven model isn’t something they like to do—unless they’re completely changing the name, that is.
Jerk It Out is a foottapper synonymous with FIFA 2004 and the cover of footballing superstars at the time, Ronaldinho, Del Piero, and Henry. Jerk It Out is still a popular song choice on football compilations and social media shorts. Although it’s been 20 years since FIFA 2004, this timeless classic is still heavily associated.
#4 – FIFA 05: New Order – Blue Monday
While it might not be the first song that gamers think of when people bring up FIFA soundtracks, New Order was one of the seminal bands of the 1980s, and Blue Monday, for many people, is their greatest track. It’s the definition of timeless, and while FIFA might have a mountain of forgettable songs featured on their games over the last 20 years, this certainly isn’t one of them.
Conclusion
Sorry if your favorite song hasn’t been featured today; probably a dozen FIFA classics could’ve gotten onto today’s list. I’ve had to go for the absolute elite, the bands and songs that have stood the test of time and stretch beyond FIFA with their notoriety.
All the songs are from at least 15 years ago but are continuously featured in TV clips and social media adverts, drumming up millions of plays on Spotify. While they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, nobody can dispute their timelessness.
