On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, UEFA announced that the iconic American rock band Linkin Park will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show, set to take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on May 31, 2025, at 21:00 (Brasília time). This highly anticipated performance marks a significant moment for both music and sports fans worldwide.
The tradition of incorporating musical acts into the Champions League finals began in 2016 with a performance by Alicia Keys. Since then, the event has featured a stellar lineup of artists, including Black Eyed Peas (2017), Dua Lipa (2018), Imagine Dragons (2019), Marshmello, Khalid, and Selena Gomez (2021), Camila Cabello (2022), Anitta (2023), and Lenny Kravitz (2024). Now, Linkin Park is set to continue this legacy, bringing their unique sound to one of the biggest stages in sports.
Linkin Park, known for their blend of rock, nu-metal, and electronic elements, will perform a mix of their classic hits and new material. The band returned to the music scene after a seven-year hiatus with the release of their latest single, "From Zero," which has been well received by fans and critics alike. Their performance at the Champions League final will include a remixed version of their 2003 hit "Numb," specifically inspired by the UEFA competition.
In a statement, Linkin Park expressed their excitement: "With our new album and the ongoing tour, we are impressed by the energy and excitement of our fans. We can’t wait to share this same energy and excitement at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show. This represents a completely new experience for us as a band, and we are thrilled to share some of our favorite songs from the past and present with thousands in the audience and millions watching around the world." This sentiment captures the band's eagerness to connect with their audience during such a monumental event.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, co-director of UEFA's marketing arm, UC3, also highlighted the significance of the show, stating, "This will be a spectacular moment, with one of the world’s most iconic bands performing live just minutes before the UEFA Champions League Final. In partnership with Pepsi, we continue to enhance the fan experience, both in the stadium and for the millions of viewers globally." This partnership with Pepsi underscores the growing trend of merging sports and entertainment, aiming to create unforgettable experiences for fans.
Linkin Park's current lineup features vocalists Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, DJ Joe Hahn, and drummer Colin Brittain. Following the tragic death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, the band underwent significant changes, with Armstrong stepping in to take on vocal duties alongside Shinoda. This new configuration has allowed the band to evolve while honoring their legacy.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the performance, especially given the band's recent return to the stage. They performed at Allianz Parque in São Paulo on November 15 and 16, 2024, coinciding with the release of their new album, "From Zero." The shows were broadcasted officially in Brazil, showcasing the band’s enduring popularity and the excitement surrounding their comeback.
Looking ahead, Linkin Park is set to continue their momentum with a series of concerts in Brazil later this year. They will perform in Curitiba at Estádio Couto Pereira on November 5, followed by a show in São Paulo at MorumBIS on November 8, and concluding in Brasília at Arena BRB Mané Garrincha on November 11. Tickets for the São Paulo concert have already sold out, reflecting the high demand for their performances.
As the UEFA Champions League final approaches, the excitement surrounding Linkin Park’s performance continues to grow. Fans are not only looking forward to the highly competitive match but also to the electrifying atmosphere that the band is sure to create. The event will be broadcasted live, allowing millions to experience the thrill of the performance and the match itself.
Linkin Park's involvement in the Champions League final is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of music, sports, and the unifying power they hold. The band’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience is evident, as they prepare to take the stage at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
With the Champions League final set to feature top teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the stakes are high. As these clubs battle for European supremacy, Linkin Park’s performance will serve as a powerful backdrop, blending the intensity of sport with the passion of music.
The band’s journey back to the forefront of the music scene, coupled with their participation in such a significant event, symbolizes resilience and innovation. Fans and newcomers alike will have the chance to witness this momentous occasion, making it a night to remember.
In summary, Linkin Park's performance at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show promises to be a landmark event, merging the worlds of music and sports in a way that celebrates their shared energy and passion. As the countdown to May 31 continues, anticipation builds for what is sure to be a spectacular evening in Munich.
