Football body, FIFA has announced the launch of a new entertainment initiative “FIFA Sound”, aimed at creating an original and innovative connection between football, music, football fans, music enthusiasts, football players, and artists.
“FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global, accessible, and inclusive. The crossover between football and music underscores this wider cultural relevance. Both are universal languages and have the power to create unrivaled emotions. It’s a natural fit to bring them together,” FIFA’s Director of Marketing, Jean-François Pathy said.
“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm around the launch of this strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to connect people through inspiring human stories.”
The music initiative is set to kick off with an eight-episode podcast series hosted by former One Direction member, Liam Payne, and broadcaster Jaydee Dyer. The show will invite celebrated footballers to discuss their unforgettable and transformative moments through their careers both on and off the pitch, the footballers would be joined by musicians that inspired them through their careers.
Speaking on the development, Payne “I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on with FIFA. The PlayOn Podcast has been such a journey – it’s been awesome having these incredible players and special guests come together and exchange life experiences from both on and off the pitch, all through the lens of music.”
Olivier Robert-Murphy, the Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group for Brands, said, “We’re delighted to be able to launch this collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group, which brings together two of the world’s biggest and most influential passion points – football and music – to create a series of unique fan experiences. Starting with the launch of the PlayOn Podcast series, these initiatives will showcase the symbiosis and shared bonds between the world’s best footballers and musicians alongside the fans that idolise them globally.”
