Beyond the Pitch: World Cup Stars Harmonize with Music Careers
Harmonizing Goals and Melodies: The Musical Prowess of Football's Elite
Portugal's Rhythmic Forward: Rafael Leão's Dual Identity as Way 45
Portuguese forward Rafael Leão has been a prominent figure in football since childhood, progressing from French club Lille to a significant five-year contract with AC Milan. While his on-field performance as a reliable forward for the national team is well-documented, Leão also nurtures a vibrant musical career under the moniker Way 45. He blends R&B, hip-hop, and trap beats in his rapping and singing. In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone U.K., Leão shared that music was a constant presence during his upbringing, heavily influenced by his DJ uncle and singing father. He found hip-hop particularly resonant, connecting with its narratives of growing up in challenging environments.
The Goalkeeper's Anthems: Alisson Becker's Melodic Side
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who hails from Rio Grande do Sul, climbed through youth tournaments to become one of football's most recognizable figures, notably becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in history when he joined Liverpool in 2018. Off the pitch, Becker reveals a more relaxed, family-focused persona with a love for singing and playing the guitar. Although not seeking Grammy fame, he frequently shares his musical talents through heartwarming videos alongside fellow musicians and family. He charmed fans with an acoustic rendition of the soccer classic “Allez, Allez, Allez” alongside English singer-songwriter Jamie Webster and has since posted videos of himself singing the anthem with his child and teammates. His repertoire also includes covers of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born and O-Zone’s viral hit “Dragostea Din Tei.”
Dutch Dynamo's Hip-Hop Journey: Memphis Depay's Musical Evolution
Dutch footballer Memphis Depay attracted scout attention at just eight years old, but his lifelong passion for music, especially American hip-hop, has always run deep. In 2017, he ventured into music with the freestyle video “LA Vibes,” which rapidly accumulated 150,000 views within hours and featured his Dutch teammate Quincy Promes. Since then, Depay has consistently released music, including freestyles and numerous singles, often switching between English and Dutch. He has collaborated with artists such as Dutch rapper Winne, Ghanaian singer Bisa Kdei, and the Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde. His 2020 track “No Love” has surpassed 20 million views on YouTube. Despite his team's elimination from this year’s tournament, Depay remains actively engaged with his musical endeavors.
Colombia's Rhythmic Star: Luis “Lucho” Díaz's Chart-Topping Collaborations
Luis “Lucho” Díaz, a standout player for Liverpool and the Colombian national team, recently excited fans by collaborating with singer-rapper Ryan Castro on “El Ritmo Que Nos Une.” Díaz expressed his long-standing attraction to music in an interview with Tribuna, eagerly accepting the opportunity. The song quickly became the adopted anthem for the team’s 2024 Copa América campaign, with the music video featuring several of Díaz’s teammates. Díaz recounted the swift recording process, explaining that Castro’s team set up a studio in their hotel, and they recorded their parts in merely 20 to 30 minutes, producing a fantastic result. Their successful partnership led to a second track, “Dembow Violento,” released just weeks before the World Cup.
Canada's Versatile Talent: Alphonso Davies's Foray into Rap
When not excelling as a left-winger and midfielder for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team, Alphonso Davies explores his musical interests. A devoted music enthusiast, he began releasing freestyles and songs during the pandemic, showcasing his rapping skills. Although Canada was eliminated in the Round of 16, Davies continues to demonstrate his artistic versatility. In 2025, he formalized his musical pursuits with the track “München My Throne,” which cleverly announced his contract extension with Bayern Munich until 2023. Davies told Billboard Canada that he primarily contributed ad-libs and spoken parts, emphasizing his love for music and casual engagement in creating it. The track has since garnered approximately a million views.