FIFA Plugs in Podcast Initiative

FIFA is launching “FIFA Sound,” a new entertainment strategy designed to create connections between football (soccer) fans, music enthusiasts, players, artists and the game and songs they all love.

“FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive,” says Jean-François Pathy, marketing director, FIFA. “The crossover between football and music underscores this wider cultural relevance. Both are universal languages and have the power to create unrivalled emotions. It’s a natural fit to bring them together. 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.”

PlayOn is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and other podcast players. New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays. Playlists featuring the songs chosen by each player will be posted on Spotify for listeners to enjoy. Guest pairings for the opening episodes include:

“FIFA Sound” is kicking off with the launch of an eight-episode podcast series. Hosted by Universal Music Group’s artist Liam Payne and co-hosted by sports broadcaster Jaydee Dyer, the FIFA PlayOn Podcast pairs star football players with musicians for unforgettable conversations. In each episode, celebrated footballers from around the world will discuss transformative moments from their careers – on and off the pitch – through the songs that have provided a soundtrack to their lives. The players will be joined by a musician who inspired them as they explore the interplay between music and football in their lives.”

PlayOn is the first of many new initiatives that FIFA will be launching in 2021 and beyond as part of its strategic collaboration with Universal Music Group for Brands – a division of Universal Music Group.

“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,” says Olivier Robert-Murphy, executive vice president, brands, Universal Music Group. “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 idolize them globally.”

Guests in future episodes will include Deyna Castellanos, Lele Pons, Wretch 32 and more.