"Major Tom" serves as DFB's goal anthem, pleasing Peter Schilling.
UEFA doesn't have a say in it, but Peter Schilling is still ecstatic. His classic "Major Tom" is now the new anthem for the German Football Association (DFB). This is perfect for him - even as a devoted fan. And that for 60 years, he emphasizes.
The singer Peter Schilling couldn't contain his joy when he learned that the DFB had chosen his timeless "Major Tom" as the anthem for the national football team. "Football, Peter Schilling, Major Tom - it all harmonizes, it's a team that performs. Fans can instinctively sense that, too," he said.
The decision came as a "not entirely surprising" revelation for Schilling. "I knew the process was in motion, it doesn't happen overnight. I was still thrilled about this significant event."
At 68, Schilling had big dreams as a young footballer, "until I was around 14 or 15 years old, with aspirations to continue," he recalled: "That matches up. I'm a massive football fan, and I've been supporting the German national team since - respect - 1964. In that respect, it's a tale that's evolved. And that 'Major Tom' has now found a home on this field, I'm delighted."
To the disappointment of some, "Major Tom" replaces "Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation at the fans' request. It was first heard as the official DFB anthem during the match against Ukraine (20:45 Uhr/ARD and in the ntv.de-Liveticker). At the European Championship, it will only be played in the stadium's vicinity. The UEFA plans to use jingles from the official EM song for goals with all teams having identical jingles.
The DFB responded to the fan campaign for "Major Tom" in March, allowing spectators to join in a group cheer after Maximilian Mittelstadt's goal against the Netherlands in Frankfurt. After that, its future was uncertain. Now, starting with the EM opening match in Munich against Scotland on June 14, the song will be the soundtrack of the summer - also as an unofficial tournament anthem.
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The European Football Championship 2024 is approaching, and with it, the German national soccer team will have a new anthem. Major Tom, the timeless hit by Peter Schilling, will replace Zombie Nation's Kernkraft 400 as the DFB's anthem for international matches, including the upcoming tournament.
As the excitement builds for the European Championship, fans can look forward to hearing Major Tom echoing in the stadiums, not only during official matches but also as an unofficial anthem for the tournament.
