Robbie Williams has released 'Desire' with Laura Pausini as the first official FIFA anthem

Robbie Williams has released new single 'Desire', featuring Laura Pausini, which becomes the first official FIFA anthem.

The track, co-written by Williams alongside Karl Brazil, Owen Parker and Erik Jan Grob, will be played before every FIFA tournament match globally as players line up before kick-off. The release marks Williams' first engagement in his new role as FIFA's Official Music Ambassador, a position announced in June that aims to strengthen the connection between music and football.

Williams and Pausini are set to perform 'Desire' together for the first time at the FIFA Club World Cup™ final at MetLife Stadium in New York on 13th July. The song initially premiered at the tournament's opening match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on 14th June.

"Music and football bring people together like nothing else so I'm beyond honoured to be the Official FIFA Music Ambassador," Williams says. "To perform 'Desire' with Laura at the final of the FIFA Club World Cup™ and share that moment with fans in the stadium and all the fans watching from home around the world, will be a truly special moment. And it's just the start, I'm so excited that my song will be a part of some of my favourite FIFA football tournaments in the coming years."

Pausini adds: "It's an honour for me to be invited to join Robbie Williams and be featured on the song 'Desire', written by Robbie. The song is amazing, really touching. It's a dream to be with him for The FIFA Club World Cup. Since I was a little girl growing up in Italy I remember the thrill and passion for football in my home country. To be able to perform live with Robbie Williams in front of passionate football fans and to be heard by music fans around the world will be truly amazing."