"Van Basten expresses outrage over the pre-Champions League final spectacle"
In the build-up to the 2025 Champions League final at Munich's Allianz Arena, celebrated former footballer Marco van Basten expressed strong criticism of the pre-match entertainment. The Dutch footballing icon, a two-time Champions League winner, derided the performance by American rock band Linkin Park as "absolutely idiotic" and "worthless," speaking on Dutch television.
Van Basten, who accompanied former Bundesliga star Rafael van der Vaart in a TV studio as an expert commentator, questioned UEFA's decision to host such an event. He argued that the performance would distract players from their warm-up routines, labeling the whole affair "laughable."
Linkin Park, on a comeback tour following the tragic death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017, performed a short medley of hits and new songs before the Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. The audience's reaction was mixed, with some fans promptly applauding at the end, while others remained largely unengaged during the performance.
Former violinist David Garrett also performed, closing the show with an rendition of "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes, a song now revered among football fans. During this performance, stadium spectators could be heard enthusiastically joining in the chanting of the song.
The debate over pre-match entertainment at major sporting events, including UEFA finals, has been long-standing. Fan reactions remain divided, with some siding with van Basten, while others champion the artistic merit of performances like Linkin Park's.
Broadcasts and media outlets covered the controversy extensively, with some leaning towards the perspective of van Basten and questioning the relevance of these events at soccer finals. Despite the controversy, it is clear that such pre-match performances continue to provoke passionate opinions, even among football legends like Marco van Basten.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa
[References]1. "Marco van Basten lambasts Champions League final pre-show." ESPN, May 27, 2025.2. "Linkin Park slammed by Marco van Basten as 'absolutely idiotic' at Champions League final." Fox News, May 27, 2025.3. "Van Basten calls out UEFA over Champions League final pre-show music." CBS Sports, May 27, 2025.4. "Van Basten lashes out at UEFA over Linkin Park's Champions League final performance." The Guardian, May 27, 2025.
Community policy should address the concerns raised by Marco van Basten about the impact of pre-match entertainment on the focus and preparations of athletes during major events, such as the Champions League final.
Despite criticism from football legends like van Basten, employment policy within sports organizations like UEFA might include the hiring of musical acts for pre-game entertainment in international leagues like the Champions League and European leagues.
