Footballers with Songs: From Pitch to Studio
In football, self-expression no longer stops at boots, haircuts or tunnel fits. A new wave of footballers with songs is turning the recording studio into another stage, using music to show personality beyond the pitch.
From Dutch hip/hop to Portuguese rap and Spanish melodic pop – fans across the globe are loving the fact that their idols are now releasing music too.
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay is one of the earliest examples of a footballer who treats music as more than just a side hobby. Releasing music under his own name, his single “No Love” was published in 2018, with Apple Music listing it as a hip-hop/rap release. Over the years, Memphis has built a catalogue that sits close to his public image: confident and visually driven. For Depay, music feels like part of the same personal universe as fashion, tattoos and faith. It is not separate from his identity, it extends it.
Rafael Leão (WAY 45)
Rafael Leão releases music under his rap alter ego WAY 45. It is a project that adds another layer to his creative profile. His Spotify artist page lists projects including “Beginning” and “My Life In Each Verse”. Leão’s music mirrors the calm confidence people recognise in his game. Smooth and unforced, it shows an athlete comfortable moving between elite football and personal storytelling.
Noa Lang (Noano)
Next on the list of footballers with songs is Noa Lang, whose music career carries the same boldness as his football personality. Under the name Noano, he released songs such as “Damage” with Ronnie Flex, with the single entering the GfK Single Top 100 at number one. This is special as Noa Lang became the first footballer ever to have an official number 1-hit.
Alex Iwobi (17)
Alex Iwobi recently entered the list of footballers with songs under the artist name 17. His debut project “More To Life” includes nine tracks, with football references such as “Joga Bonito” and a guest appearance from fellow Premier League player Amadou Onana under the alias 24AM. The name of the album says plenty. For Iwobi, music becomes a way to show that a footballer’s world can be wider than matchdays and media duties.
Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos has also stepped into music, releasing songs under his own name instead of an alias. His standout track “CIBELES” is a direct reference to Real Madrid’s famous celebration spot, making it closely tied to his football story. In it, Ramos talks about his hard ending times at his ex-club, which shaped a significant part of his career. Instead of just building a full rapper identity like some of the others on the list, Ramos uses music more as a personal expression of emotion.
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Ready for more?
If you want to read more on how footballers express themselves off the pitch, check out our article on the best footballer fits of April.
From creative expressions to cultural heritage inspired by football, explore more stories in Art & Culture.
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