​Armin van Buuren produces “official Euro’s anthem” for Dutch national football team

Armin van Buuren has created the “official anthem” for the Dutch men’s national football team ahead of the 2024 European Championship.

The track, titled ‘Larger Than Life’, landed yesterday, May 30, in collaboration with five-piece Dutch indie band Chef’Special, and features backing vocals from the men’s football team.

In a behind-the-scenes video, Armin van Buuren explains: “We came here with the band to write the Oranje anthem together. There has never been a song recorded with all the players of the Dutch national team. I think that’s really fucking awesome!”

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The anticipated track is said to serve as the “official anthem” for the Dutch men’s football team ahead of the Euro’s, which kicks off in June across Germany.

“It’s about the journey that hopefully leads to greatness, meaning something that’s bigger than ourselves,” say Chef’Special. “That process and that type of belief in one another can lift you up and make you feel larger than life.”

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The track marks the first use of the team’s vocals on an official football anthem since André Hazes’ 1988 track ‘Wij Houden Van Oranje’. Speaking on that track, Netherlands’ coach Ronald Koeman explains: “Back in 1988, I was an international player myself and among the many who featured on André Hazes’ classic song.”

“Not only was it fun to do, but it also instilled a strong sense of togetherness. I heard from the players that they too enjoyed contributing to the song.”

Listen to ‘Larger Than Life’ below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter