The 2025 Club World Cup kicked off with flyovers and a voice that’s sold millions: Robbie Williams. As the newly minted FIFA Music Ambassador, his presence at the closing ceremony added star power to an already historic tournament.
He performed “Desire”, the official anthem co-written with Laura Pausini, in front of a packed MetLife Stadium and millions watching worldwide. The show blended music, visuals and national pride in a tightly choreographed spectacle.
But behind the lights and lyrics, one question lingered: was this performance a paid gig or a passion project? With FIFA’s growing ties to cultural ambassadors, the answer may reveal more than just numbers.
Was Robbie Williams paid to sing at the FIFA Club World Cup?
FIFA has not publicly disclosed whether Robbie Williams received payment for his performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup closing ceremony. However, several clues suggest that his involvement may have leaned more toward ambassadorship than commercial performance.
Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini perform prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025. (Source: David Ramos/Getty Images)
He was appointed as the FIFA Music Ambassador earlier in the year, a role that includes collaborating on music projects across FIFA tournaments. His performance of the official anthem “Desire”, co-written with Laura Pausini, was part of a broader cultural initiative designed to elevate the global appeal.
Given the nature of his role and FIFA’s emphasis on cultural partnerships, it’s plausible that his performance was part of a contractual collaboration rather than a standalone paid gig. That said, without official confirmation, the financial details remain speculative.
