The UEFA Champions League Final is not just about football anymore — it’s also become a global entertainment spectacle. This year’s edition was no exception, with American rock band Linkin Park headlining the pre-match show in a high-profile performance meant to energize the crowd and global viewers. However, not everyone was impressed, and at least one football legend made sure his opinion was heard loud and clear.
Dutch football icon and former Ballon d’Or winner Marco van Basten was scathing in his criticism of the event. Speaking during post-match commentary on Dutch television, van Basten didn’t hold back: “The Linkin Park performance was garbage, absolutely garbage. It’s a disgrace that UEFA allows this.”
The harsh remarks have since sparked a wave of online debate, dividing fans between those who enjoyed the performance and those who agreed with the former AC Milan and Netherlands striker.
Linkin Park, known for their fusion of nu-metal and alternative rock, had been tapped to bring an energetic, emotionally charged atmosphere to the final. Their set included hits like “Numb,” “In the End,” and “Bleed It Out” — complete with pyrotechnics, synchronized drone displays, and thousands of fans waving lights across the stadium. But for purists like van Basten, the rock spectacle seemed completely out of place.
“What does this have to do with football?” van Basten added. “This isn’t a concert. It’s the Champions League Final. People are here for football, not a rock show.”
Van Basten’s comments have reignited a long-standing debate about the role of entertainment in major sporting events. UEFA, like FIFA and the NFL, has increasingly leaned into halftime and pre-game performances to attract a broader, global audience. While that strategy has boosted viewership and marketing opportunities, it’s also drawn criticism from those who feel the music overshadows the sport.
Fans were quick to respond on social media. While some applauded van Basten’s blunt honesty, others pointed out that football — like any global event — is evolving.
“Marco van Basten might not like it,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “but millions around the world tuned in not just for the match, but for the full experience.”
UEFA has yet to comment officially on van Basten’s remarks, but insiders suggest that music performances will remain a fixture of the Champions League spectacle.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: while the final may be over, the clash between sport and entertainment continues to divide the football world.
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