The Daily Mail reported criticism of Linkin Park’s performance at the UEFA Champions League final.
The pre-match ceremony sparked controversy during the broadcast when Linkin Park members and other performers took the stage.
Former Netherlands football star Marco van Basten voiced his criticism during the live broadcast. “The Linkin Park performance was garbage, absolutely garbage. It’s a disgrace that UEFA allows this,” he stated.
The opening ceremony included additional performances. German violin virtuoso David Garrett presented a rearranged version of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”
The performance marked a significant moment for both the band and the tournament, despite the criticism.
UEFA’s official website revealed that Linkin Park created a special remix of “Numb” for the event. The band incorporated football-inspired sounds into their performance.
Bolavip detailed the event, titled “The 2025 UEFA Champions League Kick Off Show by Pepsi.” The performance took place at Munich Football Arena and brought together Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Emily Armstrong.
Total Apex Entertainment highlighted the show’s significance for the band. Bassist Dave Farrell expressed particular excitement about performing in Germany, where Linkin Park maintains a strong fan base.
The event represented a major commercial collaboration with Pepsi and UC3. It stands as one of the tournament’s most high-profile performances in recent years.
