Linkin Park Set to Headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show Presented by Pepsi

Linkin Park to Rock the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show

Pepsi® and UC3 are thrilled to announce that the iconic rock band Linkin Park will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi on May 31 at the Munich Football Arena. This show promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, setting the mood just moments before the European Club Football’s biggest match.

Following a triumphant comeback with their latest album From Zero, which marks their first release in seven years, Linkin Park is riding a new wave of success. The album quickly ascended to the top of charts globally, featuring hit songs like "Heavy Is The Crown" and "The Emptiness Machine," with the latter becoming the biggest rock song of 2024, amassing over 250 million streams. Notably, Billboard reported that Linkin Park was the only rock band to surpass two billion annual streams in 2024. This momentum continues into 2025 with their fierce new single, "Up From The Bottom," set for release on May 16 as part of the upcoming Deluxe Edition of From Zero.

As the band gears up for their extensive From Zero World Tour, which kicks off on April 26 in Austin, Texas, and travels through sold-out stadiums across Europe, they are ready to present their compelling new material to a global audience. At the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show, Linkin Park is set to perform a brilliant setlist that encapsulates their rich legacy from past classics to their latest tracks.

In a unique collaboration for this event, Linkin Park has crafted a new electrifying remix that blends their distinct sound with elements of European football culture. This remix features recognizable riffs from their 4X Platinum hit "Numb" intertwined with UEFA Champions League inspired sounds—think the crack of a leather ball, the whistle of a free kick, and the roar of the most passionate fans in the world. This musical arrangement is beautifully showcased in a short film accompanying the announcement, leading viewers through an emotion-filled interpretation of the new custom track alongside thrilling football footage from the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show, celebrating the harmonious link between football and entertainment.

"With our new album and ongoing tour, we've been overwhelmed by the energy and excitement of our fans. We can’t wait to share that same enthusiasm during the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. This is a completely new experience for us as a band, and we’re thrilled to perform some of our favorite songs—both old and new—before a live audience and millions of viewers worldwide," the band expressed.

Eric Melis, VP of Global Brand Marketing at PepsiCo, stated, "We are proud to announce that one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century is set to headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. This marks our ninth year bringing millions of viewers together from around the world, and Linkin Park is sure to deliver an unmatched performance live from Munich Football Arena, Germany. We are excited to collaborate with artists who embody our ‘Thirsty For More’ philosophy, reflecting the same spirit of innovation and boldness Pepsi represents. We can’t wait to see how fans react to this must-see show.”

Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director of UC3, added, "This year’s UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi promises to be a spectacular moment, with one of the world’s most iconic rock bands performing live just minutes before the biggest match in European club football. Together with Pepsi, we are proud to enhance the fan experience—both in the stadium and for the millions watching from around the globe—with unforgettable entertainment both on and off the pitch."

Once again, Pepsi and UEFA deliver an extraordinary musical performance featuring some of the world’s most iconic artists, uniting football and music fans in one spectacular show. The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show will be broadcast worldwide, mere minutes before the kickoff of the most significant match in the football club calendar, epitomizing Pepsi’s global platform of "Thirsty For More".

Fans can catch the Kick Off Show through their local broadcasters and the official UEFA YouTube channel. To stay updated, supporters are encouraged to follow Pepsi on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.