FIFA PlayOn is an eight-episode podcast series hosted by former member of One Direction Liam Payne and sports broadcaster Jaydee Dyer.
PlayOn is the first of many new initiatives that FIFA is launching this year as part of a collaboration with Universal Music Group for Brands – a division of Universal Music Group.
The podcast launches today and is part of FIFA’s vision to make football more global, accessible and inclusive. This falls under a new music and entertainment strategy, FIFA Sound which, it’s hoped, will help create more innovative and meaningful connections between football fans, music enthusiasts, players, artists, and the game and songs they all love.
In each episode, a celebrated football player will discuss transformative moments throughout their career and the songs that have provided a soundtrack to their lives. An award-winning musician who has personally inspired them will also join the conversation as they explore the powerful connection between football and music.
The first episode of the podcast features Sevilla FC’s Ivan Rakitić and Colombian music group’s Morat who talk about how football and music have helped them through the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking about the announcement of the series, Liam Payne said: “I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on with FIFA.
“The PlayOn Podcast has been such a journey – it’s been awesome having these incredible players and special guests come together and exchange life experiences from both on and off the pitch, all through the lens of music.”
Olivier Robert-Murphy, Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group for Brands, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch this collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group, which brings together two of the world’s biggest and most influential passion points – football and music – to create a series of unique fan experiences.
“Starting with the launch of the PlayOn Podcast series, these initiatives will showcase the symbiosis and shared bonds between the world’s best footballers and musicians alongside the fans that idolise them globally.”
Playlists featuring the songs chosen by each player will be posted on Spotify for listeners to enjoy. Guest pairings for the opening episodes include Ivan Rakitić & Morat, Carli Lloyd & Rachel Platten and Asisat Oshoala & Tiwa Savage. Guests in future episodes will include Deyna Castellanos, Lele Pons, Wretch 32 and more.
PlayOn is available to stream from today on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and other podcast players. New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays.
