Decca Classics has launched two new official Pavarotti football shirts ahead of the 2026 World Cup – check out images of the shirts below.
The shirts will celebrate “the enduring connection between one of the greatest voices of all time, football and ‘Nessun Dorma’”, according to a statement – referring to the song made famous by Pavarotti in the summer World Cup season of 1990 for ‘Italia ’90’.
The shirt is said to be “inspired by the life, passions and cultural legacy of the world’s most beloved tenor” in what would have been his 90th year. The famous Tenor passed away in 2007, aged 71.
A statement added: “The limited-edition football shirt collection pays homage to the unique relationship between Luciano Pavarotti, football, and the aria that became the soundtrack to a generation during the summer of 1990: ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s opera, Turandot.”
It continued: “Long before he became the world’s most famous tenor, Pavarotti was an enthusiastic footballer and played regularly as a young man in Modena. Throughout his life he remained a passionate supporter of the game and forged lasting friendships across the football world.”
Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, said of her late husband: “Luciano was a man of huge passions, and football was definitely right at the top of the list. As a kid, he lived and breathed the game on the pitch, playing as a goalkeeper for a local team.
“Later, his incredible performance of ‘Nessun Dorma’ became way more than just a World Cup soundtrack; it turned into the ultimate anthem for anyone tackling a challenge with courage and heart. It’s a timeless reminder that, no matter what field you’re playing on, the goal is always the same: Vincerò, vincerò, vincerò!”
There are two shirts available now from the store here. One, ‘The Hawaiian Shirt’, has been made in homage to the fact Pavarotti was known for his colourful wardrobe and was rarely seen without one of his beloved Hawaiian shirts.
Bold red and blue tropical florals cover the shirt, “capturing the exuberance, warmth and joy that defined both the man and his performances,” a statement added.
Across the chest of the shirt is the word “Vincerò” (“I will win”), the closing line from ‘Nessun Dorma’. The number 90 appears on the reverse too, commemorating both Italia ’90, the FIFA World Cup and marking Pavarotti’s 90th year.
The second shirt, ‘The Modena’, pays tribute to Pavarotti’s hometown of Modena and the club he supported throughout his life.
Seen in deep blue with vibrant yellow detailing, the shirt draws inspiration from the colours associated with the city and features a repeating silhouette motif inspired by Pavarotti’s iconic stage presence.
In other music-related World Cup news, Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds have announced a 30th anniversary re-release of ‘Three Lions’, as England head into another World Cup this summer, and John Barnes has revealed the audio clips from 1990, showing Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley attempting his iconic rap for ‘World in Motion’.
Belle & Sebastian have also shared a buoyant 2026 Scotland World Cup anthem ‘It Only Takes One Lion’, and frontman Stuart Murdoch told NME about his hopes for the team.
Last week (June 4), the official soundtrack album for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was announced, featuring The Rolling Stones, Shakira, Stormzy and more. Check out the full list here.
The full tracklist brings together a collection of huge artists, genres and cultures from around the world. It looks to reflect the diversity, energy and scale of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Among the songs featured on the 18-song tracklist are opening tracks ‘Goals’ by LISA, Anitta and Rema, ‘Game Time’ by Future and Tyla, and ‘Illuminate’ Jessie Reyez and Elyanna. A remix of Rolling Stones’ ‘In The Stars’ is also featured, as is Stormzy, Fridayy and Angel’s ‘Blessings’, Ayra Starr and Latto’s ‘Show Me’, and Shakira and Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins this Thursday (June 11), and the opening match will see co-hosts Mexico vs South Africa go head to head at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
