Linkin Park headlines the opening show of the 2025 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan on Saturday, May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time). The American band, returning to the stage with a new lineup after seven years, performs a special set before the match, which starts at 4:00 p.m., broadcast live in Brazil on SBT, TNT, and Max streaming. The performance, part of the traditional “Kickoff Show,” is streamed free on UEFA’s YouTube channel, drawing millions of rock and football fans. The event marks the first time the alternative rock band performs at the tournament’s final, energizing the crowd for the European title showdown. The choice reflects UEFA’s strategy to blend music and sports in a global spectacle.
The Champions League final, held at the Allianz Arena, pits PSG, chasing their first continental title, against Inter Milan, three-time champions seeking a fourth trophy. The Linkin Park show, announced in April, promises about 30 minutes of performance, featuring classic hits and tracks from the new album “From Zero.” The band, led by Mike Shinoda with new vocalist Emily Armstrong, warms up the 75,000-capacity stadium.
- Event highlights:
- Free show on UEFA’s YouTube channel.
- Setlist with hits like “Numb” and new tracks.
- Match broadcast on SBT, TNT, and Max.
The Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, hosts the final for the second time, having staged the 2012 Chelsea vs. Bayern penalty shootout. The event draws global fans, with tickets sold out and secondary market prices reaching 5,000 euros.
Roots of the musical spectacle
The tradition of opening shows at the UEFA Champions League final began in 2016 with Alicia Keys. Since then, artists like Dua Lipa, Imagine Dragons, Anitta, and Lenny Kravitz have performed, establishing the event as a fusion of music and football. Choosing Linkin Park for 2025 reflects UEFA’s aim to attract a diverse audience, merging alternative rock’s energy with sports excitement.
Formed in 1996 in Agoura Hills, California, Linkin Park rose to global fame with “Hybrid Theory,” certified diamond in 2005. After vocalist Chester Bennington’s death in 2017, the band paused until 2024, returning with Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums. The Munich performance marks their first major European show in this new phase.
The show, set to start at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time), follows the traditional format with about eight songs, including a special “Numb” remix created for the event. The live stream on UEFA’s YouTube channel ensures global access, while the Allianz Arena braces for a record crowd.
Paris or Inter? 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/sawqYzIbEj
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2025
Munich’s preparations
Munich buzzes with excitement hours before the final. PSG and Inter Milan fans flood the streets, with Marienplatz and Milan’s Piazza del Duomo hosting giant screens for the match and show. The Allianz Arena, with 75,024 seats, sold out quickly, with official tickets priced from 200 to 2,000 euros. Secondary market prices hit 5,000 euros for premium seats.
Security at the stadium is heightened, with over 2,000 officers deployed. UEFA set up external screens for fans without tickets, who also watch the Linkin Park show. Logistics include extended public transport, with subways and trains running late.
- Munich measures:
- 2,000 police officers for security.
- External screens for ticketless fans.
- Special public transport operations.
- Tickets sold out in record time.
The event emphasizes sustainability, with reusable cups and recycling at the stadium. The Allianz Arena, lit in Champions League colors, sets a vibrant stage for the musical opening.
Linkin Park’s new chapter
The Champions League final performance is a pivotal moment for Linkin Park. Their return after a seven-year hiatus was spurred by the 2024 album “From Zero,” featuring tracks like “The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy Is the Crown.” The new lineup with Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain faced initial criticism but gained traction with live shows.
Mike Shinoda, co-founder, highlighted the band’s connection with Brazilian fans in an SBT interview aired on May 29. Emily Armstrong, who studies French, expressed support for PSG, while Brittain backed Inter Milan, citing a recent performance in the Italian city. The band promises a setlist blending hits like “In the End” and “Crawling” with new songs tailored for the final’s vibe.
The “Numb” remix, released for UEFA’s campaign, has millions of social media views. The Munich show is a chance to cement the band’s new phase globally.
Match details
The PSG vs. Inter Milan final promises history. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, seeks its first Champions League title after losing the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. They advanced past Arsenal in the semifinals, winning 1-0 in London and 2-1 in Paris. The likely lineup includes Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz, Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia.
Inter Milan, managed by Simone Inzaghi, reaches their seventh final, with titles in 1964, 1965, and 2010. They secured their spot with a dramatic extra-time win over Barcelona, 7-6 on aggregate. The expected lineup features Sommer, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Lautaro Martínez, and Thuram. Midfielder Carboni is the only injury absence.
- Match facts:
- Date: May 31, 2025, 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time).
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany.
- Referee: István Kovács (Romania).
- Broadcast: SBT, TNT, Max.
The final is a single match, with extra time and penalties if tied. The winner earns 25 million euros, about 162 million reais, plus spots in the UEFA Super Cup and 2029 Club World Cup.
Fan mobilization
PSG fans pack Paris bars and squares, with Place du Trocadéro as a key gathering spot. In Milan, Piazza del Duomo draws thousands of Inter supporters watching on giant screens. Social media buzzes with #UCLFinal and #LinkinPark trending globally.
Brazilian fans, drawn by football and Linkin Park’s popularity, are prominent. The band’s last Brazil shows in 2017 packed São Paulo and Porto Alegre. Fans organize watch parties in bars for the show and match.
UEFA set up zones for ticketless fans, with food trucks and interactive activities. Over 100,000 people are expected around the Allianz Arena during the event.
Allianz Arena stage
The Allianz Arena, opened in 2005, is one of Europe’s iconic stadiums. With 75,000 seats, it hosted the 2006 World Cup and 2024 Euros. The 2012 final saw Chelsea defeat Bayern on penalties, a stadium milestone.
The venue was adapted for Linkin Park’s show, with a central stage on the pitch, removed before the match. Dynamic lighting enhances the musical spectacle, complementing the arena’s high-definition screens and surround sound.
- Allianz Arena features:
- Capacity: 75,024 spectators.
- Opened: April 2005.
- Past events: 2006 World Cup, 2024 Euros.
- Technology: Color-changing exterior, 4K screens.
Preparations included sound and light tests to ensure a seamless transition from show to match. UEFA prioritizes the schedule, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
Head-to-head history
PSG and Inter Milan have met six times, all in friendlies, never in the Champions League. The 2025 matchup is their first in official competition, heightening anticipation. PSG, founded in 1970, reaches its second final, while Inter, established in 1908, has a richer tournament history.
PSG’s 2024/25 campaign saw 10 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses in 16 matches, scoring 33 goals and conceding 15. Inter, more consistent, recorded 10 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in 14 games, with 27 goals scored and 11 conceded. Luis Enrique’s PSG relies on wing speed, while Inzaghi’s Inter emphasizes defensive solidity.
Romanian referee István Kovács, the first from his country in a Champions League final, leads the officiating. Dutchman Dennis Johan Higler operates VAR for precision.
Prizes and legacy
The winner receives 25 million euros, with the runner-up earning 18.5 million euros. The champion also secures spots in the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and 2029 Club World Cup. Victory boosts club branding, with PSG aiming for global dominance and Inter seeking to reclaim prestige after financial restructuring.
Linkin Park’s presence amplifies the event’s global appeal, attracting non-football fans. With over 100 million records sold, the band bridges generations, while the final underscores the intersection of sports, music, and business.
- Tournament prizes:
- Winner: 25 million euros.
- Runner-up: 18.5 million euros.
- Spots: UEFA Super Cup, 2029 Club World Cup.
- Sponsorships: Boosted by global exposure.
The 2025 final is the first without clubs from England, Spain, or Germany since 2004, highlighting European football’s diversity. Linkin Park’s show and Kovács’ historic refereeing add unique elements.
Broadcast and global reach
The Champions League final reaches over 200 countries, with an estimated 400 million viewers. In Brazil, SBT airs the match on free TV from 2:00 p.m., including Linkin Park’s show. TNT and Max streaming offer subscriber options with expert commentary.
The “Kickoff Show” streams free on UEFA’s YouTube channel, with subtitles in multiple languages. Past performances by Anitta and Imagine Dragons drew massive online audiences, and Linkin Park is expected to surpass those numbers.
Coverage includes on-site reporting, with SBT’s João Venturi interviewing the band in Munich. Social media, with hashtags like #PSGInter and #LinkinPark, drives millions of interactions before the event.
