Why Spain Players Don't Sing Their National Anthem Before Games

Fans have been left confused as to why the Spanish national team doesn't sing during its national anthem.

'Marcha Real' is one of four European anthems that doesn't contain any lyrics.

Luis De La Fuente's side got their 2026 World Cup campaign underway this week.

Luis de la Fuente's Spain side have left fans puzzled during their 2026 World Cup opener and during other international games, with many spotting that none of the players sing during their national anthem.

La Roja proved they were one of the strongest teams in the European Championships, with the Iberian nation proving many doubters wrong by reaching the Berlin final and then beating England 2-1 to lift the prestigious trophy back in 2024, as they now turn their attention to the world stage.

Blessed with stars such as Rodri and history-maker Lamine Yamal, the Spaniards are among the favourites to repeat their 2010 highpoint. Because of their fortunes in Germany, onlookers were able to see the stoic national anthem on plenty of occasions. However, despite the fact that Spain fans always tend to chant during the song, there is a good reason why the players refrain from doing so.

England, Spain and France feature in the top 10.

Spanish teams in the past have often been at the end of criticism for the fact that none of the players were seen singing during the pre-match anthem, with some going as far as to call the former world champions a 'disgrace.'

However, those levying them complaints may be unaware that the squad don't sing because the Spanish national anthem doesn't have any lyrics. The origin of 'Marcha Real' links back to the 18th century, where the tune was used as a military march, as per Classic FM.

There have been several suggestions over possible lyrics in the past, with the Spanish Olympic committee attempting to have the phrase 'Viva Espana' open the national chant ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games. However, this was turned down due to the fact that the words were commonly used during General Francisco Franco's dictatorship.

Another reason why certain Spanish players may choose not to engage with the Spanish national anthem is because of their place of birth. Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are two of the biggest stars from Spain's past who received calls to be axed from the national set-up due to the fact that they were both from Catalonia.

The region, located in the north-east of Spain, is home to Barcelona and has recently found itself fighting for its independence. Calls for this reached its peak in 2017, with an illegal referendum and mass protests taking place. The situation was so tense that Pique even stated that he would be willing to retire from international football if his inclusion was going to upset natives.

Some of those from Basque also feel as though that region is an unrecognised nation, separate from Spain. As such, Euro 2024 heroes Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino, from the Basque Country, were branded as 'traitors' for their part in the tournament success.

Between 1938 and 1975, the Spanish national anthem did contain lyrics after the aforementioned General Francisco Franco came to power. Franco led the Nationalist Party during a period of civil war, eventually overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic.

The dictator ruled the country unopposed for over three decades, during which he instructed famed poet Jose Maria Peman to create a new anthem which included lyrics designed to promote 'the rebirth' of Spain.

Upon Franco's passing in 1975 after battles with Parkinson's disease, the anthem was abolished, and a lyric-less anthem made its return. To this day, some fans can be seen singing the old lyrics as they get fired up before their team's games. However, the links to what is considered to be some of the darker days in modern-day Spain mean that we are unlikely to see any of De La Fuente's men join in with the serenading.