Spain is one of the best overseas teams, and will be looking for their second World Cup title this summer.
Their distinctive red shirts and beautiful football are an integral part of the iconic FIFA tournament every four years.
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La Roja defeated England to win Euro 2024 in the last major tournament, and were among the pre-tournament favorites to win the World Cup.
Their tournament did not get off to a good start after being held by Cape Verde in a goal-scoring tie.
However, three wins by Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Austria saw them advance to the last 16 to face Portugal.
But have you noticed that the Spanish players, fans and staff never sing when the national anthem starts? Here’s why…
Why don’t the Spanish players sing their national anthem?
The Spanish national anthem is called ‘La Marcha Real’ and was originally a military march.
It was composed in 1761 by Manuel de Espinosa, and was made the national anthem in 1770 before becoming the national anthem during the reign of Queen Isabella II (1833-68).
However, during General Francisco Franco’s rule as a dictator in the 20th century, musicals were added and approved by Franco.
But when he was removed from power, their names were removed from the national anthem because of their association with Franco.
Other names have been considered, but due to the large number of Spanish people, no one has tried to include any of these in ‘La Marcha Real’ for fear of offending anyone.
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So the Spanish anthem is one of the very few in the world, along with Bosnia, Kosovo and San Marino, that do not have lyrics.
Spain did not sing in the European Championship two years ago when they won the tournament against England.
It was the same thing in the USA, Canada and Mexico when La Roja was honored with the World Cup this summer.
Spanish National Anthem: Original Lyrics
As mentioned, the Spanish national anthem previously had lyrics under the dictatorship of General Franco.
They were written by a poet named José María Pemán, but they were removed from the song when Franco passed away.
Below are the lyrics to the original song:
Long live Spain! Raise your arms, sons
Of the Spanish people, born again.
Glory to the fatherland that knows how to follow,
Over the ocean blue, the setting sun moves.
Victory, Spain! Yokes and arrows
Sing to the rhythm of the hymn of faith.
Let’s stand and sing with them
With a new and strong life of work and peace.
Long live Spain! Raise your arms, sons
Of the Spanish people, born again.
Glory to the fatherland that knows how to follow,
Over the ocean blue, the setting sun moves.
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