Why Spain’s players never sing their national anthem before games

The little known reason goes to the very heart of Spanish history

La Roja arrived at the tournament as favourites after winning the biggest continental crown in international football two years ago, beating Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in the EURO 2024 final.

Since the start of the World Cup, supporters have been somewhat puzzled by the absence of any pre-match signing, a typical feature for pretty much every other country.

The fact that Spanish players do not sing during their anthem dates back hundreds of years, and owes to a fascinating feature from the country's history.

It all comes down to the fact that Spain's national anthem — in its current condition — does not feature any lyrics.

"Marcha Real" is one of the oldest national anthems in the world, with its origins said to have emerged as far back as the 18th Century, when it was used as a military march.

While there have been several attempts to add lyrics to the anthem over the years, with the most recent occurring during the tenure of right-wing political leader General Francisco Franco, none have stood the test of time, leaving Spain's current crop of first team stars with no lyrics to sing.

As such, Spain join Bosnia Herzegovina, San Marino, and Kosovo as the only countries without lyrics in their anthems.

Another of international football's great mysteries has been solved!