Scottish band Belle and Sebastian debuted a new football anthem titled “It Only Takes One Lion” during a performance in London on May 14 [1, 3].
The song marks a cultural intersection of music and sport, celebrating Scotland's dramatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a playoff victory over Denmark [1, 2].
Frontman Stuart Murdoch wrote the track to continue the long-standing tradition of Scottish football anthems [2]. The premiere took place at the Royal Albert Hall, where the band was already performing a special event [3, 4]. This concert served as a celebration of the 30th anniversary [3] of the albums Tigermilk and If You’re Feeling Sinister.
Murdoch's connection to the national team is rooted in his personal history. He has followed the Scotland football team for more than 50 years [1]. The new anthem seeks to capture the emotional weight of the team's recent success and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming tournament [1, 2].
By blending the indie-pop sensibilities of the band with the fervor of international sports, the song aims to unify fans ahead of the World Cup. The timing of the release follows the high-stakes nature of the qualifier, turning a sporting triumph into a musical tribute [1, 4].
““It Only Takes One Lion””
The creation of a formal anthem by a globally recognized act like Belle and Sebastian elevates the cultural visibility of the Scottish national team. By tying the release to a 30th-anniversary celebration of seminal albums, the band leverages its musical legacy to bolster national sporting pride, reinforcing the role of songwriting in shaping the collective identity of football supporters.
