“Freed from desire, mind and senses purified…” It started as a 90s dance anthem — now it’s a global football chant. Gala’s “Freed From Desire” isn’t just a song; it’s a phenomenon. Released in 1996, it became a massive club hit across Europe, driven by its hypnotic melody and Gala’s cool, detached vocal delivery. But decades after its release, the song took on a second life — this time, in the stands of football stadiums, where it’s been reimagined and chanted by thousands of fans. Few tracks have bridged the worlds of dance music and sport so effortlessly — and Gala herself is still amazed at its unlikely legacy.
Gala Rizzatto, known simply as Gala, was born in Milan, Italy, but her musical journey took her to New York in the early 90s. A creative force from the start, Gala studied at the Tisch School of the Arts and began exploring music, blending her love of art and sound. Her distinctive vocal style — understated yet emotionally charged — set her apart from the more polished Eurodance acts of the time.
Her big break came when she collaborated with Italian producers Maurizio Molella and Phil Jay. Together, they crafted “Freed From Desire” — a track built on a driving four-on-the-floor beat, hypnotic synth lines, and that unforgettable vocal hook. Gala’s vocal delivery was almost minimalist, giving the track a haunting, detached quality that contrasted with the track’s euphoric energy.
Released in 1996, “Freed From Desire” became a runaway hit. It reached number one in France and Belgium, climbed high on the UK charts, and quickly became a club staple. Its success catapulted Gala into the spotlight, and follow-ups like “Let a Boy Cry” and “Come Into My Life” cemented her status as a Eurodance icon.
Fast-forward to the mid-2010s, and “Freed From Desire” found an unlikely new home: football terraces. Wigan Athletic fans were among the first to adapt the song, creating the chant “Will Grigg’s on fire, your defence is terrified!” in honor of their striker Will Grigg.
The chant went viral, and soon it was being adopted by fans across Europe. The driving beat and easy-to-chant melody made it perfect for stadium settings, where collective energy and rhythm are everything. It became a staple at the 2016 European Championship and was a constant presence at the 2018 World Cup. Fans of Newcastle United, AC Milan, and Chelsea have all created their own versions, with the chant adapting to different players and teams.
Gala herself has embraced the track’s unexpected second life. She’s spoken in interviews about how surprised she was to hear it used in a football context — but also how honored she feels to see the track bringing people together.
“It’s incredible,” she said. “When I wrote the song, I was expressing something very personal. To see it transform into something that unites people in stadiums and creates that kind of energy — it’s amazing.”
She’s even performed it live at football events, including Wigan Athletic’s promotion celebrations. For Gala, the song’s transformation from dance hit to football anthem reflects the power of music to evolve and connect across cultures and generations.
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