What Links Elvis Presley to Sunderland’s Return to Europe After 53 Years?

Fifty-three years of waiting to return to Europe and a song that has accompanied Sunderland for generations. Tonight, the “Stadium of Light” will host AZ Alkmaar for the first Europa League match, marking the Black Cats’ return to UEFA competition for the first time since 1973. And when the team takes the field, a part of the club’s history will also be accompanied by the music of Elvis Presley.

Over the years, the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has become a symbol of the relationship between Sunderland and its fan base. As reported by L’Équipe, the song will also accompany an evening that reopens a door that has remained closed for 53 years.

Sunderland and Elvis Presley: a story that began in 1977

It was in 1977 that “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” one of Elvis Presley’s most famous songs, became a staple among Sunderland fans. The song was adopted in the stands and, over the years, became part of the club’s identity.

L’Équipe compares its evolution to that of the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Liverpool. Two songs born far from football and later embraced by their respective fan bases. In Sunderland’s case, the lyrics of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” also represented the fans’ relationship with the team.

Their last appearance in Europe was in 1973.

To find Sunderland again in a European competition, we must go back to the 1973/74 season. The Black Cats reached the Cup Winners’ Cup thanks to their success in the 1973 FA Cup, which they achieved by defeating Leeds in the final despite the club playing in the Second Division at the time.

The adventure began against Vasas Budapest. After defeating the Hungarians, Sunderland faced Sporting Lisbon, which brought an end to the English club’s European campaign. This would remain, to this day, the club’s only continental experience.