Monmouth University Students Join Closing Ceremony of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final

Thirty-three Monmouth University students were part of the globally televised 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini performed FIFA's new anthem, "Desire," which debuted at the tournament and will be played at all future FIFA events-including the FIFA World Cup 26.

During the pre-match closing ceremony, 32 students carried banners of the club teams from the tournament, while one student alternate assisted with behind-the-scenes technical details.

The students were recruited by Sheri Anderson, MFA, director of theatre arts and senior specialist professor in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts, as part of Monmouth's ongoing commitment to providing students with real-world experiences that blend academic excellence with distinctive opportunities beyond the classroom.

"It was a dream come true for me to work with Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini in the closing ceremony," said Anderson, a cast coordinator on the event. "To be able to bring my students along, and share this once in a lifetime opportunity with them, was truly wonderful."

The student delegation included performers from Monmouth's musical theatre program and student-athletes from the University's NCAA Division I programs, reflecting Monmouth's broad commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

"The FIFA Club World Cup brings together the best in global sport, and this year's ceremony reflects the power of music and athletics to unite people," said Monmouth University President Patrick F. Leahy. "We are proud that our talented students could contribute to this effort."

The students who participated are: Michael Becker, Jasen Bottini, Ayiana (Sonny) Brown, Julianna Chesla, Frank Dige, Emma DeStaso, Gabrielle Fontana, Alexandra Fontana, Kira Fisher, Chloe Garcia, Juliana Hopeck, Will Horn, Jaeden Jones, Sami Khatri, Kathy Kersaint, Jeffrey Mendez, Kylensky Miracle, Olivia McGlone, Ava Muller, Nick O'Brien, Gabbie Piccione, Malachi Ramnath, Morgan Rosa, Jean Carlo Rosas, Abby Sagrestano, Juno Snider, Andrew Shuberda, John Terista, Brendan Tansey, Chris Ulmer, Charlie Warren, Adena Webster, and Taylor Wichterman.

Watch the performance on YouTube.