Former Netherlands football star Marco van Basten didn’t hold back when expressing his outrage over Linkin Park’s performance at the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final in Munich on Saturday, May 31. Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Van Basten slammed UEFA’s decision to host a kick-off concert before the match, calling it “idiotic” and “worthless.”

“The Linkin Park performance was garbage, absolutely garbage. It’s a disgrace that UEFA allows this,” Van Basten said, taking aim at the Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong-fronted band.

While his comments directly criticized the band, many observers believe Van Basten’s frustration is more directed at UEFA’s growing focus on spectacle over sport. The inclusion of pre-match concerts has been a recurring source of debate among football purists and former professionals.

“I find it absolutely idiotic,” Van Basten continued. “The pre-match entertainment was worthless, totally worthless.”

Distraction or Showbiz?

Van Basten didn’t stop at criticizing the music — he took issue with the timing of the performance, arguing that it undermines the focus and preparation of the players just moments before one of the biggest fixtures of the year.

He added that UEFA’s attempt to mix football with entertainment often comes at the expense of athletes’ mental and physical readiness.

“Having a band perform directly before the match distracts players,” Van Basten argued, calling UEFA’s treatment of the athletes “laughable.”