Throw in the fact that the venue had been changed ten days before showtime and it was clear that the 2021 Champions League final opening ceremony, presented by Pepsi, was never going to be a run-of-the-mill affair. But then Marshmello has never been one to fit the mould. The platinum-certified DJ and producer has always done things his way, from the unique outfit he wears to a collaborative approach to his music. Restrictions brought on by the pandemic demanded a new direction for his pre-game performance and he was happy to oblige.

The result was a stunning virtual set in the Estádio do Dragão that took in the whole of Europe, as a massive globe emerged from the centre circle. A giant Marshmello walked through the streets of Europe’s capitals and he was suddenly joined by Selena Gomez for a duet of their hit Wolves. Moments later the pitch appeared to turn to water and he was singing Silence with Khalid, as waves broke on the side of their boat.

So, as mentioned, all a bit surreal. Surreal and a lot of fun. And when we spoke before the final, we found out that we had something else in common apart from a love of music – come on, Chelsea!

I’ll get to music in a minute but first, do you follow a particular team?

Since I can remember, as soon as I got into football, the Champions League and all those teams, I’ve always liked Chelsea – and they just so happen to be in the final, so it’s kind of perfect.

Agreed!

If I had to choose between two different teams it would be different, but with them being in the final obviously I’m siding a little bit with Chelsea. Just from always knowing about them. The first time I heard about Chelsea, [Didier] Drogba was on the team and that was my era of getting into football, so it’s great to see them in the final again.

The videos for Alone, Happier and Stars all feature football. Was that your idea?

I do like football and sometimes it fits perfectly for the music videos. So I’m definitely a soccer fan and I’m really excited to be a part of this whole experience.

I also hear that you’re pretty good at playing FIFA...

I would definitely say that. I’m a little rusty but I can still hold my own, definitely. I remember there was this one show, I think in Singapore, they had FIFA set up in the backstage artists’ area for some reason. And I beat somebody, with my helmet on, seven-nil. So I would like to say I’m pretty good at FIFA.

Football is a team game and you obviously enjoy team efforts in your music: collaborations with the likes of Anne Marie, Bastille and Khalid. How much of a buzz do you get working with other artists?

Oh I love it, I just love collaborating. It’s one thing when you’re alone and making a song and it’s just your opinion; you know how that goes. And sometimes you can be your own biggest critic. So when you work with somebody you can kind of bounce ideas off them and say, “Oh, that’s actually a great idea.” And then they say something and you’re like, “Oh, that’s a great idea.” I love that. I always love to collaborate with other people whose opinions I trust, when they’re as talented as they are.

The whole Marshmello ethos is about bringing people together. Is it your passion to unite people around the globe?

I would just basically say music is universal, in the same way as football. I have a huge passion for music and I would love everybody to come together and talk about the fact that, “Oh, I love this song,” or, “I went to this concert.” Even if they might have differences about whatever it is, they can all unite over music. And, though perhaps at times a little divided when it comes to teams, unite in their passion for football too.

What’s next for Marshmello?

Only exciting times, to be honest. I’m right into my fourth album [coming out]. Obviously with touring not happening, it was the most time I was able to dedicate to an album. We had time to shoot plenty of music videos and all of my creative energy went into this, so I’m just super excited that it’s going out to the world. Let’s go!