Meet Michael Buffer, the legendary ring announcer introducing Chelsea and PSG players at the Club World Cup final

The iconic catchphrase, ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’ will precede the kick-off of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night when PSG face Chelsea.

80-year-old Michael Buffer is the voice behind the catchphrase with the Philadelphia born primarily famous for his work in boxing and professional wrestling events.

Buffer has an instantly recognizable announcing style, which includes rolling certain letters and adding unique inflections to a fighter’s name all topped off with his iconic and trademarked catchphrase: “Let’s get ready to rumble!” The ring announcer was also on hand for both Club World Cup semifinal games and has been drafted in, once again to help the build up ahead of the final game.

80’s breakthrough

He began his career in the world of boxing in 1982 and quickly developed a unique vocal delivery that became his signature with the “Let’s get ready to rumble!” catchphrase becoming trademarked in 1992. This move has been incredibly lucrative, reportedly generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from licensing fees for its use in video games, movies, TV shows, music, and merchandise. He reportedly earns between $25,000 and $100,000 per event, and up to $1 million for major events.

Buffer has also announced for the MLB World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, NFL playoff games, and even the Indianapolis 500 and has appeared as himself in numerous films (including the Rocky and Creed series, Ready to Rumble, Dumbo) and TV shows (The Simpsons, Phineas and Ferb).

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