Songfacts®:

• This song serves as encouragement for those struggling with everyday life who feel they are not functioning properly. Though at times, vocalist Chris Martin fears his dream will never work, he urges himself to persevere. Then one day, he will "stand before conquistadors" and become "champion of the world."
• "Champion of the World" was recorded as a tribute to Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchinson, who struggled with everyday life. He eventually killed himself in May 2018 after a lengthy battle with depression and anxiety. The music was inspired by his solo track "Los Angeles, Be Kind," recorded under his solo moniker of Owl John. Chris Martin had previously covered the song at a charity event with the LA Philharmonic.
• The song was released on November 20, 2019, on what would have been Hutchinson's 38th birthday.
• Scott Hutchison and his Owl John bandmates Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell all get writing credits on this track, along with the four Coldplay members.
• Said Martin: "Scott had a song called 'Los Angeles Be Kind,' which I love. When I first heard it, I thought it was going to go one way; but it went another. Anyway 'Champion Of The World' is the song that came from following the other path, and that's why Scott is a co-writer on this song."
• French director Cloé Bailly filmed the music video in Los Angeles. The visuals begin with a young Chris Martin being taunted by fellow middle school children in a playground. The singer's youthful alter-ego later performs at the school talent show to an empty room before heading home to be met by his argumentative parents. At the end of the clip, he blasts off into outer-space where his Coldplay compatriots are performing.
  
  Said Bailly: "The video is about this magic power that kids have to switch off from reality and jump into their own world."