Liverpool knew that paying just £35m for Alexis Mac Allister represented a bargain when they brought the Brighton midfielder to Anfield in the summer of 2023, and the deal was the envy of the likes of Manchester City, who had courted the midfielder in the weeks prior.
The Argentine World Cup winner hit the ground running on Merseyside under Jurgen Klopp, leading the Anfield faithful to conjure the Alexis Mac Allister chant, one of a number of catchy chants that are belted out on matchday.
Also a key part of Arne Slot's reign in the Reds' dugout, the midfielder continued his excellent form through into the 2024-25 campaign, when he helped the Reds on their way to securing a record 20th Premier League title.
While the 27-year-old has not hit the heights of past seasons this term, he is a mainstay in a Liverpool team that are pushing for Champions League qualification, and looks certain to start in a crucial showdown against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.
Ahead of that clash, Football Ground Guide covers all you need to know about the Alexis Mac Allister chant, including the lyrics, tune and origin.
Alexis Mac Allister chant lyrics and tune
In the stands, we often only hear the chorus to the Alexis Mac Allister, but the full version is as follows:
Maradona was good,
When he was off his meds,
And Messi was alright,
‘Til the Tuesday night he had to play the Reds,
Oh Mac Allister,
Oh Mac Allister,
He's the best there's been,
From the Argentine,
Oh Mac Allister!
The verse has its own unique tune, but the chorus, from the first ‘Oh Mac Allister' onwards, is sung to the same tune that many clubs use for the ‘viva _____' chant.
Alexis Mac Allister chant background
The full version of the Alexis Mac Allister chant was reportedly created by a fan called John Fay, who is said to be part of a wider group of Liverpool fans who create songs in a local pub in Liverpool.
The song pays homage to Mac Allister's heritage by referencing Messi and Maradona, although the comments attached to both players aren't overly complimentary.
The chant also refers to one of the most famous nights that Anfield has ever seen, long before Mac Allister was even on their radar – the famous 4-0 comeback victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Liverpool fans singing the Alexis Mac Allister chant
FGG says: A mixed response from fans
Liverpool fans are very proud of the fact that the vast majority of songs in their playbook are unique, so this song has drawn some criticism from sections of the fanbase who associate this chant with the ‘Viva Ronaldo' chant that Man Utd fans created in the 2000s. However, other fans think it's catchy, even if the verse is perhaps a little wordy.