Ronaldo and Ronaldinho star in the half-time show of the final
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
On the occasion of the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho accompanied Madonna on stage for a unique half-time show, sparking strong reactions among fans and consultants.
According to News.
Context
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, emblematic figures of Brazilian football, continue to influence the sport even after their retirement. Their participation in this event highlights the importance of legends in promoting football, while strengthening the appeal of competitions like the World Cup, which combine sport and entertainment.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup final was not only a major sporting event, but also a landmark cultural spectacle, bringing together football legends and music icons. The presence of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, world champions in 2002, reminded fans of the heritage of Brazilian football, while drawing attention to the impact of sporting events on popular culture.
Key points
- Ronaldo and Ronaldinho star in the half-time show of the final.
- For the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho accompanied Madonna on stage for a unique half-time show, sparking strong reactions among fans and consultants.
- Ronaldo and Ronaldinho join Madonna in World Cup final half-time show performance - Yahoo Sports.
The 2026 World Cup final will be remembered not only for its sporting significance, but also for its colorful half-time show. This Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event reached a new milestone by inviting two football legends, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, former winners with Brazil in 2002, to share the stage with Madonna, a true international pop icon.
It was in front of a lively audience that Ronaldo and Ronaldinho arrived on the pitch, cheered by the spectators of the final between Argentina and Spain, which ended with a score of 0-0 at the break. The two former champions, already present in several matches of the tournament, were celebrated throughout the competition for their glorious past.
Image
Madonna opened the ball with a spectacular show, marking the start of a half-time show transformed into a real musical festival. Then, the performance quickly took on an international dimension with the presence of stars such as Justin Bieber, who performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah”, then the explosive duo Shakira and Burna Boy who sang “Dai, Dai”, the official anthem of this edition of the World Cup. Chris Martin, leader of Coldplay, was responsible for the musical direction of this extraordinary event.
This half-time, however, caused a lot of ink to flow, FIFA having opted for an extended format of 27 minutes and 19 seconds – far from the 15 minutes usually allocated – to allow this American-style show. Structural changes to the course of the match, such as the introduction of hydration breaks, have also been introduced, in line with American sports. FIFA's bold choice was divided: some personalities like ex-international Wayne Rooney described the performance as "disappointing", while others, like Gary Neville or Ian Wright, praised the diversity of the programming, notably highlighting the performance of Burna Boy.
The show, unprecedented in the history of the World Cup, questions the place of showbiz in football. In any case, it will remain a key moment of this edition in the United States, confirming the ever closer rapprochement between football and global entertainment.
The rest
With the end of the 2026 World Cup, eyes are turning to the future, particularly on the transfer market and possible player movements. The performances of legends like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could inspire further investment in developing young talent, particularly in upcoming international and club World Cup competitions.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the players present during half-time of the final?
The players present are Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, former winners with Brazil in 2002.
Where do Ronaldo and Ronaldinho come from?
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho come from Brazil.
Why were Ronaldo and Ronaldinho invited to this event?
They were invited as football legends and to celebrate their glorious past.
What is the status of the event?
The event took place during the 2026 World Cup final.
What role did Madonna play during halftime?
Madonna opened the ball with a spectacular show, marking the kick-off of the halftime.