Wayne Rooney shared an unfiltered opinion after the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, saying the star-studded performance failed to impress him despite featuring some of the biggest names in music.
Rooney’s Honest Reaction Goes Viral
Speaking live during the BBC’s post-halftime coverage, the former England captain admitted he wasn’t a fan of the performance.
“I like a lot of those artists, but I thought it was crap,” Rooney said, prompting laughter from the studio as host Gabby Logan joked that viewers would always get honest opinions on the BBC.
Even the ‘Macarena’ Couldn’t Win Him Over
When asked whether the performance of the classic “Macarena” changed his mind, Rooney remained unconvinced. He said the song simply “didn’t get me going,” despite the energetic atmosphere inside the stadium and many fans enjoying the performance.
His candid comments quickly attracted attention online, with viewers praising his honesty while others defended the halftime show.
A Historic World Cup First
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final marked the tournament’s first official halftime show, featuring performances from stars including Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, along with a surprise appearance by Jason Sudeikis in character as Ted Lasso.
The event also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand access to education and sports programs for children around the world.
FIFA Celebrates the Event
Following the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the production, thanking the performers and organizers while highlighting the event’s charitable mission. He described the halftime show as a celebration of entertainment, unity, and education.
Rooney Remains True to Himself
Known for speaking his mind throughout his playing and coaching career, Rooney’s blunt review was consistent with his no-nonsense personality. While opinions on the halftime show were mixed among fans, his reaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments following the final.
