Wayne Rooney delivered a scathing verdict on FIFA's first ever World Cup final half-time show, describing the star-studded performance as 'crap'. The show, which featured Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, was intended to entertain the crowd at MetLife Stadium and a global TV audience during a goalless first half between Spain and Argentina.
The 13-minute medley included a confusing mix of performances, with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho driven onto the pitch in a buggy. BBC presenter Gabby Logan asked pundits Joe Hart and Micah Richards for their assessments. Richards highlighted 'Shakira and Burna Boy', while Hart noted 'Ronaldinho and R9 driving out Madonna'.
Rooney's blunt reaction
Rooney, however, did not hold back. 'To be honest mine was when it finished. I like a lot of those artists but to be honest I thought it was crap. I did honestly,' he told a stunned Logan. 'It just didn't get me going. I wanted the football to be back on. It was a bit flat. I like Burna Boy, I like Shakira, I like Bieber, but that was too flat.'
The show failed to energize the crowd or viewers, with many expressing disappointment on social media. The half-time entertainment was part of FIFA's efforts to make the World Cup final a grand spectacle, but Rooney's comments reflect a sentiment that the focus should remain on the football.
