Wayne Rooney didn’t mince words when asked about the World Cup final half-time show. For the first time ever, the World Cup final included a halftime show, featuring performances by artists such as Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira.
All in all, the entire halftime lasted 27 minutes, which was 10 minutes longer than reportedly scheduled. Unsurprisingly, the show provoked many contrasting opinions, particularly among the BBC panellists, and critics were divided about the show.
Rooney was the least impressed and the former Manchester United man gave a pretty harsh assessment. Speaking live on the BBC, Rooney said: “I like a lot of artists, but to be honest, I thought they were crap. I like Bieber, I like Burna Boy, I like Shakira, but I thought they were really monotonous.”
Micah Richards and Joe Hart were less harsh, citing Burna Boy and the Muppets’ appearances as personal highlights. But Rooney, a former England captain, was unable to change his opinion.
But there was even more support for Rooney online, with @SteveLocklin posting on X: “Wayne Rooney summed up what the whole world was thinking about World Cup final half-time show.”
@jamiebennett_r added: “Rooney speaks for all of us in his verdict.”
@_MartinDean responded, “Thank you @WayneRooney. We all love some of those artists, just not in the middle of the World Cup finals. Wouldn’t stop a Shakira concert for the excitement.”
@the_HOOT_73 wrote, “Rooney was so excited!!! That was the most shocking show ever produced! Chris Martin needs to stick to his perfect show! This was so diabolical.”
@CallumOLeary said: “His punditry has been great throughout this tournament and to finish it like this in the final is really great. Well.”
This was not the only performance of the night, as kick-off was delayed by six minutes after the pre-match ceremony. Jennifer Hudson sang the US national anthem, Tom Cruise read a monologue, and Robbie Williams sang the official FIFA anthem.
Elsewhere, many fans reportedly experienced delays entering stadiums, largely due to additional security checks due to Donald Trump’s presence. The President of the United States was in attendance to watch the first match of the World Cup and also participated in the trophy presentation ceremony after the match.
