US singer Madonna (C) performs with Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho (L) and Brazilian former footballer Ronaldo during the halftime show of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
The historic FIFA World Cup halftime show—curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, produced by Global Citizen, and featuring performances by BTS, Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and others—offered more than musical entertainment. Football enthusiasts were treated to appearances and tributes honoring some of the sport’s most iconic figures.
For viewers less familiar with soccer, the identities of several legendary players showcased during the intermissions sparked curiosity. Fans of the game, however, immediately recognized the stars who either participated in the show or appeared on the stadium’s massive screens.
So who were these celebrated icons?
Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho Gaúcho
During Madonna’s performance, she rode atop an off-road vehicle driven by former Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazário, seated alongside fellow Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Both are best remembered for Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph.
Gaúcho, commonly known as Ronaldinho or “O Bruxo” (The Wizard), is regarded among the greatest players ever, with two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d’Or to his name. He remains the only player to win a World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d’Or. The 46-year-old, initially retired in 2018, recently announced a 2026 comeback with Italian Serie C club Ravenna.
Nazário, known as Ronaldo, O Fenômeno, or R9, is also considered one of the finest strikers in history. A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, he retired in 2011.
METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES – 2026/07/05: Erling Haaland of Norway beats the drum as players and staff of Norway perform the ‘Viking Row’ to celebrate the victory at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway. Norway won 2-1 over Brazil. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Erling Haaland
A standout figure of the 2026 tournament, Norway’s Erling Haaland appeared on the screen following the performance by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the New York Philharmonic, and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. Archival footage showed him drumming as his team enacted their signature “Viking Row.” The clip was not produced for the event but taken from an earlier match.
Haaland drew widespread attention for both his seven-goal debut World Cup performance and his humorous viral moments. The striker currently plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League.
(Original Caption) Miami, Florida: Head and shoulders portrait of the New York Cosmos soccer sensation Pele standing on the field in New York Cosmos uniform. The crowd can be seen in the background.
Bettmann Archive
Pelé
After Shakira and Burna Boy’s set, a video of the legendary Pelé delivering a speech on “Love” played on the screens, urging the audience to repeat the word three times. This segued into the final halftime segment with PS22, the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Coldplay, later joined by all performers.
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely seen as the greatest footballer of all time and the defining sports icon of the 20th century, alongside figures like Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth. Guinness World Records recognized his career goal tally beginning in 1956. He won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), becoming the youngest winner at age 17, and was the first Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Known as “The King,” he remains revered by players worldwide.
Beyond the pitch, Pelé’s humanitarian legacy stands out. As a national treasure of Brazil, he championed children’s rights, environmental causes, and peaceful conflict resolution.
In his 1977 retirement speech, he appealed for love: “I am very happy to be here with you in this greatest moment of my life. I want to thank you all, every single one of you. I want to take this opportunity to ask you to pay attention to the young of the world, the children, the kids. We need them too much. And I want to ask you because I believe that love is more important than what we can take in life. Everything passes. Please say with me, three times—love! love! love!”
Pelé died on December 29, 2022, at age 82.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York, where Spain defeated Argentina 1–0.
Also Read
- Spain’s Collective Excellence Overcomes Individual Brilliance in World Cup Final
- Burnham to Vow Increased Stability and Relief in Inaugural Address as Prime Minister
- Pakistan Expresses Concern Over Japan-India Joint Statement on Cross-Border Terrorism
- Norway Unveils Memorial Honoring 77 Victims of 2011 Terror Attack