Wayne Rooney has strongly criticized the halftime show at the recent World Cup final, describing it as "nauseating" and a "vanity project" by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Rooney's comments, shared on the BBC, suggested that "proper fans" would have booed the performance. He stated that the best part of the show was its conclusion.
The halftime entertainment featured performances by artists including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy. The show, overseen by Chris Martin, has been characterized by critics as "spectacularly tacky" and an attempt to mimic the scale of the Super Bowl, which some feel is ill-suited for the World Cup final. The article notes the presence of celebrities such as Will Ferrell, Matt Damon, and Adrien Brody in the stands, suggesting a focus on star power over fan experience.
Further contributing to the pre-match atmosphere was a speech by actor Tom Cruise, which was reportedly drowned out by chanting from Argentinian supporters. Other pre-game events included a performance of the FIFA anthem "Desire" by Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini, and the presentation of the trophy in a Louis Vuitton case. These activities led to a delay in the match's kickoff.
The halftime break itself extended to 27 minutes and 18 seconds, exceeding the 15-minute maximum stipulated by the laws of the game. This prolonged interval has also drawn criticism.
Rooney's assessment aligns with a broader sentiment that the event's focus had shifted away from the sport itself, becoming an "infantino's FIFA vanity project." The article contrasts the BBC's commentary team with ITV's, suggesting a preference for the former's less "cheerful" input, drawing a parallel to the perceived somberness of some halftime performances.
