Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho shared driving duties for Madonna during an elaborate half-time show at the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday. The former Serie A stars chauffeured the pop icon onto the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as part of a spectacle that kept players in the dressing room for a record 27 minutes.
Star-Studded Line-Up
Ronaldo, who once led the line for Inter, took the wheel of the buggy with ex-Milan midfielder Ronaldinho in the passenger seat. The pair emerged from the tunnel to deliver Madonna to centre stage before welcoming an eclectic line-up of performers. Justin Bieber, K-pop group BTS, Shakira and The Muppets joined the festivities in a break from tradition for the sport’s biggest fixture.
Record Interval
The extended interval reflected FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision to bring Super Bowl-style entertainment to world football’s showpiece event. The Argentine and Spanish squads faced an unusually long wait in their dressing rooms, with the break lasting 27 minutes—the longest in World Cup history. Spain and Argentina remained deadlocked at 0-0 when the second half finally began, leaving the destination of the trophy hanging in the balance after a goalless first 45 minutes.
The appearance marked a busy month for Ronaldinho, who recently ended his retirement to sign for Serie C club Ravenna. The 46-year-old has returned to Italian football with the third-tier side, adding another unexpected chapter to a career that previously saw him claim the Ballon d’Or and shine for Barcelona and Milan. His presence alongside Ronaldo—widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation—created a nostalgic moment for fans who remember their dominance in European football.
Infantino had pushed for the half-time production to mirror American sporting traditions, where entertainment often rivals the main event. The lengthy interruption tested the concentration of players from both nations, who had to manage their physical and mental preparation during the extended pause. While traditionalists questioned whether such spectacles belong in football’s premier competition, the display delivered the global reach and cultural crossover that FIFA sought for the tournament hosted across the United States.