Wayne Rooney Blasts Half-Time Show at World Cup Final as 'Awful'

Wayne Rooney. (Instagram/@waynerooney).

JAKARTA - Wayne Rooney was unimpressed with the music show during the World Cup final break. Even though the stage was filled with world stars, the English football legend called the show ugly.

People quoted Tuesday, July 21, said Rooney delivered the criticism in a live BBC broadcast after the first half of the Spanish final against Argentina on Sunday, July 19.

The show featured Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and a number of other artists. Jason Sudeikis also appeared as Ted Lasso.

"I like a lot of his artists, but I think his show is ugly," Rooney told presenter Gabby Logan.

Rooney, who appeared in three World Cup editions with England, insists his assessment is not a joke.

"Yes, really," he said.

Logan responded to the comment in a light tone.

"The one other thing you get at the BBC is honest review," he said.

One of the hosts then alluded to the song "Macarena". The performance of the popular song made former American football player Rob Gronkowski and his girlfriend, Camille Kostek, stand up.

However, Rooney remained unimpressed.

"It doesn't excite me at all," he said.

Logan then joked that Justin Bieber's "somewhat slow" performance might have put Rooney in a bad mood. The remark was met with laughter from the other hosts.

The show was the first musical event held during the World Cup final break. Previously, the tournament's final match was not interspersed with musical performances.

The proceeds from the event are channeled to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The fund is used to expand access to education and sports programs for children in underserved communities in various countries.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave a different assessment after the second half began.

"We promise a truly spectacular and unifying FIFA World Cup halftime show. Together with Global Citizen, we are making it happen," Infantino said in a statement.

He thanked the hundreds of performers and crew involved. Infantino also emphasized the educational message brought by the show.

Rooney defended England at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. He retired as a player in 2021, then switched to the coaching world with Derby County.