Former Serie A players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, the latter back in Italian football when signing for Ravenna, drove Madonna onto the pitch for the 2026 World Cup Final half-time show.
In an unexpected moment, Madonna had two very special chauffeurs to reach the field at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, opening up the half-time show.
She was in a buggy driven by former Inter centre-forward Ronaldo, with ex-Milan man Ronaldinho sat next to him.
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho open World Cup show
That wasn’t on our bingo card
R9 and Ronaldinho drive Madonna through the tunnel for the Half-Time Show
pic.twitter.com/Yy9eFKfz9z
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 19, 2026
Ronaldinho made a sensational return to football last month when coming out of retirement at age 46 to sign for Serie C side Ravenna.
They then stood together before welcoming the other performers onto the field, who included Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira and The Muppets.
The presence of a half-time show in the Final is a new addition wanted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, inspired by the American tradition in the Superbowl, where the event sometimes overshadows the sport.
Spain and Argentina were 0-0 going into the break, which is the longest in World Cup history at 27 minutes.
