Shakira at sporting events has gone from being an exciting surprise to an automatic tradition. World Cup, final, big ceremony… and there she is again, with lights, choreography, and a chorus that half the planet already knows.
Her fans defend her, and rightly so: she has presence, puts on huge shows, and turned songs like Waka Waka into global anthems. For organizations, calling her is a safe bet.
But that’s where the fatigue begins. On social media, many are already asking whether there aren’t other artists, other genres, or new voices for ceremonies that should feel fresh and different.
Because yes, Shakira is iconic. No one can take that away from her. But even icons need a break when they start to feel like the default option for every sporting event.