Shakira reignites bizarre 'body double' conspiracy theory during World Cup half-time performance
Shakira's half-time performance at this year's FIFA World Cup final has set tongues wagging for a rather controversial reason.
The 49-year-old sang the tournament's official anthem 'Dai Dai' along with Burna Boy at the midway point between Argentina and Spain's nail-biting game, along with Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna and more.
Her appearance has long been considered one of the most anticipated of the night, with the 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' singer returning to the World Cup stage 16 years after performing the tournament's iconic 2010 hit.
The Colombian star's attendance also comes after she was recently at the centre of a bizarre online conspiracy theory, with some fans claiming a body double had been used during a performance after footage appeared to show differences in her appearance and movements.
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Shakira starred in the World Cup opening ceremony at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium back in June, where she sang the same track with a high-energy performance that quickly became one of the football tournament's biggest talking points.
Another suggestion surfaced that the singer on stage wasn't Shakira at all.
Social media 'sleuths' shared screenshots and video clips they claimed supported the strange idea that she'd used a body double, with some arguing the sunglasses she wore during the performance obscured too much of her face.
"That is not Shakira, it is a double," one user declared at the time.
Another joked: "I'm crying, how is it that they've put Shakira's stunt double at the inauguration????"
A third added: "Forgive me, but that isn't Shakira."
The rumours quickly spread across social media, but there has been no evidence to support the claims, with many pointing to camera angles, lighting, choreography, fashion choices and editing as the more likely explanations.
Sadly for the singer, however, the theory has reared its ugly head once again, with fans claiming Shakira made the firm decision not to wear any form of glasses for the occasion in a bid to prove she's the 'real her'.
"Shakira didn't wear glasses this time so she doesn't get body double allegations lmfao," one X user alleged.
Another noted: "Shakira not wearing glasses because last time they said she was fake."
"Shakira not wearing sunglasses to be like - yeah it’s me this time," a third teased.
Someone else commented: "The real Shakira has made it, and without sunglasses - haha."
Tyla contacted Shakira's representatives for comment.
World Cup final halftime show artists ranked by their net worth
FIFA has put on an absolutely packed halftime show, with Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS co-headlining.
But onto the most important question: whose bank account is the healthiest…?
Here they are, ranked from very rich to very, very, very rich.
Gustavo Dudamel - $10 million
One of the lesser-known faces in the halftime show, Dudamel is a conductor and violinist who is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the New York Philharmonic in September.
Long story short, he’s not the kind of guy you’d expect to perform alongside Shakira and Justin Bieber.
According to Sportskeeda, he’s worth $10 million.
Burna Boy - $22 million
The Afrobeats artist has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Dave and Shakira on hit songs, the latter being the 2026 World Cup anthem ‘Dai Dai’.
He’s worth a cool $22 million, according to Love Money.
BTS - $150 million to $350 million collectively
Recently back from a hiatus after completing compulsory military service, the K-pop group’s inclusion in the halftime show is sure to delight many.
Of the seven members, V is said to be the wealthiest, worth between $38 million and 40 million according to the Economic Times.
Collectively, they’re worth between $150 million and $350 million.
Justin Bieber - $200 million
Bieber made a generational comeback earlier this year at Coachella, marking his biggest live show in four years - and it certainly got everyone talking.
Is the World Cup ready for his laptop and YouTube Premium account?
He’s worth $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, which happens to be the sum he sold his music back catalogue for back in 2023.
Shakira - $350 million
Her hips don’t lie, and neither do her paycheques. Shakira is the most successful Colombian artist in history, shifting over 100 million records worldwide.
Alongside Burna Boy, she’s responsible for the 2026 World Cup song ‘Dai Dai’, and who could forget 2010’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ for the South Africa World Cup.
She’s said to be worth $350 million, according to Marca.
Madonna - $850 million
Madonna is one of the wealthiest female musicians in history, with her latest album Confessions II dropping this month and naturally debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
With hits including ‘Like a Prayer’, ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ and ‘Like a Virgin’, it’s no surprise she’s absolutely rolling in it - she’s worth $850 million, according to Forbes.
Rhianna Benson