Shakira's shoutout to Mbappe goes viral before quarter-final

The singer has shared the little-known story with fans hours before France faced Morocco

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - Jun 11, 2026 Shakira performs during the opening ceremony before the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Pop star Shakira has shared a "fun fact" about French forward Kylian Mbappe, revealing he was the first footballer to agree to appear in her World Cup anthem "Dai Dai”.

Ahead of France's quarter-final clash with Morocco on Friday, the Colombian singer said: "Did you know that the first player to accept participating in my Dai Dai video was Mbappe? Kylian, I'm forever grateful to you. Thank you so much."

Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy released the "Dai Dai" music video on May 23, featuring cameos from Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka and other stars gearing up for the tournament.

The song, written in five languages, is the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup and has topped Billboard's Global chart outside the US for two consecutive weeks.

France went on to beat Morocco to reach the semi-finals, with Mbappe among the scorers.

The Real Madrid forward had a penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the first half, keeping the match goalless, before making up for it with a goal in the 59th minute that drew him level with Messi as the tournament's joint-top scorer on eight goals.

Shakira was among those watching from the stands, spotted alongside her two sons.

The singer, whose 2010 hit "Waka Waka" remains one of football's most recognisable World Cup anthems, has attended several matches this tournament, including Argentina's clash with Austria at AT&T Stadium, where Messi's side also took the field.

Shakira is set to co-headline the World Cup final's halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS on Jul 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.