Ex-Millwall star leaves co-host shocked with Las Vegas Shakira revelation

Tony Cascarino left talkSPORT co-host Shebahn Aherne stunned after revealing details of a meeting with pop star Shakira in a Las Vegas casino.

The former Millwall striker provided details of possibly the least anticipated link-up between a footballer and a music artist ever recorded.

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The Colombian star made headlines this week after it was revealed she will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS.

The performance will take place on Sunday, 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.

FIFA says the Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

Shakira’s song in collaboration with Burna Boy titled ‘Dai Dai’ has been named as the official song of this summer’s tournament and it was played on air during Saturday’s Weekend Sports Breakfast show.

And while Aherne was enjoying the sounds of the ‘Hips don’t Lie’ singer, there’s no doubt that she wasn’t expecting what was to follow.

An unlikely gathering

“So that’s about Shakira, Dai Dai, the official 2026 World Cup,” Aherne said on air.

To which Cascarino replied: “I’ve seen her live. I’ve seen her in a casino in Vegas with (ex-husband) Gerard Pique.”

“What?” the presenter replied.

Cascarino continued: “I was at the roulette table and they were talking. I went with Teddy Sheringham and Brian Lara. We went to Vegas. There were a few of us.

“So they’re big names. Sorry, I’ve dropped a few big names there.”

Aherne replied: “Yeah, hold on.”

Cascarino provided further details, adding: “Teddy Sheringham knew Pique from his Man United days. So he started chatting to him and Shakira was there.

“All the other people were looking at Shakira and thinking, Gerard Pique, I don’t really care.”

Aherne then said: “She’s stunning. I was going to say, in real life.”

Cascarino concluded: “Absolutely stunning. Yeah. I see you over there like, hi, Shakira. Yeah, Shakira. In a casino, yeah.”

Football’s biggest events have started to adopt musical entertainment as part of the show similarly to the way U.S sports historically have.

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In recent seasons, the Champions League final has played host to a pre-match performance with Dua Lipa and Linkin Park previously chosen.

At this year’s final in Budapest later this month, American band The Killers will perform a selection of their hit songs before Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal take to the pitch.

During the half-time show at last summer’s Club World Cup, Doja Cat, Colombian singer J Balvin and Nigerian artist Tems took to the stage at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Speaking about this summer’s musical choices, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay.

“As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

“It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.”