Lewis Hamilton's Surprise Role in Shakira's World Cup Anthem Revealed

Shakira has revealed that seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton played an unexpected role in helping her recruit Kylian Mbappe for the music video of her FIFA World Cup anthem Dai Dai.

The Colombian superstar shared the story ahead of France's World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, revealing that Mbappe was the first footballer to agree to appear in the video after Hamilton helped put the two in touch.

Lewis Hamilton introduced Shakira to Kylian Mbappe

Speaking before the match, Shakira explained how she reached out to Hamilton, knowing the Ferrari driver was friends with the France captain.

"No, the story is like that. I knew Lewis Hamilton is a friend to Mbappe, so I wrote to Lewis and I told him, 'Hey Lewis, connect me with Mbappe.'"

Hamilton agreed to help and facilitated the introduction.

"And he said, 'Okay, yes, perfect.' He chatted with him and me, and spoke to him, and then I made a call."

The collaboration eventually led to Mbappe becoming the first footballer to sign on for Shakira's latest World Cup project.

Kylian Mbappe was the first player to join 'Dai Dai'

Reflecting on the collaboration, Shakira thanked the Real Madrid forward for backing the project from the outset.

"Okay, so we're coming to the France-Morocco game. This is super exciting. Fun fact. 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."

The singer attended several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including France's quarter-final, and remained one of the tournament's highest-profile celebrity guests.

Her latest anthem follows the enduring success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which became synonymous with the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Shakira and Lewis Hamilton Relationship

Hamilton's involvement in the project comes after the pair sparked widespread dating rumours in 2023 following a string of public appearances together.

Speculation intensified after Shakira attended the Miami Grand Prix before joining Hamilton and friends on a boat outing. She was later spotted supporting the Briton at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, where they were also seen dining together after the race.

While the sightings fuelled rumours of a romance, both parties have consistently maintained they share a close friendship. Reports at the time described them as good friends, and sources close to Hamilton later clarified that there was no romantic relationship between the pair.

Their friendship has continued beyond Formula One, with Hamilton now playing an unexpected role in bringing together two of the biggest global stars in sport and music for one of the standout collaborations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.