In a headline-grabbing twist that has set social media ablaze, global superstar Shakira has reportedly offered to perform the national anthem exclusively for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium — but her proposal came with one highly controversial condition. According to multiple insider reports, the Colombian singer proposed a season-long partnership with the club, including brand collaborations and charity events, on the condition that Manchester City make a public and permanent declaration of support for the LGBT community.
The news immediately sparked an online firestorm, with fans divided over Shakira’s bold move. Supporters praised her for standing firm on her values, calling the offer “a courageous step toward inclusivity in sports,” while critics accused her of “mixing entertainment and politics.” As the debate raged, what stunned everyone even more was the reaction from Manchester City star Phil Foden — whose powerful and emotional statement has since gone viral worldwide.
In an unexpected turn, Foden addressed the issue head-on during a post-training interview, saying, “Football should be a place where everyone feels safe — players, fans, everyone. If someone like Shakira wants to use her influence to bring more equality, I respect that deeply.” His words resonated across the football community, especially given the sensitivity surrounding public stances on social issues in professional sports.
But Foden didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “We wear colors, we fight for trophies, but at the end of the day, football is about unity. I think it’s time the sport stops being afraid of supporting what’s right.” Those lines were instantly shared millions of times online, with hashtags like #FodenForEquality and #ShakiraEtihadDeal trending globally within hours.
Behind the scenes, sources close to Manchester City’s management revealed that the club is carefully reviewing the proposal. While there is enthusiasm about partnering with a global icon like Shakira, officials are reportedly concerned about the potential backlash from more conservative fan groups and certain sponsors. The proposed deal is said to include not only her anthem performance but also her appearing in official City campaigns and a charity concert hosted at the Etihad to raise funds for LGBT youth initiatives.
For Shakira, the move is in line with her long history of activism and advocacy. The singer, who has often used her platform to champion education and human rights causes, reportedly told her management that she wanted her next major public performance to “mean something beyond music.” One insider quoted her as saying, “Football is power. It brings people together. I want to use that energy to stand for love, not hate.”
Fans of both Shakira and Manchester City are now waiting anxiously for the club’s official response. Some see this as a groundbreaking opportunity for football to embrace progress and equality on a global stage. Others warn that it could open a floodgate of controversy, especially in a sport where political neutrality has long been the standard.
Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear — Shakira’s bold proposal and Phil Foden’s fearless support have already changed the conversation in football. What started as a simple performance offer has evolved into a defining moment about courage, identity, and the future of inclusivity in the world’s most popular sport.
