Noa Kirel Sparks Controversy With World Cup Song Criticized as Political Propaganda

Israeli singer Noa Kirel released a new song and music video to mark the World Cup, in which she plays a goalkeeper stopping penalty shots from a Spanish national team player. The video quickly sparked outrage on social media, particularly in Spain, where critics interpreted the clip as a political statement against Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Spanish newspaper Público, known for its critical stance on Israel, accused Kirel of using the choreography and dance moves as a metaphor for violence against Palestinian children and the Israeli occupation. They described the video as "propaganda of a failing state," suggesting it whitewashes brutality. Social media users echoed these sentiments, with some posting anti-Israel comments and mocking the song's timing during the World Cup.

Spanish-Moroccan sports journalist Leyla Ahmed also criticized Kirel on social media, disparaging her husband, Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, and calling on Adidas, the video’s sponsor, and the Spanish Football Federation to respond. Ahmed’s posts gained millions of views, intensifying the backlash.

The controversy highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and entertainment amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Kirel did not publicly respond to the criticism. The incident adds to the broader debate over the role of cultural figures in political conflicts during major international events like the World Cup.