Israeli Singer Noa Kirel Responds to Spanish Backlash Over World Cup Song

Israeli pop star Noa Kirel has addressed the controversy sparked by her new music video released to mark the 2026 World Cup. The video, in which Kirel plays a goalkeeper like her husband Daniel Peretz, features scenes of her stopping penalty kicks from a Spanish national team player. This imagery provoked strong criticism in Spain, with some accusing the video of carrying political messages related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Kirel responded on social media with a brief message in Spanish saying, "Spain, calm down," aiming to defuse the tension. The Spanish newspaper Público, known for its critical stance on Israel, condemned the video as provocative and suggested it symbolized support for Israel's military actions in Gaza. They described the choreography as potentially representing violence against Palestinian children and the occupation of Palestinian territories, calling the video "propaganda for a failing state."

The backlash extended to social media, where many users criticized Kirel and expressed anti-Israel sentiments. Spanish-Moroccan sports journalist Leyla Ahmed also attacked Kirel, mocking her husband’s football career and calling on the Spanish Football Federation to respond to Adidas, the video’s sponsor. The incident highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and entertainment amid ongoing regional tensions.

Noa Kirel’s video was intended as a celebratory release for the upcoming World Cup but unexpectedly ignited a heated debate in Spain. The singer’s brief Spanish-language reply marks her first public comment on the matter. It remains to be seen if the controversy will affect her international image or future projects.