Shakira's incredible act of kindness to back-up dancer revealed… after they performed in World Cup halftime show together

Shakira's 2026 FIFA World Cup performance was a full circle moment for one back-up dancer. 

The Waka Waka hitmaker, 49, made sports history by co-headlining the first ever World Cup final halftime show on Sunday. 

And among the back-up dancers that supported her on stage was Shayna-Renee Wheatley, who was a contestant on Shakira's show Dancing With Myself back in 2022.

Although Wheatley fell short of the win in the finale, her dream was far from over. Shakira offered high praise, telling the dancer she had what it takes to be a backup-dancer for her or even Beyonce. 

After sharing the stage with Shakira on Sunday, Wheatley took to her Instagram to post a clip of the moment Shakira encouraged her after her loss, followed by a video of them dancing together at the halftime show.

'There are moments that remind you why you never stop believing,' she wrote in a lengthy caption. 

'In 2022, I was on @shakira new show “Dancing With Myself” and made it all the way to the finale. I didn’t take home first place, but I walked away with something I’ll never forget.'

'Shakira looked at me and said I could dance for her... or Beyonce one day,' she went on.

'Yesterday, four years later, I danced with Shakira on one of the biggest stages in the world for the FIFA Halftime Show. @fifaworldcup !! In the words of Shakira “Here in this space, you belong”!!!!'

'God has a way of writing stories that are bigger than the ones we could ever imagine for ourselves. This wasn’t just another job. It was a reminder that no dream, no word spoken over your life, and no season of waiting is ever wasted,' she added. 

Wheatley encouraged her followers, stating, 'In time it will reveal itself, you just have to continue to walk in the right direction and know you have favor on your life. To everyone who believed in me, encouraged me, hired me, and most importantly prayed for me, and helped make this moment possible thank you.'

'Today, I’m simply choosing gratitude. And maybe... this is only the beginning. Here's to dancing with Shakira again someday. And maybe next... Beyonce like Shakira said.'

She wrapped up her caption writing, 'To anyone chasing a dream that feels impossible: Keep showing up. Keep preparing. Keep believing. What’s meant for you will find you exactly when it’s supposed to…. as long as you PLANT THOSE SEEDS, do the work you need to do and do what makes sense.'

'I will make another post later thanking everyone who was involved but for now shout out to Shakira and thank You, God & thank you @charmladonna for seeing me & believing in me.'

Shakira performed her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy as her ex, Spanish former professional football player Gerard Pique, 39, watched on with their two sons Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11.

Spain eventually triumphed over Argentina 1-0 after a thrilling 30 minutes of extra time.

Shakira has performed at four of the last six World Cups. She sang Hips Don't Lie at the closing ceremony of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Waka Waka in 2010 in South Africa and La La La in Brazil in 2014.

Dai Dai is the official anthem of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Shakira partnered with Global Citizen and FIFA to provide access to education for children in underserved communities, with record royalties from Dai Dai being donated to the Education Fund, and Sony Music will match the first $250,000 raised with a donation.

Shakira also mingled with Beyonce at the sporting event. On Sunday, she shared a snap of the pair embracing each other on Instagram.