Why Ricky Martin is performing halftime show at Ravens vs. Cowboys in Brazil

The NFL has long flexed its musical might. The league is continuing to pull out the stops in 2026, too.

One week after enlisting OneRepublic to shine on the stage during the Bills and Lions' Week 2 clash, the Shield got another notable get for the Ravens and Cowboys' tilt in Brazil.

Ricky Martin will lead proceedings during the halftime show, sharing the stage with famed Brazilian funk star Pedro Sampaio.

One of music's biggest stars, Martin represents a notable catch for the NFL. Here's why the league opted to go to him ahead of its second-ever trip to Brazil.

MORE: Shaq — yes, the NBA legend — is headlining an NFL halftime show

Why Ricky Martin is performing halftime show

The NFL sought a standout name to headline its second trip to Brazil. It found a leading presence in Martin, one of Latin America's most popular musical acts.

Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Martin isn't a native Portuguese speaker. Still, he curries favor among masses of listeners all over the world, including Brazil's largest city.

"Ricky has been a global sensation for many years," Martin said in a statement to the NFL. "It will be an unforgettable celebration with Brazilian fans at the Maracana."

MORE: How Jaxson Dart's MCL injury compares to Jordan Love, T.J. Watt, others

Who is Ricky Martin?

Martin is one of Latin America's signature acts. The 54-year-old emerged as a budding star in the early-1990s. By 1995, he was a formidable presence in the world music scene, topping the charts with "Maria", a song draped with a variety of Latin music influences.

Martin has released 10 solo albums in his career. He has amassed more than 70 million record sales across his career. His song-writing prowess is reflected in his glittering collection of accolades; Martin has accrued two Grammy Awards, six MTV Music Video Awards, two American Music Awards and three Latin American Music Awards, among other achievements.

As his musical stock rose, so too did Martin's opportunity to make waves in other art forms. He played Che Guevara in the Broadway revival of the musical, "Evita" and earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Antonio D'Amico in the FX program, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."

Martin is also something of an NFL veteran at this point, having taken to the stage during Bad Bunny's renowned Super Bowl halftime show.

MORE: Seahawks, Seahawks, Eagles, Bengals claw up in latest NFL power rankings

Where is Ricky Martin from?

Martin hails from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. He is one of numerous musical stars from the city, which has played an outsized role in the world's soundscape.

Martin grew up making music, getting his start by striking wooden spoons against one another. As a teenager, he appeared in television commercials. Those early outings helped forge his passion for entertainment. 30 years on, he is still benefitting from the push.

MORE: Which NFL stadiums have real grass?

Ricky Martin popular songs

Martin si most known for the 1999 chart-topping, "Livin' la Vida Loca." You likely have heard of it before.

Other notable Martin songs include "She Bangs", "Maria", and "The Cup of Life."