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The NFL has no plans to remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this week.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the decision to feature the Puerto Rican artist on the league’s biggest stage, a move that sparked criticism from Donald Trump and his political base.

Goodell commented on the controversy during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the initial instance he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has garnered worldwide attention, including a rise in online plays of Bad Bunny’s music alongside opposition.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell said. “I doubt we’ve ever selected an performer where we avoided some blowback or disapproval. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally countless viewers of people tuning in.”

The reggaeton star, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He recently opted to hold a month-long concert series in his homeland, skipping performances in the mainland US, citing concerns about the expulsion of Latinos.

The artist, who performs in Spanish, is expected to do so at the big game.

“We believe it’s going to be a spectacular performance,” Goodell said. “He is aware of the opportunity that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The host team are staging the Super Bowl on 8 February at the Santa Clara venue in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump intends to attend, although he has made appearing in person at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.

Trump in an interview on conservative news network Newsmax claimed he had “never heard of” the performer.

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” he said. “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then, they attribute it to an outside booker they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s completely unreasonable.”

Goodell supported the choice this week, explaining it was made because of Bad Bunny’s immense popularity.

“He ranks among the top and most popular performers in the world,” he said. “That’s what we try to achieve. It represents a crucial platform for the league. It’s an important component to the overall experience.”