Global music icon Bad Bunny has finally unveiled the profoundly emotional significance behind the number 64 prominently displayed on his outfit during the groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime show. The revelation provides a touching insight into the personal tribute woven into his record-breaking performance.
A Historic Halftime Show Performance
It is widely acknowledged that Bad Bunny made television history with his spectacular 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. The event marked the first time the prestigious show was delivered primarily in Spanish, shattering previous viewing records with an astonishing audience of over 135.4 million people tuning in worldwide. The performance was further elevated by special guest appearances from pop legend Lady Gaga and iconic singer Ricky Martin, creating an unforgettable musical spectacle.
The Mystery of the Number 64
Throughout the entire performance, Bad Bunny sported a distinctive cream-coloured football uniform, with the number 64 emblazoned across his chest. This detail immediately sparked intense speculation and debate among fans and media outlets alike, all eager to decipher its hidden meaning. The jersey also featured his surname, Ocasio, adding another layer of intrigue to the ensemble.
Several theories quickly emerged from the public. One prominent suggestion was that the number referenced the official death toll of 64 from Hurricane María in Puerto Rico in 2017, a tragedy where Bad Bunny had previously criticised the US government's response, noting the actual fatalities exceeded 2,000. Another educated guess pointed to the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, which granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans and was passed by the 64th United States Congress.
The True Personal Meaning Unveiled
However, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 31-year-old artist has clarified that the number holds a far more intimate and heartfelt significance. Bad Bunny explained that 1964 was the birth year of his beloved uncle, Cutito, his mother's brother.
"What little I know about the NFL is thanks to him," Bad Bunny stated, highlighting his uncle's foundational role in fostering his interest in American football.
A Bond Forged Through Football
Elaborating on their special relationship, the singer shared that his uncle emigrated to the United States for work at age seventeen and never returned to live in Puerto Rico. "He always visited us in late January or early February and stayed at our house. That was right in the middle of the NFL postseason, so I always watched the games with him," Bad Bunny recalled fondly.
He added a poignant connection to the event's location, noting, "He was a huge fan of the San Francisco 49ers, the team whose home stadium is where this Super Bowl 60 took place, the one where I performed." Tragically, his uncle passed away two years ago. "I always dreamed of taking my uncle to a Super Bowl and I couldn’t. He left unexpectedly, without warning," the artist expressed with evident emotion.
A Public Dedication to a Private Memory
This profound personal loss directly inspired his Super Bowl attire. "So during my Super Bowl halftime show, I decided to have him on my shirt: Ocasio, his last name, the same as my mother’s, and his birth year, 64," Bad Bunny revealed. He confirmed that he dedicated the entire performance to his late uncle before stepping onto the stage.
"I’m sure he saw it, he was present, and he felt proud of his nephew," he said, conveying his belief that the tribute transcended the physical performance. Bad Bunny concluded his explanation with a hopeful nod to his uncle's favourite team, saying, "Now all that’s left is the day the 49ers win another Super Bowl."
This heartfelt disclosure transforms the iconic jersey from a simple piece of performance costume into a powerful symbol of family, memory, and enduring love, adding a deeply human layer to one of the most watched entertainment events on the planet.
